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I guess I won't be seeing the Amazon Prime app on the Apple TV like how Microsoft doesn't have the office products on the iOS devices...... bummer
 
Only the OP never brought up Wall Street or Amazon's stock or their investors. I think what Viper (and I) notice it that it doesn't matter what is said in a thread - this is your "go to" answer. You have a few of them. This one for Amazon; there's the one questioning why MacRumors considers something a news item; etc

Now don't get me wrong - I don't think you are incorrect about your Wall Street comment. And I think your "beef" with the editorial team here is something you'll probably just have to get over because it's their site and they can post whatever stories they want.

Um, I'm confused. Where in this thread have I complained about whether this is newsworthy? Yes I've made those complaints before but what does that have to do with this thread? :confused: I was responding to a specific post wondering why Amazon chooses to be in the hardware business. And honestly I don't think Amazon or Google (outside of Motorola) would be in the hardware business if Wall Street expected them to be profitable on it. So why would Amazon make an Apple TV like device? Because they can. And if it helps grow their top line that's all anyone cares about. Which is the opposite of Apple where Wall Street expects both top line and bottom line grown along with strong margins.
 
I have heard from a few developers (who do work for Roku Channels) that 2014 is "the" year for AppleTV apps.

It is unknown (at this point) according to them on who is developing, if Apple will be charging to be included or how the process will work. But 2014 seems to be the "year"

Hmmmmm, can't wait to hear more on this :) I've wondered how this whole process of how new apps get developed for the current AppleTVs works (does Apple approach them, they approach Apple, etc).
 
unless they offer netflix, vudu and other services i don't see this taking off

most TV's have 3 HDMI ports and a blu ray player, apple TV and game consoles probably take up all of them already
 
Competition is good, but man it's a PITA when all you want to do is watch TV and you have to have Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, HBO Go, and apparently multiple set top boxes to facilitate it.

As of yet, the only set top box that can take care of this is AppleTV.

I don't know how people do it either. After 3 connections you're often "downgrading" the capability (like going to RCA for audio or the like) or it is so confusing the in-house IT person needs to change the inputs for the rest of the family! :eek:)

I think this is what the delay is for the "future" Apple TV. Their model must be one device that can either handle all content or be a hub that controls/manages all the others (but expect that to be limited to only 2-3 devices).

First Samsung has their watch. Now Amazon might have their set-top box. Oh where or where is the disruptive innovation from Apple?
 
You're welcome to bet against Amazon in the long term and short their stock. I'm not going to, however.

I'm not invested in Amazon nor do I knowingly use their services (for personal reasons). I still think its absurd that a company that can barely turn a profit has a market cap of over $140 billion.
 
Competitors will Compete.

My question is: Does Amazon ever have to make a profit? How long can they continue with no bottom line? ;)
 
I personally think this is an area where Amazon is in a great place to make a unique box. I don't know how many of you have actually watched a movie or tv show on a kindle fire, but it is actually a pretty slick experience. Things like X-Ray for movies and TV for example, are things that seemed like useless gimmicks at first glance, but turn out to be very handy and used all the time.

I would assume they have a few other tricks up their sleeve, and if Amazon's history is any indication, they are certainly in the best position the allow people to easily create channels -- right down to the hosting of content on amazon's servers. You can do that on roku (minus the hosting), but being part of a local public broadcasting company I can tell you that it isn't as easy as one would hope. Amazon could change that.

Combine all this with the (still unknown) price-point, the fact that they calling on all channel developers to beat the mid-october deadline (tells me there are more than likely a good number of channels ready to roll) and the fact that everyone already has and uses an amazon account... I think they are not only in a great position to do this, but to take it to another level.
 
Initial reports some months ago about Amazon coming out with a set top box mentioned a game controller of some kind for Android games. Sort of like the Ouya probably, but more limited… probably.

So this could be one aspect that could set their box apart. Except that Apple could be set to announce something very similar within the month.
But still… it's something to keep in mind.

I've been looking forward to seeing what they put out and if it's worth having alongside an Apple TV.
 
Competition is good, but man it's a PITA when all you want to do is watch TV and you have to have Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, HBO Go, and apparently multiple set top boxes to facilitate it.

As of yet, the only set top box that can take care of this is AppleTV.

My $59 refurb Roku 2XS from Amazon has all those channels.

I guess I don't understand the need for Amazon to have their own hardware when their video player is available on pretty much any platform.

Maybe it's a "hobby" like ATV was to Jobs.

j/k
 
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Amazon needs to up their content but they've got a good start/foundation.

When did Apple offer free movies or a subscription for $79 or less a year to view a catalog of content?

Obviously that's a service that Apple doesn't offer right now. But for someone who wants that sort of plan, Netflix still offers a lot more streaming content.
 
