Amazon's Apple TV Competitor Expected to Debut at April 2 Media Event

Following rumors of a March launch, it looks like April 2 will be the day Amazon introduces its Apple TV competitor, as Re/code notes that the company has sent out invitations to a "video business" media event for that date. The invitations feature a photo of a couch and popcorn, strongly suggesting that the event will indeed involve the rumored streaming video device, and Re/code's sources indicate that this will indeed be the topic for the event.

amazon_stream_box

The e-commerce giant has invited reporters to gather for an “update for our video business” in New York next Wednesday, April 2.

The popcorn and couch in the image give you a pretty good idea of what to expect, as does our previous reporting, which explained that Amazon has been preparing a Web-to-TV gadget for many months.

A recent report from TechCrunch indicated that Amazon's device is expected to be a dongle similar to Google's Chromecast, which plugs directly into an HDMI port on the back of the user's television and then connects to either a USB port or outlet for power.

Amazon's launch comes as Apple users continue to await the introduction of a revamped Apple TV. Rumblings had suggested Apple was considering a launch late last year, but nothing materialized. Newer rumors have suggested that Apple might make a March or April announcement ahead of a launch later in the year, but there have been no specific signs of an imminent event from Apple.

Top Rated Comments

profets Avatar
132 months ago
The more options for people to move away from cable/satellite the better.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleWarMachine Avatar
132 months ago
hurry Apple...:apple:
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Skoua Avatar
132 months ago
The couch is quite ugly.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
johnnyturbouk Avatar
132 months ago
Thank you amazon, quite happy with my apple TV. Despite being an amazon 'prime member' I detested love-film, and am quite happy and content with my current iTunes/icloud set-up.

I suspect those not in a matrimonial union with iTunes-family may be swayed; personally, i do not see this as a viable alternative for my needs and usage.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MartinAppleGuy Avatar
132 months ago
Ugly image lol Looks like something a school pupil would make.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
unplugme71 Avatar
132 months ago
Never cared much for the Amazon Prime Movies. Nor do I want to buy any that weren't free. I only enjoyed watching past TV episodes but I won't be renewing this year since I don't buy that much from Amazon anymore.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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