Amazon is developing a new device that records live TV, a person familiar with the plans told Bloomberg. Dubbed 'Frank' inside Amazon, the digital video recorder is designed for the streaming era and includes physical storage and access to Amazon’s Fire TV boxes. An Amazon spokeswoman declined to comment, according Telecompaper. The Frank DVR has the same wireless technology that Amazon’s Echo speakers use to connect to Fire TV boxes. Users will be able to record live TV and stream the video to a smartphone so it can be watched later. That functionality is similar to offerings from TiVo and Dish Network’s Slingbox. Amazon hasn’t made a final decision on rolling out the streaming feature, the report said, noting that the plans could be canceled or delayed.
Fire TVs already can stream live content via the Amazon Channels service, which includes programming from providers like HBO, but the box can’t store video locally. Amazon is also working to better highlight live content to Fire TV users.
Amazon also plans to update its Fire TV stick with newer software, the person added. It’s also looking to get Fire TV software and video content onto more TVs made by other companies. Amazon sells Fire TV sets built by Toshiba and Westinghouse already, and is seeking more manufacturing partners to better compete with Roku, which features its software in many TV models.
