Amazon Sets Date for Its Video Close-Up

Details on Amazon’s long-rumored and long-anticipated video streaming platform are expected to come to light Wednesday, April 2, at a soiree in New York, according to a media invite issued by the online retail giant.

“Please join us for an update on our video business,” states the invite, from Peter Larsen, an exec in Amazon’s Kindle division.

Amazon didn’t give away the specifics, but it’s expected that the company will unveil a stick-like streaming device that plugs into a TV’s High-Definition Multimedia Interface port that will also be tightly-integrated with the company’s e-retail platform; support popular video apps such as Netflix, Hulu Plus and Crackle; and possibly double as a small gaming console.

Amazon’s entry will do battle with products such as the Apple TV, Google Chromecast adapter and Roku’s new $49.95 Streaming Stick, which began shipping last week.