Today Amazon launched the Fire TV streaming media box .
Its standout features include an extensive library of games, an optional game controller ($40), voice search via a mic on the remote, an "ASAP" function that's said to launch certain videos immediately, and a "Free Time" function that allows parents to limit their kids' media consumption, much like on Amazon's Kindle Fire tablets.
It also offers a lot of content options.
So without further ado, here's a comparison of the four major streaming devices as they stand today.
Amazon Fire TV
Chromecast
Roku
Apple TV
Price
$99
$35
$49 - $99
$93
Form factor
Box
Stick
Stick or box
Box
Video apps
Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, Showtime Anytime, Crackle, Vimeo, more
Netflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Vudu, Crackle, more
Netflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, Showtime Anytime, Vudu, Crackle, M-Go, Vimeo, PBS, PBS Kids, Disney Channel, Redbox Instant, Time Warner Cable, Slingplayer, more
Netflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Crackle, Vimeo, PBS, Disney Channel, more via AirPlay
Audio apps
Pandora, Vevo, Qello, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, more
Pandora, Rdio, Vevo, Songza, more
Spotify, Pandora, Rdio, Mog, Amazon CloudPlayer, Vevo, Qello, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Slacker, more
Vevo, Qello, "radio"
Major proprietary apps
None
Google Play Movies & TV, Google Play Music
None
iTunes Movies and TV shows, iTunes Music, iTunes Radio
Sports apps
Watch ESPN, NBA League Pass, "many more"
None
Watch ESPN, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NHL Gamecenter, more
Watch ESPN, MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, NHL Gamecenter, more
Games
Yes, playable via remote, tablet/phone, or optional controller ($40)
Yes, playable via tablet/phone
Yes, playable via remote
No
Control
Voice search, physical remote, app
App only (no physical remote)
Physical remote, app
Physical remote, app
Screen mirroring
via Kindle Fire HDX only
via Chrome browser
No
via AirPlay
Photo, video and music files
via Plex, Amazon Cloud
via Plex, other apps
via Plex, other apps
via AirPlay, native Mac and iOS support, iCloud
Cross-platform search
No
No
Yes
No
Parental Controls
Free Time (app- and time-based restrictions + walled garden)
No
No
Basic per-app passcode restrictions
Note that the apps for Amazon's Fire TV come via the official product page, which says "many more" are coming. Major missing services at launch include HBO Go, Vudu, and most subscription music services like Spotify.
Update April 03: Updated Chromecast section to include additional apps.
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