Apple TV app comes to Amazon Fire TV devices

Similar to the rollout happening on Roku devices and ahead of the launch of Apple's streaming service, Amazon announced that the Apple TV app is coming to the second-generation Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick 4K. Those with the Fire TV Basic edition also get the app today. According to Amazon's blog post, those who own a Fire TV Cube (either first- or second-generation), Fire TV (third-generation pendant design), and Toshiba and Insignia Fire TV Edition smart TVs will be getting the update soon. 

The Apple TV app will let you watch the content you've rented from Apple in the past, but, more importantly, it will give you access to Apple TV+ streaming service, which will launch in Canada on November 1st. The service costs $5.99 a month.

Facebook is reportedly working on a device to take on the Apple TV

We reported earlier last month that Facebook has been in talks with streaming services for a streaming device it's creating. And we now have more details on said product. Variety adds on the report that this Portal device could run a modified version of Android's mobile operating system instead of the purpose-built Android TV OS. It'll also come with a camera for video calls, far-field microphones to detect audio, and built-in speakers. The device will stream content from the likes of Disney and Netflix. And it's going to take on the likes of the Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Facebook is reportedly even working on some Apple Animoji-like features, allowing you to put a virtual mask over your face right from your television. 

Facebook has been keeping this project secret, going to lengths of using a shell company to submit all the necessary regulatory filings to the FCC. We still ask whether people will be keen to use a Facebook device with a camera in their living room considering Facebook's rep in the privacy space. But for those interested in this product, it looks like it might be coming sooner than we think.

Amazon is reportedly planning to offer a free Fire TV video news app

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Amazon might be channeling Roku with rumours that the company plans to offer a free video news updates app. It’s being reported that Amazon has already approached a number of news organizations and Verizon, who owns Yahoo News and Finance, with hopes of getting them to distribute their content in the app that will come with the Fire TV streaming devices. Amazon is reportedly targeting to release this in the next few months. It makes sense from a business perspective for the company to do this. It could give them an opportunity to rake in more ad dollars by running advertisements between segments. According to The Information, Amazon hopes to integrate its news video app into Alexa, but they didn’t expand on this idea.

Source: The Verge

Amazon Fire TV gets SEGA Classics games

If you’re feeling a bit nostalgic and want to play some classic SEGA games, all you need is an Amazon Fire TV and you’re good to go. Amazon just launched the SEGA Classics bundle, which includes 25 of the most popular games on the SEGA Genesis platform like Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, The Revenge of Shinobi, to name a few. Fire TV customers just need their remotes or use a compatible Bluetooth controller. Get in on the family fun as there are 15 multiplayer games included in this bundle. The SEGA Classics bundle goes for $19.99.