Amazon's Fire TV Looks A Lot Like the Rumored Apple TV Update

[melendezest]

crap... I'm too deeply integrated into Apple's ecosystem, I can't just buy Fire TV out of the blue.......

You got me there, Apple.... you got me...
I'm waiting for your Apple TV update.

Love,
iSheep

LOL. Brilliant. I too used to be deeply entrenched.

And then Apple released iOS 7 and the new Mac Pro.

And then Apple wouldn't let me go back to iOS 6, and killed their real computers (replaced with appliances).

And then Apple didn't release a larger screen iPhone, so I caved and went S4 (and reeeally liked it).

And now I'm looking for alternatives to Apple stuff (mostly unsuccessfully, I admit).

But now everything is fair game. Thanks Apple!

 

[noisycats]

Apple loses the race yet agin.
Pathetic.
So much for their 'eco-system' advantage.

lol

Exactly what race has been lost?

 

[2crazy]

lol

Exactly what race has been lost?

A race suggest a finishing line. In technology everything is a moving target. After Apple released their new ATV with some features that the Fire TV doesn't have, will people be saying that Amazon lost the race? If there is any looser I think it's Microsoft, because they are not participating at all with their expensive Xbox One.

 

[ThisIsNotMe]

lol

Exactly what race has been lost?

What has Apple done to push the space?
Nothing.

Forget steaming cable, what incremental updates have Apple made to the AppleTV.

App Store? Nope.
Game Controller? Nope.
Modern UI? Try Again.
AirPlay Direct? LOL.

Don't get me wrong, I love my AppleTV for AirPlay but Apple is missing the ball big time with EASY/INCREMENTAL updates.

 

[ezdz]

Like most things Amazon, useless outside the USA

 

[MacMikePro]

Headline of the year.

Black squares look alike!

They're referring to the features dork

 

[noisycats]

What has Apple done to push the space?
Nothing.

Forget steaming cable, what incremental updates have Apple made to the AppleTV.

App Store? Nope.
Game Controller? Nope.
Modern UI? Try Again.
AirPlay Direct? LOL.

Don't get me wrong, I love my AppleTV for AirPlay but Apple is missing the ball big time with EASY/INCREMENTAL updates.

So then you admit your "lost" comment has hyperbole? Nothing has yet been lost because nothing has yet been "won" … by anyone. Amazon is just the latest in the race. And with their price and feature set, I believe they will be marginalized soon enough.

Do I wish able would do more with their aTV?
Sure.

But pathetic?
Just a bit overly dramatic.

 

[Jon the Heretic]

What I need

Have a 3 year old Roku, which Roku has already obsoleted. Lots of crapapplets but a good lineup for core apps except that anything good and new won't run on it: Showtime Anytime and even the new PBC apps don't work on it. Meh. I don't plan on buying new toys every other year. This isn't a hardware subscription.

My vastly older PS3 almost has it all: Crackle, HBO GO, Plex, PlayOn, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Vudu, Hulu Plus---got the same apps on the Roku but the PS3 they run like silk---better even than the Roku 3 (which I returned because it added so little over the PS3). But it still lacks Showtime Anytime and MKV support.

My Tivo Premiere gets the most use because it records over the air and cable and does Hulu Plus and Netflix, but lacks so much. The family prefers the Tivo by far even though the apps are clunky. I'd use Amazon Prime so much more if it came to Tivo---and Sho and HBO are just so obviously needed.

I want one box that -- literally -- does it all. PS3 is the closest for me, but lacks expandability. Every box comes up short, including this new Amazon one. No HBO GO??? Really??

 

[samcraig]

A race suggest a finishing line. In technology everything is a moving target. After Apple released their new ATV with some features that the Fire TV doesn't have, will people be saying that Amazon lost the race? If there is any looser I think it's Microsoft, because they are not participating at all with their expensive Xbox One.

Can you lose a race you aren't participating in?