We can already airplay instant video, which is the only thing the Apple TV lacked, but now it is pretty much perfect

If you think Apple TV is perfect you really need to look at roku.com

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Competition is good, but man it's a PITA when all you want to do is watch TV and you have to have Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, HBO Go, and apparently multiple set top boxes to facilitate it.

As of yet, the only set top box that can take care of this is AppleTV.

No, Amazon Instant is not available on AppleTV. As of now, the only set-top box that can handle Hulu, Amazon, Netflix, and HBO Go is Roku
 
Correction: Amazon Instant Streaming is not available on TiVo. Only (purchased) downloads. No streaming. And yes that includes the latest Roamio boxes.

I could have sworn it was available. Used to have a TiVO.

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My single wishlist for AppleTV now though you would think would be an easy one. Search. Why, in my library of 700+ movies, can I not search for a title. I have to scroll. Yes, I am aware I can hook up a bluetooth keyboard and hit the first letter to jump) but I'm not hooking up a keyboard just for that.

I totally agree with this. The only reason it hasn't been a problem is because I don't have anything but iTunes since I have a lot of credit on it, but for all the things it supports, it should have a unified search feature.
 
Yeah only millions of people who buys from them. lol

Umm, Amazon makes a profit from products that retailers and resellers sell through their accounts.
Yes they sell kindles, and have prime members, who rent... but I don't think their profit majorities come from that.

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Umm, Amazon makes a profit from products that retailers and resellers sell through their accounts.
Yes they sell kindles, and have prime members, who rent... but I don't think their profit majorities come from that.

Oh, and I am not saying I have a problem with Amazon coming out with their own box - thats great and all - wish them luck, I do...

But meanwhile, strike a deal with all the other "box makers" and maximize your profits. Sure come out with a box set of your own - your existing followers may trend toward your box... but I say go big or go home.
 
I could see two or three sweeteners for an Amazon box.

1. They could offer exclusive content or earlier distribution of content, similar to what they do with Kindle. I can buy and read Kindle books on my ipad, but without a kindle I can't participate in the amazon book borrowing program.

2. Have it double as a kindle. Let me read books, magazines and newspapers on my big screen TV.

3. Undercut Apple in price to let me mirror my phone, tablet, and PC.
 
Um, I'm confused. Where in this thread have I complained about whether this is newsworthy? Yes I've made those complaints before but what does that have to do with this thread? :confused:

Your reasoning is sound.

Your confusion must lie in the fact that at no time did I say you complained about this thread not being newsworthy. I was commenting on you have a few "stock" replies to topics here on MR. That is all.
 
I used to be interested in these boxes. My smart tv has filled that need. Netflix, YouTube, movie rentals, streaming from computer. These devices will need some differentiation or their market will be eroded by the modern tv.

The ATV doesn't provide anything compelling to me that's not already built in to my tv in some way. Now if they allowed access to the App Store it's a whole new consideration.
 
Wish I could have a box that would stream iTunes movies, Vudu & Amazon videos.

Oh......wishful thinking.

For now, Ill stick to my jailbroken Apple TV 2 and all the wonderful options it allows me :)
 
If they......

(Amazon) can do a device with better media offers, good price and better features, they can create a product highly competitive in these niche market (media/TV top boxes). Not sure is such product can move Apple to abandon the tag "hobbie" in the AppleTV, a move highly unlikely if Apple really is developing a new TV set......


:):apple:
 
They do have a good foundation but if they are releasing hardware in addition to a stand alone app, they'll have to boost their offerings a little.

Also, Apple doesn't offer a subscription to stream movies--but it should be noted that you are not allowed to stream a lot of the best stuff Amazon offers. That $79 is more like the continental breakfast included at a hotel--rather than an all you can eat buffet.

$79 for the continental breakfast plus free transportation to and from the hotel. The big pull for prime is the free 2 day shipping. The streaming is just an added bonus.
 
It seems dumb to me. Amazon should take more of a Netflix approach and just try to have its app on as many devices as possible. Netflix originally had its own device designed, but then decided that releasing it would alienate hardware manufactures who might keep its apps off their devices.

This is my feeling.

Amazon is closing their garden - Prime only streams on iOS and the Fires. But there are people that would do prime if streamed on everything....

So are they a content or hardware driven company with regards to their streaming media? Hardware seems to be winning in the Video area.

Roku + Plex works here. I'd have an AppleTV but alas, I'm to poor to buy a new TV with HDMI connectors... and the conversion box price stops me. Because the Roku works fine.
 
Advice for Amazon

I have told Apple for years that if they just added a simple "bookmark" option to an advertisement that would allow us watching tv ads that the customer would then be taken instantly or later if wanted to the intended web site of the advertisers-that's what they want isn't it? Every ad has digital info-every one would pay per click etc. to get us to look further. Amazon could take us to any of its offerings on the tv instead of the the computer as well. This is worth billions and the simplest thing to do really-skip all the other bells and whistles and make some money stupid. Send me some for the idea thanks. Nick
 
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