Amazon Launches 'Fire TV' Media Streaming Box with Voice Search, Game Support, and More

[TraceyS/FL]

What a simple solution.. I remember nearly doing this for my iPhoto library, but for some reason did not. I don't remember if there were sleep issues with the NAS (or specifically the hard drive I was using) to make me hesistate.
I am going to try this later today.

Since the storage is simply on the NAS, do you know if the Mac Mini will use up the same amount of resources streaming to the Apple TV? I'm assuming yes, since the NAS is just acting as storage, and iTunes on my Mac is still doing its own thing.

Luckily everything is hardwired on a gigabit router.

My iTunes library lives on a WD Network drive, it works well, but I do have to make sure the mini has the drive mounted by clicking on it first before launching iTunes.

in addition, Plex points to the same library to stream not thru iTunes.

Win+Win!!

 

[bearcatrp]

Amazon totally beat Apple to the punch on this one. This is exactly what I have been waiting for the Apple TV to become.

If I wasn't so thoroughly invested in the Apple ecosystem, I'd definitely choose this over the current-gen ATV. Apple really needs to step up, fast.

Only problem I see is I can not stream movies from my pc as I can with apple tv. IF they add this feature, I will DUMP my ATV's for this. BUT, to early to tell. Renting a movie from apple is slow as molasses. If amazon can do better, will definately dump ATV. Amazon beat apple to the punch. Will have to see if apple can step up to the plate and knock a home run or just add features to be the same. OK apple, YOUR UP!

 

[darkslide29]

Good post. I just wanted to say that you can use just about _any_ hardware as a dedicated iTunes server, like it was pointed out above, it’s not very resource intensive. There’s a ton of [used] equipment in the sub-$200 range that will serve up iTunes just fine.

I also use Subler for creating meta-data in media files - it’s free, uses an extensive database that covers movies and TV, and can even add cover art (from several different sources).

Thanks. Another poster pointed out that I can simply point iTunes to my existing media folders in my NAS and serve it up that way. Not sure why I hadn't tried this before.

Now I'll just need to do a little research to make sure I do it properly.

I'll be checking out Subler, that sounds very convenient.

 

[2crazy]

I can't wait for Apple's new TV. I am heavily invested in the Apple eco system and not being able to watch iTunes content is a no go for me personally. But at this point it seems that Amazon has the best streaming box out there for the time being.

 

[PatriotInvasion]

Really dude?

Someone who wants a better user interface than what Sony offers. Someone who is tied into the Amazon/Prime Instant ecosystem. Someone who doesn't have a smart device in which they get all of those apps. Someone who wants to add functionality to a bedroom without paying for an extra cable box / smart tv / etc. Someone who basically isn't you and may have different needs than you do. SHOCKER.

I agree that the Sony UI isn't great, but I can still easily hop into the Amazon Instant Video app and be watching something within seconds. At that point, the end result is the exact same thing - streaming video filling up the screen.

Just don't get why people who have paid for a smart TV in the past ~2 years would want to duplicate the access to that content with an external device. That's all. Great for older TV's, but I'm just trying to figure out this product category and am not seeing anything more than an accessory. Rather just have Apple, Roku, or Amazon just partner with device manufacturers and build the UI into the TV without the need for another device.

 

[samcraig]

only problem i see is i can not stream movies from my pc as i can with apple tv. If they add this feature, i will dump my atv's for this. But, to early to tell. Renting a movie from apple is slow as molasses. If amazon can do better, will definately dump atv. Amazon beat apple to the punch. Will have to see if apple can step up to the plate and knock a home run or just add features to be the same. Ok apple, your up!

plex

 

[brianvictor7]

Personally, competition is good-to-great. Why hasn't iOS games made it to Apple TV?

I hope this thing is HOT and sells really well. Maybe it will wake the distracted giant?

Heartily agree that it is good for Apple to have competition (keeps them from getting too complacent). I do wonder how much a game-capable Apple TV would cost? How capable would it be? Surely it could be made quite capable if they stick in an A7 chip, beef up the RAM, and link it to your iPad or iPhone for controlling. I can't imagine that this hasn't occurred to them yet. Indeed, I've mirrored my iPhone a few times through my Apple TV but always found the experience laggy and prone to bugs. Wonder what up'ing the capabilities of the Apple TV would cost?

 

[gri]

Lawsuit press coverage links:

http://www.ibtimes.com/amazon-cheat...-retailer-inflating-costs-cover-free-shipping

http://www.geekwire.com/2014/lawsui...e-third-party-prices-inflated-cover-shipping/

 

[lilo777]

I can't wait for Apple's new TV. I am heavily invested in the Apple eco system and not being able to watch iTunes content is a no go for me personally. But at this point it seems that Amazon has the best streaming box out there for the time being.

You can use both Apple TV and this new device. There is a very good chance that Amazon will have lower prices (for your new purchases) and more content. Alternatively you can allow Apple to keep milking you because they made everything possible to ensure that you invested in their ecosystem.

 

[brianvictor7]

Waiting for someone now to quote Isaacson's book where Jobs was concerned with every aspect of design - even if it wasn't seen

I do happen to think that when it comes to corners verses curves in design, dare I say, the curves are sexier. Wait. Did I just quote the Jobs movie?

 

[samcraig]

Lawsuit press coverage links:

http://www.ibtimes.com/amazon-cheat...-retailer-inflating-costs-cover-free-shipping

http://www.geekwire.com/2014/lawsui...e-third-party-prices-inflated-cover-shipping/

Ok. It will be interesting what the outcome is. On the flip side - the lawsuit indicated 3rd party resellers - so Amazon itself doesn't increase prices of its products so it can include free shipping... And that's pretty significant.

