Shane Cole
Online retailing giant Amazon is putting the finishing touches on a set-top box that may be on the company's virtual shelves in time for Christmas, according to a new report.
The device, reportedly codenamed "Cinnamon," may be similar in design and functionality to a Roku box, with the ability to run third-party content applications, says the Wall Street Journal. Amazon has been rumored to have the set-top box in development since at least April of this year.
In addition to streaming movies, television shows, and music from Amazon's own services, the Seattle-based company is said to be in negotiations with cable companies and other content providers to provide apps for the set-top box, with the company laying down a mid-October deadline for submissions. Pricing for the rumored device is still unknown.
Amazon may also offer games that run natively on the device, a feature which some have conjectured could make it to the Apple TV and spark a new living room gaming battle. iOS games can currently take advantage of the Apple TV via Apple's Airplay technology, allowing developers to display the main game content on a user's television while using the iOS device as a controller and "second screen" display.
The device, if released, will be entering a crowded field. In addition to market leaders Apple and Roku, Google recently got into the game with their Chromecast device. The $35 HDMI dongle streams YouTube, Google Play Music, and Netflix from both iOS and Android devices, in addition to web video through the Mountain View company's Chrome browser.
Apple is rumored to have a hardware refresh for its "beloved hobby" in the works, which last saw new silicon in March 2012. Cupertino reportedly received three mysterious shipments of "set top boxes" last month, which led to ultimately incorrect rumors that the company would unveil the fourth generation Apple TV at their Sept. 10 iPhone 5s and 5c introduction.
Apple did take the covers off of a software update for Apple TV at the September iPhone launch, releasing Apple TV version 6.0. The update brought iTunes Radio and support for AirPlaying content from iCloud — like music from iTunes Match — to another person's Apple TV.
Charles Martin
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30 Comments
How not-inovative of them.
This won't stand a chance against Apple TV in the gaming department- not even close. The games nor the hardware will be close to the specs of the ATV (particularly once it gets refreshed). I normally like Amazon's decisions, but this isn't wise. Now if this can go after Roku or Chromecast- fine. But why would Netflix and others want to team up with Amazon/Amazon Instant Video? Apple and Roku are the only real players here.
Steve's hobby sure is catching on.
This will be great if I can shop directly on my TV for all my needs- something neither an ATV nor a Roku provides.
anyone try iRadio yet? Not sure why Apple invested in a dying medium...