Amazon to release music streaming entertainment device

Amazon are entering into the world of music streaming, with plans to launch a stand-alone entertainment system, powered by Android.

Gaming site VG247 reports that the product will compete directly with video game/multi-entertainment systems by Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft, although with the device offering both streaming and downloadable music, video games, films and television programs, this will also put dedicated music streaming services squarely in Amazon’s lengthy list of competitors.

Just weeks ago, an invite sent from Amazon for an recruitment event, teased a "new revolutionary V1 [version one] product that will allow us to deliver digital media to customers in new ways and disrupt the current marketplace”, which further suggests this new product is intended to be a catch-all entertainment product rather than one targeted at any subset.

VG247 are claiming the price point is likely to be under US$300, and with Amazon’s existing 200 million-strong customer base, this as-yet-unnamed product should indeed "disrupt" a number of markets when it drops later this year.