Amazon has just confirmed a massive upgrade to its Fire TV Sticks which is bringing a swathe of extra shows, movies and sporting action directly into living rooms. The huge boost is all thanks to a major update to the firm’s Fire TV Channel app which originally launched back in May. This platform, which is available via the home screen, will now feature content from over 400 premium providers and the best part is… it’s totally free to watch everything that’s included.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/KJvaZBOTuvI
Amazon is promising that its Fire TV Channel will feature thousands of live and on-demand videos across news, sports, entertainment, cooking, travel and gaming.
Explaining more, Amazon said in its Fire TV Blog: “We’ve made finding something great to watch easier than ever with the Fire TV Channels app. Fire TV Channels bring all your favorite content into one destination with easy-to-browse categories and curated playlists for any interest.
“Fire TV Channels is available on Fire TV devices — no downloads, sign-ups, or fees required.”
Firms that have signed up for the new app include ABC News, CBS Sports HQ, MLB, Fox Sports, NHL and GoTraveler with Amazon saying that more providers could join in the future.
It all sounds pretty exciting for anyone with a Fire TV Stick but before you rush to cancel your Sky contract there is a problem.
Right now, the Fire TV Channel is only available in the US meaning those customers on this side of the pond are going to miss out.
It’s unclear if Amazon will bring this update to more screens across the globe in the future but there’s no confirmation of a bigger rollout at the moment.
“Fire TV Channels is available on Fire TV devices in the US,” Amazon confirmed. If you do happen to be heading stateside then you’ll find all of the new content by pressing the Home button on your Alexa Voice remote. Then scroll down to find content rows labelled Fire TV Channels, and click a content tile for immediate playback. Or go to the Free icon in Fire TV’s navigation bar.
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to unlock the Fire TV experience, the Stick Lite is the model for you. This entry-level Fire TV plugs directly into the HDMI port and offers access to Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and dozens more in High Definition.
Streaming Quality: 1080p HD | HDR Support: No | Voice Control: Yes | Control Your TV With Alexa Remote: No | Dolby Vision: No | Hands-free Alexa Controls: No
While the Fire TV Stick tops-out at the same 1080p High Definition max resolution as the Fire TV Stick Lite, it does offer Dolby Atmos audio – perfect if you’ve invested in a soundbar. It also has universal controls for power and volume, so you’ll only need to pick-up a single remote to control the television and the Fire TV streaming experience!
Streaming Quality: 1080p HD | HDR Support: No | Voice Control: Yes | Control Your TV With Alexa Remote: Yes | Dolby Vision: No | Hands-free Alexa Controls: No
If you’re playing to binge boxsets on a 4K television, you should discount the above Fire TV Sticks and look to this model at a minimum. As the name suggests, Fire TV Stick 4K arrives with support for 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos to boost your next movie night.
Streaming Quality: 4K Ultra HD | HDR Support: Yes | Voice Control: Yes | Control Your TV With Alexa Remote: Yes | Dolby Vision: Yes | Hands-free Alexa Controls: No
Want a little more speed? If you’re willing to spend a little bit more, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is all about power. Amazon describes as its “most powerful streaming stick” and claims the Max is 40 percent more powerful than Fire TV Stick 4K, offers faster app starts, and more fluid navigation. It’s also the only Fire TV Stick model with support for the speedier Wi-Fi 6 standard.
Streaming Quality: 4K Ultra HD | HDR Support: Yes | Voice Control: Yes | Control Your TV With Alexa Remote: Yes | Dolby Vision: Yes | Hands-free Alexa Controls: No
The flagship Fire TV is part-Fire TV Stick part-Echo Dot as it can function as an Alexa-powered smart speaker when your telly is switched off – answering questions about the latest forecast, commute conditions, and switching on smart lightbulbs. When you’re watching television, you can bark orders at Alexa to control the volume, change channels, open streaming apps, and more …all without touching the remote, thanks to the far-field microphone array built-in.
Streaming Quality: 4K Ultra HD | HDR Support: Yes | Voice Control: Yes | Control Your TV With Alexa Remote: Yes | Dolby Vision: Yes | Hands-free Alexa Controls: Yes
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