Amazon Redesigns Fire Tv Stick 4k And Its Remote
The slimmer streaming stick can draw power from a TV’s USB port, while its redesigned remote adds tactile controls and a customizable button.
Amazon introduced a redesigned Fire TV Stick 4K on Wednesday, pairing a slimmer streaming device with a new remote built to be easier to use by touch. The stick can draw power from a TV’s USB port instead of requiring a separate power adapter. It is available in the US for $59.99, with a promotional price of $29.99.
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A smaller stick with a simpler setup
The USB power option means buyers can connect the Fire TV Stick 4K without running a cord to a wall outlet, though Engadget says a wall socket remains an option. The device has 8GB of storage, a quad-core 1.7GHz processor, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 and Bluetooth Low Energy. According to TechCrunch, it supports 2160p, 1080p and 720p output at up to 60 frames per second, along with HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG.
Amazon says the stick is 20% to 40% faster than a comparably priced 4K stick from another leading brand. Engadget also reports Amazon’s claims that apps launch more than 35% faster and playback begins nearly 20% faster, but says it has not reviewed the company’s testing methodology. The Verge says the new model replaces Amazon’s earlier Select and Plus 4K sticks, leaving a lineup of the Fire TV Stick HD, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Cube.
A remote designed for use by feel
The included remote has a reshaped body and controls that are easier to distinguish without looking down. TechCrunch describes a metallic home button, a recessed power button and a microphone button that replaces the older remote’s prominent blue Alexa button. A new customizable favorites button can open an app or toggle a setting such as closed captions.
The remote will also be sold separately for $14.99 in the US and is expected to ship in late October. According to The Verge, it works with Amazon Ember TVs and Fire TV streaming devices released from 2019 onward. The Verge and Engadget say Amazon plans a higher-end Remote Plus early next year, with an aluminum design, backlit buttons and a feature for finding a misplaced remote.
Software and availability
The Verge reports that Amazon is adding an Alexa Plus Hub and Alexa Plus integration to its Fire TV mobile app, alongside a new Amazon Music app for Fire TV later this fall. Engadget says the new stick comes with Alexa+ and Amazon’s updated Fire TV experience.
The stick is initially available in 13 countries, including the US, Canada, Israel is not among the markets listed in the reports. Engadget says its $30 promotional price will apply during next week’s Prime Big Deal Days event; TechCrunch describes the $29.99 price as a launch discount, without specifying that timing.
Sources
This story was compiled by AI from the reports below. Read the originals for the full details.