Amazon might release its own version of YouTube. Here's why that's a good idea

Amazon may be preparing to launch a YouTube-style streaming service. 

The retail giant filed trademark requests on Dec. 5 for the names "AmazonTube" and "OpenTube." Although the trademarks don't necessarily mean the company plans to launch a new service, it does suggest that the company may be, at the very least, considering doing so.

It wouldn't be a complete surprise if Amazon decided to challenge Google in the entertainment space. The two tech companies have been long-time rivals.

For the past two years, Amazon has refused to sell Google Chromecast devices on its website. Amazon appeared to offer an olive branch last Friday, when the retailer announced that it would begin selling Chromecasts, in addition to the Apple TV, but the devices are still not listed on the site. And today, Amazon Fire TVs began supporting Mozilla's Firefox browser, in a hilariously passive-aggressive slight to Google Chrome, the world's most popular web browser by a mile.  Read more...