 

[jasvncnt]

And that's why the Galaxy Gear is so successful

They weren't the first

 

[dannyyankou]

They weren't the first

They were the first big company. I know Pebble was really first, but that was a kickstarter and many people didn't know about them.

 

[samcraig]

They were the first big company. I know Pebble was really first, but that was a kickstarter and many people didn't know about them.

I don't think you can even say Pebble was first. Perhaps most recently notable?

 

[diggy33]

Got my Fire TV in today and connected it up at work. UI is fluid, remote worked flawlessly, and only had one instance of it not understanding me (think it picked up audio from someone who was talking in the room). If/once they get HBO Go on it, it will be perfect for my needs - one stop shop for the content that I watch

 

[Cyborg21]

You think that Amazon just started this project based on rumors? Really? Yeah. OK.

Hmm... Why Amazon rushed to create a TV Box when Apple said ''Apple TV is not a rumors anymore'', why Google released Android Wear when almost all Apple based sites said Apple is likely to release an iWatch? Why Samsung released 13'' Note Pro while people were discussing about iPad Pro 13'' rumors? Why Amazon / Google / Samsung did not release those ''things'' before, why they rushed crazily to release 13-inch tablet / a new TV Box / Smart watch when people were talking about Apple rumors? Even rumors of Apple products are enough to scare competitors

 

[samcraig]

Hmm... Why Amazon rushed to create a TV Box when Apple said ''Apple TV is not a rumors anymore'', why Google released Android Wear when almost all Apple based sites said Apple is likely to release an iWatch? Why Samsung released 13'' Note Pro while people were discussing about iPad Pro 13'' rumors? Why Amazon / Google / Samsung did not release those ''things'' before, why they rushed crazily to release 13-inch tablet / a new TV Box / Smart watch when people were talking about Apple rumors? Even rumors of Apple products are enough to scare competitors

On what basis are you suggesting this box was rushed?

As for the other comments - it's not even worth responding to.

----------

Got my Fire TV in today and connected it up at work. UI is fluid, remote worked flawlessly, and only had one instance of it not understanding me (think it picked up audio from someone who was talking in the room). If/once they get HBO Go on it, it will be perfect for my needs - one stop shop for the content that I watch

It was really nice knowing you. Now that you've bought this device that Amazon has made - you're clearly not welcome to post here anymore

 

[iMacFarlane]

The hardware superiority of the Amazon version can be a software update? Oh, OK.

Didn't you hear? They're writing patches that quadruple CPU cores and RAM now.

And apps for optimal scheduling of pegasus and unicorn feedings, since they can become rather complex to deconflict.

 

[LordVic]

Hmm... Why Amazon rushed to create a TV Box when Apple said ''Apple TV is not a rumors anymore'', why Google released Android Wear when almost all Apple based sites said Apple is likely to release an iWatch? Why Samsung released 13'' Note Pro while people were discussing about iPad Pro 13'' rumors? Why Amazon / Google / Samsung did not release those ''things'' before, why they rushed crazily to release 13-inch tablet / a new TV Box / Smart watch when people were talking about Apple rumors? Even rumors of Apple products are enough to scare competitors

delusional... but keep those RDF glasses on.

the Smartwatch craze started way before the iWatch rumours. The Likes of FitBit, Sony, Nike, plus a few others all had products out in the "smart watch" category, some of them for years now.

Just because they're not wildly popular, or you haven't seen them, doesn't mean they didnt exist and everyone is just copying apples "rumour"

Google has had android and google powered TV boxes by other manufacturers for a few years.

Roku has existed since 2008 (possibly earlier, since that was just the launch of their product)

If you wanted to be entirely logical. you COULD say, that since all these products you've listed are available today, and are sold today, then maybe it's more likely that these products were in the pipeline and the Analysts rumours that Apple will create these devices are a knee jerk reaction by the Analysts wondering why Apple hasn't entered the space themselves yet, if any.

