Re/code’s Peter Kafka is reporting that Amazon aims to launch an answer to Apple TV and Roku next month, citing unnamed sources.
Amazon’s TV set-top box has been rumored since last spring, but a holiday launch didn’t pan out as Amazon reportedly pushed back its launch plans. The folks at Re/code tend to be pretty reliable, so it’s likely that the launch is for real this time.
Kafka doesn’t know whether video games will be a part of this Amazon TV box. Previous rumors claimed that Amazon is building its own game console with a dedicated controller, and last month Amazon made the unusual move of acquiring a game studio. Amazon may want to include a gaming component to compete with Apple, which itself is rumored to include gaming in a future Apple TV box.
In lieu of gaming capabilities, Amazon’s box would likely be a cheap and simple way to consume Amazon music and videos, along with other multimedia apps. It’d be something to consider if you’re already invested in Amazon’s ecosystem through the company’s Kindle Fire tablets.