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[Nirolak]

Since people might have some questions about what this is and isn't, I thought I would make a list explaining the processor inside and showing what it does.

I am making the assumption it's the Snapdragon 800/Adreno 330, but given Amazon's job postings and tons of other devices launching this Fall, I feel very confident in this prediction.

What This WILL Do:

• Have support for modern game engine architectures (it supports GPGPU computation and a lot of modern graphical effects through OpenGL ES 3.0, OpenCL, Renderscript Compute, and other modern mobile APIs).
• Generally have a modern GPU featureset.
• Support things like realtime reflections, refractions, moving cloth, and the kinds of things you would expect to see in a game from the seventh generation.
• Have good performance when running modern mobile games or games targeted at the hardware.
• Be a bit more powerful than the tablet version as it's plugged into a wall socket and thus has less wattage restrictions.

What This WONT Do:

• Be a direct competitor to the PS4 and Xbox One.
• Have modern CPU/GPU computational/rendering performance.
• Look quite as good as a higher end 360/PS3 games.
• Run The Witcher 3.

Here are a few images and a video showing off their demos and performance so far:

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HuheI31Wuo

And a performance chart for their early demos:

Via: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-3126_7-57589962/qualcomm-snapdragon-800-incinerates-the-competition/

And here's the rumor article:

...

Amazon is working on a games console, according to rumors from Game Informer and backed up by rumblings we’ve heard at TechCrunch as well. Game Informer says we’ll see the device by end of year, possibly in time for holiday shopping season, and that it will have its own dedicated controller and offer access to digital games sold online by Amazon.com.

We’ve heard from a reliable source that the hardware Amazon is building could be powered by a Qualcomm MPQ chip, which is the Snapdragon processor line the chipmaking company builds specifically for smart TV and set-top box devices. That, combined with earlier rumours that have emerged suggesting Amazon is working on a set-top device as reported by the Wall Street Journal, combine to suggest that while gaming may be part of this potential new hardware, it won’t be the sole focus. Nor does it make sense for Amazon to focus only on games; it has a huge vested interest in pushing digital music and movies, so why not do a device that combines all three?

Our source also informs us that the Amazon box is being worked on at Lab126, the Cupertino-based experimental hardware division that first created the Kindle. That’s been reported earlier this year by Bloomberg and other sources, but our informant says those plans are still on track and that this is the gaming device being discussed now as well.

We’ve also heard from separate sources reports of developers being approached by Amazon regarding developing games for their hardware, which means it could be more than just a media center PC designed to play the digital downloads it already offers. Amazon might be looking more at competing with devices like the OUYA and the upcoming BlueStacks GamePop and GamePop Mini, if it’s securing original content from small developers.

...

Source: http://techcrunch.com/2013/08/09/am...d-games-console-and-media-box-by-end-of-year/

 

[Guevara]

What kind of price range would such a thing be? More like $100-150 or more like $300-400?

 

[RiccochetJ]

Interesting.

I wonder if they're going to go with the "loss leader" plan that they've done with their other products.

 

[Nirolak]

What kind of price range would such a thing be? More like $100-150 or more like $300-400?

The former presumably.

The new Nexus 7 uses a Snapdragon S4, which isn't miles away from this, to give a basis point.

This also won't have a high quality integrated screen like that does, so Amazon's costs should be quite a bit lower.

 

[model13]

So its competing against the Wii? I really don't understand this unless it is some sort of DVR first with android games.

 

[radioact1ve]

Interesting.

I wonder if they're going to go with the "loss leader" plan that they've done with their other products.

Most likely. Could this be their set top box similar to roku but only the Amazon store being available? Games coming first then the movie and music store. Kindle for the TV?

 

[ZoddGutts]

Looks like it should outdo the Vita graphically.

 

[Nirolak]

So its competing against the Wii? I really don't understand this unless it is some sort of DVR first with android games.

It's competing with tablets and other set top game boxes.

Featureset wise it's not dissimilar to the PS4/XB1, but yes performance was it would be below 360/PS3 range, so think of it like an advanced handheld in a sense.

 

[Hellsing321]

Look out Ouya!

 

[Apophis2036]

If Amazon end up releasing a console more powerful than WiiU I will laugh and then cry...

 

[charsace]

Looks like it should outdo the Vita graphically.

Should? Ipad's have better processors than the vita and the chip in this blows Ipad's away. This is easily more powerful than the vita. They should go with a dual chip setup.

 

[RiccochetJ]

Most likely. Could this be their set top box similar to roku but only the Amazon store being available? Games coming first then the movie and music store. Kindle for the TV?

