AMAZON IS DEVELOPING A NEW device dubbed Frank that will record live TV and stream that video to smartphones, similar to offerings now available from TiVo and Dish Network’s Slingbox.
According to a Bloomberg report, the digital video recorder for the streaming era will include physical storage and connect to Amazon’s existing Fire TV boxes, the living room hub for the company’s online video efforts, according to an unnamed source quoted in the report.
The Frank DVR has the same wireless technology that Amazon’s Echo speakers use to connect to Fire TV boxes. Currently, Fire TVs stream live content via the Amazon Channels service, which includes programming from broadcasters like HBO, but the box can’t store video locally. Amazon is also working to better highlight live content to Fire TV users, continues the report.
In addition, Amazon plans to update its Fire TV stick with newer software, plus is seeking more manufacturing partners to help it get Fire TV software and video content onto more TVs made by other companies. This move would allow it to better compete with Roku which features its software in many TV models.
