Even though some individuals believe that an Amazon Fire TV Stick is no longer necessary, it seems Jeff Bezos wasn’t informed, as Amazon has unveiled a fresh Fire TV Stick HD model. Offering the capability to convert any TV with an HDMI port into a smart TV, a Fire TV Stick serves as a solid choice for accessing various streaming services and content, in addition to providing extra features. The new Fire TV is now USB-powered and comes with a few additional surprises.
Announced through a press release and currently available for preorder, the new Fire TV Stick HD is said to be the slimmest design from the company to date. Amazon highlights that the new Stick is 30% narrower than its predecessor, with an emphasis on its portability. Furthermore, it introduces new UI elements that Amazon is implementing across other devices, along with some extra improvements for user convenience.
Regardless of whether you opt for the new Amazon Fire TV HD Stick, there remains a multitude of accessories that can enhance your viewing experience, although the new UI features should also significantly benefit older models. As of now, the new Fire TV HD is set to start shipping on April 29 to preordered customers in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and the UK. The company confirms that customers in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Sweden, and the Netherlands can check their local Amazon page for further availability details.
What’s included with the new Amazon Fire TV HD Stick
Available for preorder at $34.99, the new Amazon Fire TV HD Stick boasts several enhancements over previous versions, featuring the newly revamped UI we examined earlier this year. The software redesign offers access to shortcuts, increased speeds, and new free, ad-supported streaming channels, referred to as FAST. For users in Japan, this new experience will launch later in April, featuring an exclusive hub dedicated solely to Anime. The updated experience is also being rolled out to international users at the end of April.
Regarding the new hardware, Amazon is promising 30% faster speeds compared to the last generation, with a notable aspect being the ability to power the new Stick directly through a television’s USB port using a small cable, eliminating the need for an extra power adapter (although an option exists). The new Fire TV HD also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, which Amazon asserts will provide users with more dependable connections.
For residents in the UK, Canada, or the U.S., the new Fire TV HD additionally includes support for Alexa+, Amazon’s advanced AI assistant and “entertainment expert.” Alexa+ can deliver streaming recommendations or share details about the content being viewed (such as information on a particular actor) while also managing smart devices. Amazon is also introducing a new Adaptive Display setting designed to enlarge smaller items, like menus and text, for those who may struggle to see them, while simultaneously resizing other UI components accordingly.