Amazon reportedly has a networked DVR in development that would compliment its Fire TV OTT device by offering the ability to record live TV.
Citing an unnamed source familiar with Amazon’s plan, Bloomberg said the online retail giant is developing the device within the confines of its Lab 126 R&D center—the unit that developed Fire TV, as well as the Echo product line. Bloomberg said the DVR project has been dubbed “Frank.” Amazon is not confirming the project at this point.
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According to the report, the DVR would connect to a user’s Wi-Fi network (and not directly to a TV, as is the case with traditional DVRs).
“Frank” would record live-streamed video, and users would access that video over Wi-Fi, using OTT devices like Fire TV, connected smart TVs, laptop computers, tablets and smart phones.
The report did not make clear as to whether the device would merely record over-the-air broadcast channels, or live-streamed content from Amazon Channels, as well.
Bloomberg tied a 10 percent drop in TiVo’s stock price Friday to the Amazon leak. However, as TiVo exits the hardware business, Variety noted that the Frank sounds more like networked DVR devices made by Tablo.
The Bloomberg report said that Amazon also plans to update its Fire TV stick with new software.
Fire TV over-the-top devices have been hot sellers for Amazon, allowing the company to effectively execute its strategy of using video services to expose customers to its broader retail environment.