 

[Cyborg21]

LOL. Brilliant. I too used to be deeply entrenched.

And then Apple released iOS 7 and the new Mac Pro.

And then Apple wouldn't let me go back to iOS 6, and killed their real computers (replaced with appliances).

And then Apple didn't release a larger screen iPhone, so I caved and went S4 (and reeeally liked it).

And now I'm looking for alternatives to Apple stuff (mostly unsuccessfully, I admit).

But now everything is fair game. Thanks Apple!

There is something rotten here.
1) Most people really liked Mac Pro. It's very quite, quite cheap for it's competitors, it's very beautiful, it works with only 1 fan etc. Also you probably aren't doing anything professional of had previous gen. Mac Pro. So you don't like Apple anymore because they released an innovative professional computer? OK:

2) It's weird that, when iOS 6 came out, people said ''Oh, it's so stale and old'', ''Nothing changed'' etc. when iOS 7 came out ''We do not want anything new, iOS 6 was much better''. iOS 7 does not really changed way you use your iPhone or iPad so there is something wrong here too.

3) Again, most people (including myself, a GS4 user) didn't liked GS4 because a) It had so many useless features like Airgestures and smart scroll. b) Samsung installed tons of bloatware (8 GB of Bloatware) and you need to root your super-open phone to get rid of them. c) GS4 and Touchwiz are ugly and Samsung didn't even care about making them look better. I really wonder what Android people will do when Apple releases an iPhone with 4.7 inch display. Currently I am waiting for iPhone 6 to get rid of my GS4, even Fandroids and Samsung Fans admit GS4 was one of the worst flagship smartphones. And you ''reeeeealy liked it?

There is something rotten on your comment, I hope you are not one of the Android trolls.

 

[samcraig]

There is something rotten here.
1) Most people really liked Mac Pro. It's very quite, quite cheap for it's competitors, it's very beautiful, it works with only 1 fan etc. Also you probably aren't doing anything professional of had previous gen. Mac Pro. So you don't like Apple anymore because they released an innovative professional computer? OK:

2) It's weird that, when iOS 6 came out, people said ''Oh, it's so stale and old'', ''Nothing changed'' etc. when iOS 7 came out ''We do not want anything new, iOS 6 was much better''. iOS 7 does not really changed way you use your iPhone or iPad so there is something wrong here too.

3) Again, most people (including myself, a GS4 user) didn't liked GS4 because a) It had so many useless features like Airgestures and smart scroll. b) Samsung installed tons of bloatware (8 GB of Bloatware) and you need to root your super-open phone to get rid of them. c) GS4 and Touchwiz are ugly and Samsung didn't even care about making them look better. I really wonder what Android people will do when Apple releases an iPhone with 4.7 inch display. Currently I am waiting for iPhone 6 to get rid of my GS4, even Fandroids and Samsung Fans admit GS4 was one of the worst flagship smartphones. And you ''reeeeealy liked it?

There is something rotten on your comment, I hope you are not one of the Android trolls.

You make a lot of assumptions - perhaps you should ask questions instead of assuming to know other people's use cases?

 

[wirelessness]

Main things I want in a streaming device:

• iTunes Streaming (local libraries, podcast app, iTunes U app, music, etc.)
• HBO Go
• Showtime Anytime
• Plex
• YouTube (with a solid interface)
• Watch ESPN

No single device currently does all of these things. Hopefully Apple brings in those missing features soon.

Are you not at all familiar with all of the current Android media streaming boxes out there like the Minix Neo? They can absolutely play local libraries as well as run Plex, XBMC or any other content provider that has an Android App.

Not saying this is a better option but they are pretty cheap. I'm still waiting to see what Apple releases. Surely it won't run Plex or even stream local files that aren't already in iTunes though.

 

[Cyborg21]

delusional... but keep those RDF glasses on.

the Smartwatch craze started way before the iWatch rumours. The Likes of FitBit, Sony, Nike, plus a few others all had products out in the "smart watch" category, some of them for years now.

