Amazon.com Inc is developing a new device that records live TV, working around cable providers and encroaching on TiVo Corp’s market, a person familiar with the plans said.
The device, dubbed “Frank” inside Amazon, is a new type of digital video recorder for the streaming era.
It would include physical storage and connect to Amazon’s existing Fire TV boxes, the living room hub for the company’s online video efforts, the person said.
An Amazon spokeswoman declined to comment.
The Frank DVR has the same wireless technology that Amazon’s Echo speakers use to connect to Fire TV boxes. Users would 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 Corp’s Slingbox.
Amazon has not made a final decision on rolling out the streaming feature, the person said, noting that the plans could either be canceled or delayed.
Fire TVs currently stream live content via the Amazon Channels service, which includes programming from providers such as HBO, but the box cannot store video locally. Amazon is also working to better highlight live content to Fire TV users.
The company’s Lab 126 research and development center is working on the DVR, the latest in a series of connected gadgets aimed at the home.
The group created the Echo speaker and is building a home robot known as Project Vesta.
Amazon wants to occupy living rooms through its devices and services. The company has been investing in original movies, TV shows and live sports to make its Prime membership an alternative to streaming services such as Netflix Inc.
The company also plans to update its Fire TV stick — a smaller version of the Fire TV box — with newer software, the person added.
It is also looking to get Fire TV software and video content onto more TVs made by other companies. Right now, Amazon sells Fire TV sets built by Toshiba Corp and Westinghouse, and is seeking more manufacturing partners to better compete with Roku Inc, whose software features in many TV models.
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