Game Informer and TechCrunch report yet another company plans to join an already crowded Android-powered games console market-- both say Amazon will launch such a device "by the end of this year."

Apparently the machine features a dedicated controller and provides access to games via Amazon.com app store. The TechCrunch "reliable source" goes further and says the hardware features a Qualcomm MPQ processor, of the kind found in smart TVs and STBs.

Does this mean the the device is actually the STB in development at the Amazon Lab126 hardware division Bloomberg reported on back in April 2013? TechCrunch says no ("those plans are still on track") but it would make sense for the company to combine media and games in a single machine, seeing how the major games consoles alreadly tout entertainment capabilities.

The Crestron infiNET EX wireless lighting control family gets the HTT-B2EX-BATT, a battery-powered 2-button wireless button ideal for a wide range of applications..

According to the company the keypad is a simple wireless controller for lighting, automation and entertainment. One can turn it into a fully-programmable bedside remote, handling tasks such as turning on/off lights or opening/closing shades.

Custom "Good Morning" or "Good Night" presets allow for one-touch control multiple room feature control, while an optional lamp cord tether provides security and convenience.

Japanese white box cloud gaming company G-Cluster finds a major ally in the effort to bring cloud-based gaming to the masses-- EA strikes a deal with to bring high-end videogames to the G-cluster service.

EA does not confirm actual titles set to appear on the cloud, but its franchise stable includes the likes of Battlefield, Need for Speed and The Sims. It joins 35 other "major" game publishers together with Ubisoft, Disney, Warner Bros. and Konami.

G-cluster hopes the service will reach over 10 million households by 2013.

Global digital media adapter (DMA) shipments are set to grow by around 40% in 2013 before the market doubles in size by 2017 Futuresource Consulting reports.

2012 DMA shipments total 13 million units.

"Fueled by the continued success of Apple TV, the rise of Roku and underlying demand for devices that carry key content services like Netflix and Hulu Plus, we're going to see healthy market growth continue for some years to come," the analyst remarks.

With 15% 2012 shipment share W. Europe is the 3rd largest DMA market in the world, following the US (50%) and China (17%). Futuresource forecasts W. European shipments will grow at 7% CAGR through to 2017.

Logitech retains ownership of the Harmony remote control family as it announces the Harmony Ultimate Hub, an "appcessory" device turning iOS and Android smartphones into universal remotes.

The Ultimate Hub is originally part of the Harmony Ultimate and Smart Control product packages first seen on April 2013. A puck-sized device similar to the Harmony Link, the Hub receives RF and wifi signals before it issues commands to up to x8 devices via IR and Bluetooth.

The Harmony Ultimate is also the reason of the change of heart seen in Logitech-- apparently it was not only successful (receiving warm reviews from the specialist press), it "exceeded the company’s expectations for customer connections" and brought a new lease of life to an ailing division.

Amber International ships several additions to the URC Total Control product line-- including the TKP-7000 touchscreen, CAM-DC1 surveillance camera and the THS-WD1 external temperature sensor.

Custom installers also get "Offsite Programming" allowing remote access to MRX-10 advanced network controllers. Installers can program/reprogram, change cable channel line-up, reset favourites or make any other adjustments without need to visit the installation site.

One can access the controller from anywhere equipped with an internet connection.

The TKP-700 is a 7-inch capacitative touchscreen. It handles 1024x600 resolution and adds entertainment, lighting, heating and security control, with full graphic feedback from URC and compatible 3rd party devices.