Would you watch a Marvel and Star Wars channel?

Disney may be planning to launch Marvel and Star Wars channels according to Daily Finance (via ScreenCrush).

"We have said that with these channels and these brands — ESPN, ABC, Disney, maybe even down the road something related to Star Wars and Marvel — we do have an ability as a company to take product, specifically filmed entertainment, television, movies, directly to consumers," said Disney CEO Bob Iger during an investors call.

Branded channels are a no-brainer. Perhaps the might of Marvel and Lucasfilm could be harnessed in a co-branded channel?

There has been talk of a rumoured deal with Apple, which would bring exclusive or timed exclusive channels to the Cupertino-based company's streaming device.

WWDC is only a few weeks away and an official announcement wouldn't be beyond imaging in June. Especially as Apple hasn't updated Apple TV since 2013 and there's the small matter of Star Wars: The Force Awakens opening in cinemas this December.

This would bolster Apple's proposition in a crowded streaming market where Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast vie for consumers' cash.

Would you watch a Marvel and Star Wars channel? Let me know in the comments below.

Amazon Fire TV to challenge Apple TV in Europe

Amazon has announced Fire TV is coming to Europe only months after the sleek streaming device's US debut.

Speaking on the first day of the IFA technology show in Berlin, senior vice president of devices David Limp said: "We think that the products that are out there - and we sell a lot of them on Amazon - just haven't offered customers the value that we think you can, and this is an existence proof that you can put a lot of horsepower and performance into a box, at a great value."

Fire TV ships from 23rd October. The device will be available from Amazon, Argos, Dixons, Sainsbury's and Tesco.

New and existing Prime members can pre-order Fire TV for only £49 in the UK. That's a £30 saving on the listed price until Monday.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon Founder and CEO said: "Tiny box, huge specs, tons of content, incredible price- customers love Fire TV and we’re thrilled to introduce it in the UK.

"Voice search that actually works means no more typing on an alphabet grid. Our exclusive new ASAP feature predicts the shows you’ll want to watch and gets them ready to stream instantly. And our open approach gives you not just Amazon Instant Video and Prime Instant Video, but also Netflix, Sky News, YouTube, Spotify, and more."

In related news. Amazon has reported a 70% increase in streaming since rebranding LOVEFiLM.

“Customers tell us that they love exclusive content and we see that these movies and TV shows almost always enter the Top 5 most watched lists immediately”, said Chris Bird, Film Strategy Director for Amazon Prime Instant Video UK. “Since exclusive content has continuously been among the most streamed, we are very happy to announce more highlights coming up this autumn such as the Amazon Studios original series Transparent starring Jeffrey Tambor and Roman Coppola’s Mozart In The Jungle, and of course the third series of the cancelled popular British drama Ripper Street which we’re currently filming exclusively for Prime Instant Video customers and will launch later this year before broadcast on the BBC next year.”

Tempted to add another box below your TV? Let me know in the comments below.

Amazon Fire TV trumps Apple TV for $99!

For years speculation has surrounded an Amazon streaming device. Not so much if, but when. Today the company tardily unveiled its Fire TV during a live media event in New York City.

The new Android-based streaming device apes the Kindle HDX form factor sans built-in screen, boasts triple the processing power of Apple TV, Chromecast and Roku, and features voice search FTW.

Voice search works with the bundled Bluetooth remote's microphone. With Fire TV you simply speak the title, actor, or genre into the remote and you're done. It's a simpler solution to Microsoft's Kinect.

X-Ray for Movies & TV by IMDb brings second screen integration much like Xbox SmartGlass. You’ll be able to look up actors, music, or other IMDb-provided details, as the content plays on your TV. Amazon says that X-Ray will add support for iOS devices later this year.

Amazon is not only taking on Apple, Google and Roku, but has Ouya in its sights too. As rumoured, a dedicated controller accessory is available to play games on the Fire TV. The diminutive set-top-box will play games like Minecraft, Asphalt 8 and a few other games at an average price of $1.85. Thus beating Apple to the punch in offering apps and games.

Fire TV will host lots of apps aside from Prime Instant Video. Including Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, YouTube, Crackle, Showtime Anywhere and many more.

Amazon Fire TV ships from today in the US for $99. There's no word on an international release and that's where Apple TV dominates.

The streaming wars just got more intense. However, do consumers need another box?