Just because they're not wildly popular, or you haven't seen them, doesn't mean they didnt exist and everyone is just copying apples "rumour"

Google has had android and google powered TV boxes by other manufacturers for a few years.

Roku has existed since 2008 (possibly earlier, since that was just the launch of their product)

If you wanted to be entirely logical. you COULD say, that since all these products you've listed are available today, and are sold today, then maybe it's more likely that these products were in the pipeline and the Analysts rumours that Apple will create these devices are a knee jerk reaction by the Analysts wondering why Apple hasn't entered the space themselves yet, if any.

---------
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/03/03/tim-cook-apple-tv-is-no-longer-just-a-hobby.aspx
March 3: Tim Cook says ''Apple TV is not a hobby anymore''

April 2: Amazon Releases Fire TV
----------

January 15: https://www.macrumors.com/2014/01/15/iphone-6-ipad-pro-iwatch-displays/
Apple iPad Pro with 12'' Retina display rumor

March 9: Samsung releases Note Pro 12''
----------
Also
Feb 2 a Rumor about iWatch:Feb 2
Apple Testing Induction, Solar, and Motion Charging for Curved-Glass iWatch

9 of March Android Wear SDK: https://www.macrumors.com/2014/03/09/android-sdk-wearables-two-weeks/
----------
Also: First gen Apple TV: 9 January 2007
First Gen Google TV: 2010
---------

All these companies are now focusing on smart watches, 12'' Tablets and TV Boxes because Apple is focusing on them.

 

[HenryDJP]

And then Apple didn't release a larger screen iPhone, so I caved and went S4 (and reeeally liked it).

And I'll bet that S4 of yours is perfect in every way and unlike Apple I'll bet you couldn't find a thing about it that could stand improvement huh?

 

[Zemzil]

Headline of the year.

Black squares look alike!

You cannot re-invent the weel, but hey... On a first look the only real major conception difference I see between them is the external power supply on the FireTV. But color/material and finitions/treatment employed on it, logo engraving technic, "power on" led light temperature and even rear wiring order look likes an ATV clone, with just a Wal-Martzon logo on it. I cannot imagine that is not volunteer

 

[bozzykid]

Now that is the biggest load of bull I have heard today. My plex media server runs on my mac mini. All of my media is on my synology nas.

Of course people use it. But tell me how many average consumers know what a NAS even is? Very few. I think in the tech world, Plex is well known for how awesome it is. But the majority of iOS users are buying the aTV to Airplay or to watch purchased content from iTunes. Plex is not known to most people outside of people who rip (or illegally download) their own content.

 

[samcraig]

---------
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/03/03/tim-cook-apple-tv-is-no-longer-just-a-hobby.aspx
March 3: Tim Cook says ''Apple TV is not a hobby anymore''

April 2: Amazon Releases Fire TV
----------

January 15: https://www.macrumors.com/2014/01/15/iphone-6-ipad-pro-iwatch-displays/
Apple iPad Pro with 12'' Retina display rumor

March 9: Samsung releases Note Pro 12''
----------
Also
Feb 2 a Rumor about iWatch:Feb 2
Apple Testing Induction, Solar, and Motion Charging for Curved-Glass iWatch

9 of March Android Wear SDK: https://www.macrumors.com/2014/03/09/android-sdk-wearables-two-weeks/
----------
Also: First gen Apple TV: 9 January 2007
First Gen Google TV: 2010
---------

All these companies are now focusing on smart watches, 12'' Tablets and TV Boxes because Apple is focusing on them.

So Amazon put together this whole product and signed content agreements all between March 3rd and April 2? Are you even REMOTELY trying to suggest that?

LAUGHABLE. As are the rest of you comments

And I'll bet that S4 of yours is perfect in every way and unlike Apple I'll bet you couldn't find a thing about it that could stand improvement huh?

Strawman - he never said anything remotely like that.