 

[bearcatrp]

plex

Will have to check on plex again to see how it works. I thought it goes through there servers back to your tv but not sure.

 

[GyroFX]

Will have to check on plex again to see how it works. I thought it goes through there servers back to your tv but not sure.

No, the files are stored on your own computer. You then use the server on your computer and stream it to your TV through the app you downloand on your roku/amazon box. It's pretty awesome. I've been using it for a while and when you organize everything correctly on your server side, it looks like your own personalize netflix

 

[BJMRamage]

It's a shame that Apple doesn't partner or have the ability to utilize ultraviolet.

It makes sense for Apple to NOT partner. Apple wants to be the source of digital media. So, if they had Amazon Prime or UV partnering then you might just buy the content from them instead. and if they partner with UV, why would the movie studios add iTunes Digital Copies and just have UV instead. This lessons the POWER for Apple.

I REALLY like how Disney basically offered to upgrade SD to HD and allows you to use your iTunes within their App. I would LOVE to have other studios do similar. Basically allowing the UV copies to be Linked to iTunes copies, but I think that would make Apple ask for more $ and the studios don't want that.


ALL THAT SAID, it would be totally AWESOME for Apple to do that and then even though they might not be the SELLER of all digital content. They can be the Home to all digital content. Rather than have multiple boxes and access points the AppleTV would be the Sole access point. I also think they should team with Cable-providers to have apps where you sign in and access all "channels" through the AppleTV.

 

[samcraig]

No, the files are stored on your own computer. You then use the server on your computer and stream it to your TV through the app you downloand on your roku/amazon box. It's pretty awesome. I've been using it for a while and when you organize everything correctly on your server side, it looks like your own personalize netflix

I love Plex simply because it's completely platform agnostic. The new cover art, synopsis, etc display is also really great.

Plus the fact that it's not just for video, but also pictures and has channels (similar to Roku but not as diverse)

 

[Moonlight]

Don't confuse it with Fyre TV

FYI, Link NSFW

http://www.fyretv.com

 

[oldhifi]

Not much difference from my Roku 3. Apple needs to get on the stick..there falling behind..

 

[bbeagle]

No, the files are stored on your own computer. You then use the server on your computer and stream it to your TV through the app you downloand on your roku/amazon box. It's pretty awesome. I've been using it for a while and when you organize everything correctly on your server side, it looks like your own personalize netflix

Yep, pretty amazing. Your own personal netflix. I like it!

I use the Apple TV version of the same thing (it's just built-in to Apple TV, and you download Plex for roku). Both are fine, and are killer apps. If Amazon doesn't have this option, that's a BIG minus.

 

[whooleytoo]

I think it would be nice for them all to play together, but I don't really see that happening anytime soon.

AppleTV
Roku
Google
Amazon

One device, I know I don't want any more devices.

Yeah, if only that would happen. All the content available online, and you just pick the best device to buy/rent it depending on the device's features, UI, design and price.

Instead we have all the players trying to create their own walled gardens with their own exclusive content. Great for them, having exclusivity as their unique selling point. Bad for us the users, who have to buy several devices / use several services / search several interfaces to find the content we want.

The real winner I'd guess is Netflix. It's the one service available pretty much everywhere, so it's the easiest option. (* Unless/until Netflix ever comes out with its own box! Fingers crossed that never happens!)

 

[WilliamLondon]

C’mon with the games, Apple... Amazon’s gonna beat you to the punch...

They're working on it already, I think that's one of the reasons why the MFi programme now supports a controller for iOS games. They get a bunch of developers to support the controllers, then they release an ATV that supports an App Store, and on day the App Store already has several games that are ready for a non-touch system. Anyway, I hope that's what's happening here, because I'd love to see games on the ATV.

 

[Apple Corps]

Is this important to a set-top box- how ergonomically friendly is looks? My TV 3 is almost invisible on a shelf of my A/V stack. No one could readily tell if it's ergonomically friendly or not (probably can't even see it except for the little white light).

Sure, we love our stuff to be "pretty" but what's probably much more important to most is how well does it work.....

I believe you responded to a post that was being sarcastic about the "sharp corners" as an issue.

 

[blco02]

I just want that game with the dinosaur wearing the jet pack.

 

[ABCDEF-Hex]

Great point -

Yeah, if only that would happen. All the content available online, and you just pick the best device to buy/rent it depending on the device's features, UI, design and price.

Instead we have all the players trying to create their own walled gardens with their own exclusive content. Great for them, having exclusivity as their unique selling point. Bad for us the users, who have to buy several devices / use several services / search several interfaces to find the content we want.

The real winner I'd guess is Netflix. It's the one service available pretty much everywhere, so it's the easiest option. (* Unless/until Netflix ever comes out with its own box! Fingers crossed that never happens!)

Picture your parents sitting there watching their first TV with all of the channels being free to view - we've come a long way - or have we?

 

[jrswizzle]

How does the controller connect to the FireTV? By BT I'd assume....

In which case, what's stopping it from being used with an iPad or iPhone? Perfect form factor, $40 - seems like it would automatically be the best choice out there.

 

[whooleytoo]

Picture your parents sitting there watching their first TV with all of the channels being free to view - we've come a long way - or have we?

Hah!

What I find funny too is how we're going from old SD TVs to 720p, 1080p and now 4K... and what are people watching on them? Heavily compressed online streams, Youtube clips and low resolution mobile-captured videos.

Digital media is going in a very strange direction.