Move over, OUYA and Apple TV. Amazon just entered the set-top box market today.
During a press announcement today, the company confirmed its long-rumored set-top box streaming device, the Amazon Fire TV. Featuring 2GB RAM and a quad-core processor that promises to make it easy to stream programs from Netflix, Hulu and, of course, Amazon Instant Video, the package also comes with a special Bluetooth controller with a built-in microphone, so you can voice search for programming with ease.
In addition, the device will also be home to several games, the first of which will be a third-person shooter called Sev Zero. Amazon didn’t showcase it at the event, but are likely to reveal details soon. The studio confirmed that releases from Electronic Arts, 2K, Ubisoft, Disney and Sega are also on the way to the device, as well as a special version of Mojang’s Minecraft. (With Double Helix Games recently acquired by them, we should expect to see a game from that studio as well shortly.)
Those of you more serious about your gaming can also pick up a Fire Game Controller for an additional $40, though gamers can still be played with the included Bluetooth controller.
Finally, here’s the real surprise: the Amazon Fire TV is available NOW. Those who purchase it today can take advantage of a free 30-day trial of both Netflix and Amazon Instant. So you have something to watch and all. It can be purchased here.
Nice move, Amazon. Now let’s see those games.
Image source: CNET
