This isn’t the first time we’ve been told that Amazon is
preparing to launch an Android based set-top TV box, we’ve been hearing about
the thing for nearly
a whole year. The last time this rumor popped up, the company
was expected
to ship such a device in time for the holiday season.The all-knowing industry sources have now
suggested that Amazon is targeting a March release for its TV device, which may
offer some much needed competition to devices like Apple TV and Roku’s range of
products.Again, the sources collaborate the story that Amazon’s box will be
running on Android, although a specific version hasn’t been confirmed, but it’s
highly likely that Amazon would keep its own forked version of Android that it
uses with its Kindle products. Not to mention that keeping a similar operating
system would help keep existing third-party developers on-board.A set top box has long seemed like a sensible move for
Amazon, given the vast catalogue of video content that the company offers.
Interestingly, Amazon has just rebranded and combined its Lovefilm Instant
service into Amazon Prime Instant Video. This is pure speculation, but perhaps
Amazon is reshuffling its services in preparation for a new product launch. The
timings just seems right, given that a March release is right around the corner.
There’s also the rumoured that Amazon is set to launch its own Android powered gaming
console to throw into the mix. Perhaps Amazon is preparing an
all-in one set-top box, offering up a full range of media services, including
gaming?
There’s still no official word from Amazon on
the matter, so who knows if we’ll ever actually get to see Amazon’s set-top
box.
