Amazon’s Apple TV Competitor To Launch Next Month [Rumor]

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Amazon’s much-anticipated Apple TV competitor will finally launch next month, according to a new report from The Wall Street Journal. The device will offer incentives to members of the Amazon Prime subscription service, sources claim, and it will be powered by a custom version of Android.

We’ve already seen the new game controller that is expected to accompany Amazon’s new device, suggesting there will be a heavy focus on gaming as well as entertainment apps. Amazon’s offering will also support “a variety” of the popular apps already available on devices like the Roku and the Apple TV.

In addition, those with an Amazon Prime subscription will almost certainly be able to enjoy free video streaming. Prime Video is already available on iOS and Amazon’s own Kindle Fire tablets, and those with a Prime subscription can enjoy it at no extra cost.

Earlier reports have suggested Amazon’s set-top box won’t actually be a set-top box, but more of a dongle that plugs into the back of your TV — just like Google’s $35 Chromecast. Amazon has already distributed a pre-release version of the device to select app developers, The Journal reports, and there are indications it will carry the Fire name.

Sources expect Amazon’s new device to go on sale during the first week of April, but pricing remains unclear at this point. They also noted that Amazon’s plans may alter due to financial, performance, or other concerns.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

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