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.

New Amazon Fire TV dongle brings 4K HDR and Alexa on board

One of the newest devices out of Amazon’s stable brings with it some pretty big features. The new Fire TV dongle comes with 4K HDR support and Alexa built in. It’s a square Chromecast-like device but comes with a remote control that you can speak to for voice control. It’s easy to get the Fire TV to work with your TV sets. All you need to do is plug it into your HDMI port and it can then let you stream HDR content up to 4K at 60 frames per second. If you have a killer speaker or soundbar setup going, this device supports Dolby Atmos audio as well. The Fire TV dongle is launching in the US on October 25^th for US$69.99 (approx. CA$87).

Source: Android Authority