Rumor: Amazon to deliver Android

According to multiple sources in the gaming industry, Amazon is ready to try its hand at video game consoles, taking on the likes of the already released Ouya and rumored Google Android-based system.

Both Game Informer and GamesBeat are reporting that Amazon is currently developing a video game console that will operate much in the same way the Kindle Fire does. The console will rely solely on Amazon for content, and feature a free game of day similar to the Amazon app store's free app of the day. The console will reportedly come with a controller, and should be ready for release by Black Friday.

After the pre-launch success of Ouya, Android manufacturers are jumping at the chance to grab a piece of what's being viewed as a relatively new, growing market. Despite a ridiculous amount of funding, it's been reported that Ouya has yet to see a grand slam hit. Early reviews of the console we're largely negative, and interest in similar devices, like Nvidia's Shield, seem weak. If anyone could master distribution and entice developers, Amazon would be the one to do it.

As much as we'd be interested in seeing how Amazon handles a video game console, this is still a rumor. And Amazon loves not living up to rumors. We've been waiting to see an Amazon backed smartphone for a full year now, and still nothing. A game console and a smartphone would certainly be an interesting way to cap off this year though.