Amazon Streaming Rumors Heat Up

New reports indicate that the company is considering a free streaming service and could officially announce its own media player next week. 

More rumors regarding Amazon's streaming plans are making the rounds, and now it looks like we might know when we'll finally get an official announcement. The online retailer has sent out an invitation to journalists for a special press event on April 2 in New York. The invite doesn't include many details about what might be revealed, but it does promise an update on the company's video business.

Speculation on Amazon's potential streaming media player has been swirling for quite some time, and the latest rumors indicate that the device could take the form of a dongle rather than a set-top box. Likewise, the product is expected to run a version of Google's Android OS and might include support for streaming PC games.

Meanwhile, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Amazon is also considering a free streaming service to go along with its subscription based Prime Instant Video. The proposed service would be supported by advertising and could offer free original programming, licensed content, and music videos to all Amazon customers. Currently, Amazon's Prime Instant Video is available to Prime members for $99 a year, along with other benefits like free two-day shipping.

It's still not clear exactly what will be unveiled on April 2, but it's very likely that the company will officially announce its media player and address its larger streaming plans. Stay tuned to High-Def Digest for all the latest updates on this developing story.

Sources: The Verge, The Wall Street Journal

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