I think it's a distinct possibility. Just another hook into their Amazon Prime as well. If they're snapping up developers like the rumors suggest, it could be very interesting moving forward.

 

[Guevara]

I really think there's plenty of room at the low end for a console-like device. Hell, the rumor right now is that the PS3 might drop to $199 (and for a pretty unappealing package).

Many have sort of tried but no one competent.

 

[CronoShot]

Looks like it should outdo the Vita graphically.

Considering resolution, I would say most, if not all of the high-end smartphones and tablets already do.

 

[ZedIndyLil]

Definitely curious about this. Amazon's hardware offerings may not be peak-Apple brilliant, but they're usually well thought out.

 

[Boss Man]

Consoles are going to kill the mobile market

 

[Baron_Calamity]

I still like the idea of this system. I think there is room for a budget system. Amazon is the retailer I think has a credible chance. They already have ties to manufacturers to make this product. They don't have to get the unit into a single store to sell millions. They already have a massive online infrastructure to support it. I can see Prime being a huge benefit.Now will it have enough good games? Thats the question. If its cheap enough, I will buy it.

 

[Nilaul]

Is it possible to sli a Snapdragon 800/Adreno 330? Meaning you would have both x 2 in one hardware?

 

[Krakn3Dfx]

Consoles are going to kill the mobile market

Seem to be a lot of companies trying their hand at the Android console. Wonder if any of them will gain traction. I don't think based on their tablet lineup that it will be Amazon to be honest.

 

[Hoho for breakfast]

So this would be a video streaming/android games console? Basically a tablet with the TV as the screen? If so I'd be interested if it was $150 or so. Maybe.

 

[survivor]

Did anything more come out of that Google Android console rumour? Will be interesting to see what both Google and Amazon do in that space and how well they will leverage their other services to make the device better. Either way, I wonder how the Ouya guys are feeling right now. Seems it's the best time to try and get acquired.

 

[hgarrett54]

What kind of price range would such a thing be? More like $100-150 or more like $300-400?

Easily <$200. Will buy on launch if the game selection is decent

The adreno 330 blows the tegra 3 in the Ouya out of the water. Not sure how it stacks up against the tegra 4

 

[BLACK AMERICAN PSYCHO]

Meh

 

[Somnid]

Easily <$200. Will buy on launch if the game selection is decent

The adreno 330 blows the tegra 3 in the Ouya out of the water. Not sure how it stacks up against the tegra 4

The S800 benchmarks better.

 

[Krakn3Dfx]

Easily <$200. Will buy on launch if the game selection is decent

The adreno 330 blows the tegra 3 in the Ouya out of the water. Not sure how it stacks up against the tegra 4

More than $200 for something like this seems insane. I just got the new Nexus 7, and the graphical capabilities of that thing seem enormous (Riptide GP2 in particular looks phenomenal), but I can't imagine paying more than $200 for it if I had to hook it up to my own screen.

I'm guessing they'll shooting for the $130-$150 market, but I guess only time will tell.

 

[jcm]

So it's a souped up appletv with android games?

 

[fse]

$199 and I might bight if it has nice games.

 

[Dead Prince]

still won't have playstore i bet. kills it for me.

 

[rockx4]

This sounds pretty interesting, if the price is right and it has a couple of good games I might jump in. I'd have to see the controller though after hearing about Ouya's shitty one.

 

[RayMaker]

I really dont see the point in these tiny little andriod powerd entertainment boxes.

There not going to get the market of people who want a cheaper alternative to wiiu/x1/PS4 because some of them already have smartphones which attach to tv and in a year or 2 practicality all phones will have tv outs.

The most success I think this thing will have is if its advertised and designed as a tv and movie box like apple tv but with the ability for games and apps.

There are to many better options out there as far as gaming is involved - if its a casual gamer who just to play a few games to pass the time because there ill or some student or something, theres the 360/ps3 which are very affordable and offer a ton of value, if you want something more mobile there's smartphones and tablets etc

 

[Phil4000]

This chip is comparable to the Tegra 4 performance wise, correct?

 

[beast786]

Thanks OP. I am intrigued.

 

[zhorkat]

If the price point is over $100, then what is the market for this? Over $100 means that you're no longer effectively competing on price against Chromecast, AppleTV, Roku 3, etc. If it's Adreno 330, it won't compete on power against Xbox 360, PS3, or Wii U, let alone Xbox One or PS4, and I doubt this box will be getting very many good exclusive titles. I can only see it doing well as a set top box that also has a good solution for playing your high-end smartphone games with a controller, and to do that it has to stay at a sub $100 price point.

