The generally accepted rumor has been for a while that Amazon is creating its own set-top box that will play games and stream Amazon Prime media. The leaked images of an Amazon controller all but confirmed its existence the other day, but the form we assumed it would take may have been off the mark all along, a new report says.
TechCrunch is claiming the device is actually a USB dongle that can stream PC games to your TV. If this were true, the Amazon box would be no box at all, but rather a Chromecast-like USB stick that plugs into your HDMI port and streams your major PC games on the big screen. TechCrunch is citing unnamed sources in this report.
They claim it will use and expand its existing PC game distribution service to stream "top-tier" titles to your television at 30 frames per second, writes IGN.
I wrote recently about Amazon's device, mainly questioning who exactly would buy one. A console that plays some limited games with the ability to stream Amazon Prime media doesn't appeal to the average person, and those who have Prime likely already devised a method to view their content over the years. But if the device is just a plug and allows you to play your major, large PC games through your TV and stream movies and shows, it might have more of an audience.
Playing on your TV in and of itself isn't a new creation, as a simple HDMI cable connection (especially with Steam's Big Picture mode) can do the job for you. Doing it wirelessly with a device that also helps you watch other media you're paying for, though, has its appeal.
In my analysis of what we knew about the box so far, I said that it didn't seem to have a clear audience or purpose, but that if more details were revealed we may understand Amazon's plans. These features, if true, would help us do exactly that, as they would differentiate it from a Roku or similar device further and give people a reason to buy. Stay tuned for more information on the topic or more verification of these rumors.
Source: TechCrunch via IGN