Report: Amazon working on new 4K, HDR Fire TV devices

Amazon is reportedly working on two new models of Fire TV streaming device that will each support 4K and High Dynamic Range (HDR) video at 60 frames per-second.

According to Amazon Fire TV news site, AFTVnews, the two devices include a cube-shaped model that will become Amazon’s new flagship Fire TV device.

This will reportedly include built-in far-field microphones and a speaker, giving it the same Alexa voice-assistant functionality as Amazon’s Echo Dot device.

The second new Fire TV device will be square-shaped and feature an attached HDMI cable, similar to Google’s current generation Chromecast streaming device, according to AFTV.

This will reportedly be a ‘mid-tier model’ that will sit between Amazon’s new top-end device and its existing Fire TV Stick, which it will continue to offer as a “budget-friendly model”.

Currently Amazon offers the Fire TV Stick, which offers resolutions of up to 1080p, and the Amazon Fire TV box, which supports 4K streams but not High Dynamic Range. These retail for US$39.99 (€33.35) and US$89.99 respectively in the US.

AFTV did not reveal the precise source of the information, but said it typically uses scripts to search through newly added information on publically accessible Amazon URLs, servers, and APKs. The report included pictures of the new devices.

The news comes ahead of Apple’s September 12 ‘special event’ – the first to be held at the Steve Jobs Theatre inside its new Apple Park corporate headquarters in Cupertino, California.

As well as a new line of iPhones, Apple is widely expected to use the event to unveil a new, fifth generation version of its Apple TV streaming device, with 4K and High Dynamic Range (HDR) video support.