Amazon has updated its Fire TV Stick streaming device with 4K Ultra HD and support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision while still managing to undercut low-cost streaming device rival Roku.
The new Fire TV Stick 4K comes with an Alexa voice-enabled remote and is priced at $50, less than Roku’s $70 Streaming Stick+. The remote enables voice controls to power on compatible TV and AV equipment, switch inputs, or tune to a channel on a cable box. The remote also now has dedicated power, volume, and mute buttons.
“We’ve listened to our customers and pushed to deliver the complete 4K solution they are looking for, all within a compact stick form factor,” said Marc Whitten, vice president of Amazon Fire TV, in a statement. “The team invented an entirely new antenna technology and combined that with a powerful 802.11ac Wi-Fi chip that optimizes for the best possible 4K UHD streaming experience, even in congested network environments. Our new quad-core processor delivers a fast and fluid experience and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ provides an amazing picture. Plus, the all-new Alexa Voice Remote lets you control your complete entertainment experience and use your voice to quickly find the content you want. Just say, ‘Find 4K movies.’”
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In addition to supporting Dolby Vision, the new Fire TV Stick supports Dolby Atmos for audio. Also, Amazon on Wednesday added enhanced in-app voice control for more content sources including A&E, AMC, Sony Crackle, Hallmark Movies Now, HBO Now, History, IFC, Lifetime and VH1.
Amazon’s refreshed Fire TV Stick comes hot on the heels of a whole bunch of new product announcements, including the new Fire TV Recast, a DVR for free over-the-air broadcast channels.
Fire TV Recast lets users watch, record and replay over-the-air TV programming on Fire TV, Echo Show, and on compatible Fire tablet, iOS and Android devices. To do so, users will have to connect an HD antenna.