 

[Dr. Kitty Muffins]

They raided Microsoft's games division for this???

 

[Darryl]

I really dont see the point in these tiny little andriod powerd entertainment boxes.

There not going to get the market of people who want a cheaper alternative to wiiu/x1/PS4 because some of them already have smartphones which attach to tv and in a year or 2 practicality all phones will have tv outs.

The most success I think this thing will have is if its advertised and designed as a tv and movie box like apple tv but with the ability for games and apps.

There are to many better options out there as far as gaming is involved - if its a casual gamer who just to play a few games to pass the time because there ill or some student or something, theres the 360/ps3 which are very affordable and offer a ton of value, if you want something more mobile there's smartphones and tablets etc

i think time has shown that a "netflix, stream, music, movies" box isn't really that strong of a draw. those are things that people just expect nowadays and the experience those things provide aren't strong enough to sucker you in. i do think that is primarily what they want to try to sell as an end goal, though. there are going to be better options out there but customers largely won't care. they've never cared. PS3/360 are losing their tech flair. someone could jump in and steal those low end sales really easy with a moderate investment in game developers and a heavy amazon advertising push.

 

[Chinpoko_Master]

I actually like the idea of an Android gaming console / set top box. If there's anyone that can make it work, it would be Google or Amazon. Then again, I'm still skeptical whether or not it will work at all. But if this means Android can become a legitimate platform for real games, then I'm all for it.

 

[lordfroakie]

They raided Microsoft's games division for this???

It comes with DRM as well!

 

[Ingueferroque]

What kind of price range would such a thing be? More like $100-150 or more like $300-400?

Probably $99

 

[starwarsfan541]

It comes with DRM as well!

They raided MS studios?

 

[Cake Boss]

They are probably trying to get their feet wet, get some market share, build a 1st party studio then on the next generation they will go all out and head to head with the other 2 in terms of tech.

 

[ari]

100% sure that this will be a set top box first and gaming console second. Figure they stood by long enough for roku to sell millions on their watch.

 

[apana]

Well Amazon had a good run in the console business. It was fun while it lasted. I will remember the good times.

 

[Deku Tree]

I think Amazon will sell this at close to cost or less like they often do.

 

[Soul Destroyer]

I don't see the point in these mini game consoles tbh.

Android games on an HDTV does not appeal to me, and chances are if you have a smartphone to play said games, why would you buy the console ?

The reason all those games are so popular is the convenience factor not because they are all that amazing games. Addictive yes, amazing no.

If you want to play with the big boys, bring the goods, otherwise stay away.

 

[ss_lemonade]

This chip is comparable to the Tegra 4 performance wise, correct?

I think its slightly faster and more future proof (tegra 4 doesn't support opengl es 3.0 I believe)

 

[Paches]

I don't see the point in these mini game consoles tbh.

Android games on an HDTV does not appeal to me, and chances are if you have a smartphone to play said games, why would you buy the console ?

The reason all those games are so popular is the convenience factor not because they are all that amazing games. Addictive yes, amazing no.

If you want to play with the big boys, bring the goods, otherwise stay away.

I tend to agree. When I sit down in front of my 50" HDTV, it is either go big or go home. I don't really want to play smartphone or tablet-esque games with a controller in a recliner. I'll reserve judgment till we see the game line up, but I don't see a ton of software support from the big publishers in the console space. And if they did support it, the PS4/XBone versions will be VASTLY superior.

 

[Graphics Horse]

They are probably trying to get their feet wet, get some market share, build a 1st party studio then on the next generation they will go all out and head to head with the other 2 in terms of tech.

If it's an experiment worth continuing then you can expect annual or biannual 'generations' for this kind of tech.

 

[Paches]

I have a question or a thought for your Nirolak, or anyone else that is interested in responding.

I wonder once the bigger players in the Android space start making these smaller consoles that will presumably cost somewhere in the realm of $150-200, if the hardware refreshes will be as frequent as the tablets have been in that space. I really get the feeling that once you purchase this first box, you are going to be in a cycle of continuously upgrading your box every 1-2 years so you can run the same games faster/better. Could end up being more expensive to keep your hardware up to date then just sticking with a traditional console.

Food for thought.

 

[MadOdorMachine]

This is what Nintendo should have done. Make a cheap set top box like this and use the same components for their handheld.

 

[shinra-bansho]

This is what Nintendo should have done. Make a cheap set top box like this and use the same components for their handheld.

Of somewhat similar opinion. I don't really believe in this idea people have of them converging their handheld and console into one device, but there is a market for a low end, low cost, good enough gaming set top box.