Amazon jumps into living room gaming with the Fire TV console

Amazon has announced the Fire TV media player and entertainment console. It’s an Android-powered device that combines the media-streaming capabilities of something like the Roku and the gaming functionality of the Ouya. The Fire TV can stream most of the popular services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Crackle, and Youtube as well as Amazon’s own instant video selection available with a Prime subscription. (Notably absent from the streaming services is HBO GO, putting Game of Thrones fans at a disadvantage.) On the gaming side, Fire TV boasts a jillion games through Amazon’s curated version of the Android store. A typically gamey looking console controller is being sold separately for $40 so people can enjoy Flappy Bird clones blown up on their living room TVs.

The most notable feature of the Fire TV is the voice search feature. According to Amazon, Fire TV has voice search “that actually works” which should be interesting to test in real-world settings.

Amazon Fire TV’s remote has a built-in mic so you can instantly search TV shows, movies, actors, directors, and genres using just your voice – no more typing with your remote to find what you want. We’re confident Amazon Fire TV’s voice search is the best you’ve ever used.

The Amazon Fire TV is available now for $99. Support Quarter to Three by ordering through this link.