NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon is introducing a set top box that allows streaming of online video content.
The
company says the Amazon Fire TV device has better speed, performance
and search functions than other streaming services such as Apple TV and
Google Chromecast.
The device runs Google’s Android operating
system and will offer Netflix, Hulu and other streaming channels in
addition to Amazon Prime instant video. It has voice search via its
remote control to make searching easier.
The announcement comes as
the online retailer faces increasing pressure to boost its bottom line
after years of furious growth. As more Americans shop online, Amazon has
spent heavily to expand its business into new areas — from movie
streaming to e-readers and groceries — often at the expense of its
profit.
Meanwhile, Amazon.com Inc. has invested heavily on making
TV shows and movies available to customers who pay $99 a year for Amazon
Prime. Amazon recently boosted the annual fee to $99 from $79 annually.
Members benefit from two-day shipping of certain items and access to
videos including original series like "Betas" and "Alpha House."
Currently, the service relies on third-party devices like the Roku box to stream its programs to TVs.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon is introducing a set top box that allows streaming of online video content.
The
company says the Amazon Fire TV device has better speed, performance
and search functions than other streaming services such as Apple TV and
Google Chromecast.
The device runs Google’s Android operating
system and will offer Netflix, Hulu and other streaming channels in
addition to Amazon Prime instant video. It has voice search via its
remote control to make searching easier.
The announcement comes as
the online retailer faces increasing pressure to boost its bottom line
after years of furious growth. As more Americans shop online, Amazon has
spent heavily to expand its business into new areas — from movie
streaming to e-readers and groceries — often at the expense of its
profit.
Meanwhile, Amazon.com Inc. has invested heavily on making
TV shows and movies available to customers who pay $99 a year for Amazon
Prime. Amazon recently boosted the annual fee to $99 from $79 annually.
Members benefit from two-day shipping of certain items and access to
videos including original series like "Betas" and "Alpha House."
Currently, the service relies on third-party devices like the Roku box to stream its programs to TVs.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.