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Amazon.com ( AMZN ) is debuting a live television show that focuses on the latest trends in fashion and beauty — and viewers will be able to shop on Amazon.com as they watch. Separately, there are hints that Amazon also has virtual reality video in the works. Named “Style Code Live,” the 30-minute show will debut online Tuesday at 9 P.M. ET and then repeat every day at the same time. The free offering is the first Amazon foray into live television and potentially takes aim at the likes of CBS ( CBS ), NBC owner Comcast ( CMCSA ) and ABC owner Walt Disney ( DIS ). Time Warner ( TWX )-owned HBO offers shows on its streaming platform at the same time as it first airs them on its cable network, but it does not have live streaming offerings at the moment. The new live show adds to Amazon’s growing lineup of original video streaming content that takes aim at leader Netflix ( NFLX ), which does not currently offer live television streaming. The new live TV show is also part of a broader effort to establish Amazon as a fashion brand, which hasn’t been an Amazon strength. This year, it quietly launched several lines of Amazon brand clothing. The show itself will offer interactive features such as a live chat for viewers and will feature “fashion hacks,” guest experts, celebrities and viewer tips, according to the company’s press release . Amazon.com stock was up a fraction in afternoon trading on the stock market today . Shares are up 20% since touching a six-month low of 474 in early February. The company has an IBD Composite Rating of 80, where 99 is the highest. Video Virtual Reality Meanwhile, as virtual reality slowly lurches into the mainstream, CEO Jeff Bezos has been quietly growing Amazon’s secretive VR division. Virtual reality and augmented reality blog Upload VR spotted a job posting for a senior software developer to lead Amazon’s VR team, which some say suggests that Amazon Video might soon include VR options. Competing streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu have already demonstrated interest in the much-hyped VR business. Despite the interest, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has dismissed VR for streaming video , suggesting that it was more practical for video games. The Facebook ( FB ) virtual reality Oculus Rift headset is expected to ship this July. It costs $599 and requires top-notch PC hardware to use. Scalper1 News
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