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Amazon has unveiled two next-gen Fire TV Sticks, including an all-new Fire TV Stick Lite, at its fall Alexa device event. The firm has also been working on a new Fire TV experience that is more “personal and personalized” (more on that below) and has got it all done just in time for its own bargain bonanza event, Amazon Prime Day.
The all-new Fire TV Stick features an improved 1.7GHz quad-core processor that packs 50% more power than the previous-generation Fire TV Stick. The new model offers faster streaming in 1080p at 60fps with HDR support, and dual-antenna, dual-band WiFi supports 5GHz networks and promises more stable streaming and fewer dropped connections.
Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick also supports HDR and Dolby Atmos for surround sound with compatible content and speakers, and it comes with an Alexa voice remote with dedicated power, volume, and mute buttons for controlling TVs, bars sound and compatible A / V receivers.
In line with Amazon’s commitment to addressing climate change, the all-new Fire TV Stick promises improved performance and uses 50% less power than the previous generation. There’s no 4K yet (that’s restricted to the Fire TV 4K) but it costs the same as the previous generation.
Fire TV Stick Lite bills itself as a new and even more affordable way to start streaming in Full HD. It’s also apparently 50 percent more powerful than the previous-generation Fire TV Stick, and it also has HDR support. Fire TV Stick Lite comes with a special Alexa Voice Remote Lite, a new remote that allows you to use your voice to search, launch, and control content. And it really is an inexpensive transmitter; in fact, it’s the most affordable Fire TV Stick Amazon has ever produced.
There is also a new Fire TV user interface, which is intended to be more intuitive and offer a more personalized experience. The main menu is now in the center of the screen and should make it easier to find what you are looking for, although not that it has cost us much before. Now you can go directly to your favorite streaming service or scroll through supported apps to quickly see what’s inside and start streaming. There’s a new search experience to make it easier to discover great content, with navigation capabilities that allow for specific searches based on genre (eg, comedy, action), plus categories (eg, Kids & Family, Apps), and more.
Amazon says that the Fire TV experience now features improved Alexa voice controls that give you greater control over your entertainment. Just say “Alexa, go to the library” to find shows. With new user profiles, Fire TV now also offers a personalized experience for up to six members of a household, including individual content recommendations, viewing history, viewing lists, preferred settings, and more. Change your user profile by saying “Alexa, switch to my profile.” Yes, after the initial setup, Alexa should remember your voice and know that it is you.
The all-new Fire TV Stick costs £ 40 ($ 40), the same RRP as the model it replaces, and starts shipping in the UK and US next week.
Fire TV Stick Lite is just £ 30 ($ 30) and will also start shipping in the UK and US next week. While an exact availability date is not known, the Fire TV Stick Lite will also bring dedicated Fire TV experiences with Alexa to Australia for the first time.
The redesigned Fire TV experience will begin rolling out globally later this year, starting with the new Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite. The exact features will vary by country, but Amazon assures us that it will be available in the UK, US and Australia.
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