After a few conflicting reports, it seems that Amazon is considering launching a free, ad-supported streaming service. According to The Wall Street Journal this move to launch am ad-supported streaming service is “a departure from its strategy of linking video to its $99-a-year Prime subscription service, according to people close to the company.”¹ According to this report, the move is a part of what seems to be a broader shift towards more media inclusion:

The proposed service, as Amazon has outlined it to potential partners, could launch in the coming months and could feature original and licensed content, these people said…Amazon also plans to offer free music videos with advertising to people visiting its retail website, two of the people said. A search for Bruce Springsteen CDs, for example, might yield an option to watch the “Born in the U.S.A.” video.²

It will be interesting to watch this unfold. Currently, Amazon video streaming is accessible through the usual channels: iOS and Android apps, Roku players, and Xboxes and PlayStations. However, it looks like Amazon is all set to release their own streaming device. According to a GigaOM article from Thursday:

Looks like we will finally get to see the long-rumored and at-least-once-delayed Roku competitor from Amazon next week. The company just sent out invites to a media event in New York next Wednesday that promises “an update on our video business.”³