Amazon's new Apple TV competitor will moonlight as an Echo (AMZN)

Amazon's got a new Fire TV in the works that will double as an Echo smart speaker.A new version of the Fire TV, which will look like a small cube,will have many of the same features of Amazon's Echo smart speaker built right in,according to report by AFTVnews.com. It will have microphones (so you can speak with Alexa), a speaker (for music and responses), and even an LED light that mimics the top of the Echo, according to the report.Like other Fire TVs, the new devicewill let you stream videos from Amazon and Netflix. Unlike previous models, though, it reportedly will allow you to interact with Amazon's Alexa smart assistant even when your TV isn't on.The company will also be releasing a smaller version of theoriginal Fire TV that will attach to your TV like a dongle, according to the report. For the first time for the Fire TV line, both of the new Fire TV models reportedly will support high-dynamic range (HDR) videos. HDR offer greater contrast between light and dark areas than standard videos, allowing them to see previously hidden details in scenes.Both of the new boxes will also supportultra-high definition 4K video, the next step up after high-definition, according to the report.Here's a look at both of the new gadgets:These are the two new Amazon Fire TV models being released in 2017 (Exclusive) https://t.co/na1Tpp7Ftn pic.twitter.com/QhfwzW70om' AFTVnews (@AFTVnews) September 11, 2017It's not clear when Amazon will begin selling the new devices or how much they will cost.Amazon representativesdeclined to comment.The previous Fire TV box is unavailable through Amazon, which could indicate that it has discontinued the device. According to the AFTVnews report, it plans to continue selling its Fire TV Stick, which is about the size of a pieceof gum and plugs directly into a TV. But that modeldoes not support 4K or HDR video.Owners of the older Fire TV and the Fire TV Stick could interact withAlexa ' but only by pressing a button on their remote controls and only when those devices were connected to an external speaker that was turned on.The new Fire TV devices' support for 4K and HDR and their Alexa capabilities could help them better compete withthe new Apple TV.SEE ALSO:The Apple TV will reportedly get a 4K revamp soon to take on Roku and Google in the living roomJoin the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: Everything we know about the Apple iPhone 8 'which should be announced next week
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