It seems like with each week gamers are hearing more and more about Amazon's forthcoming game console, either through insider leaks or rumor reports. So much so, in fact, that it feels like we actually know more about the console well ahead of Amazon's official announcement.
At the same time, nothing that has been reported as rumor or insider leak so far has brought us any closer to understanding Amazon's approach to the device — specifically how they plan to market the device to casual and hardcore gamers alike. However, our latest juicy rumor - if true - might finally give us a clear picture of where Amazon's interests lie.
According to an insider at Amazon (via Tech Crunch), the company's game console will not really be a console at all, but will actually be a HDMI dongle similar to Google's Chromecast. And presumably, that dongle will communicate — via Bluetooth or RF — with the rumored controller that leaked late last week.
While that's all well and good, and certainly has us intrigued, the even more compelling detail from the source is news of the device's streaming capabilities. Again, there is no confirmation at this time, but the source claims that Amazon plans to leverage their device for streaming "top tier" games at 30fps.
Now, with talk of the Steam Machine dominating the conversation as far as streaming is concerned it's important to note that, according to the source, this is not what Amazon is going for. Rather, they hope to use their device like an OnLive console; that is, to stream games from a cloud-based hub. Still, the promise of top tier games at 30fps could be a huge selling point for the device.
Unfortunately, all we have are rumors to go by at this point, while Amazon makes moves that are console-related — like purchasing Killer Instinct developer Double Helix — without actually talking about said console. There's no question that developing a console competitor is a big risk, especially right now. Not to mention, with so many devices like the Ouya struggling to pull even a tiny market share, Amazon has their work cut out for them. However, if Amazon can position their device in a way that helps it stand out from the pack, like with a game streaming feature, then that might help their case.
How do you feel about Amazon's console supporting game streaming? What are your other hopes for the device?
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Source: Tech Crunch