Amazon’s $99 Fire TV streaming player was released earlier this week as competition to Apple TV and Roku media boxes. One of its highlights, the low profile 4.5” x 4.5” box incorporates Voice Search technology so users have an alternative to letter-by-letter remote control search. The media player also incorporates Amazon exclusive features like ASAP that predicts what movies and TV shows you’ll want to want and pre-buffers them, and Amazon FreeTime for limiting screen time for kids.
The Fire TV features a quad-core processor (what Amazon says is 3-times the processing power as Apple TV and Roku), 2GB memory (4-times Apple TV and Roku), and the Adreno 320 graphics engine. For video, the Fire TV supports 1080p resolution and up to 7.1 channel Dolby Digital Plus surround sound.
The streaming box gives you access to services such Amazon Prime Instant Video, Crackle, Hulu Plus, WatchESPN, and Vimeo, as well as plenty of media channels and access to video rentals and purchases.
The Fire TV is also compatible with the new wireless Amazon Fire Game Controller, so you can play games such as Minecraft-Pocket Edition, Asphalt 8, and Sev Zero – a new exclusive game from Amazon Game Studios. The average price of a game is currently $1.85 (many are free), and Amazon has opened the platform to developers.
The Amazon Game Controller is scheduled to ship April 24th for $39.99.
The $99 Apple Fire TV is available now and comes with the streaming media box, a remote control, power cord, 2 x AAA batteries, and quick start guide.
