Amazon just concluded its new hardware presentation and two products that stood out were its latest updates to the Fire TV Stick 4K ($49.99) and the Fire TV Stick 4K MAX (2nd Gen, $59.99).
Both Fire TV sticks continue to support 4K HDR viewing (dependent on Internet speed and content availability), with most surround sound (including Dolby Atmos), and music streaming formats as well as free cloud storage for Amazon-purchased content.
Both the Fire TV 4K and 4K MAX are also compatible with Bluetooth for direct streaming from compatible smartphones and tablets.
Both Fire TV Sticks allow users to control select smart home devices.
Voice control of viewing features and smart devices via “Press and Ask Alexa” is also included.
However, let’s check out what’s new.
Fire TV Stick 4K
Fire TV Stick 4K includes the following core improvements:
- 1.7 GHZ Processor for faster menu navigation.
- Wi-Fi 6 (Dual Band) for a smoother streaming experience.
- 2GB Memory
Fire TV Stick 4K MAX
The Step Up Fire TV Stick 4K MAX (2nd Gen) takes things up a notch with:
- More powerful 2.0 Ghz Quad Core process
- 16GB of storage
- Wi-Fi 6E (Tri-Band) for an even smoother streaming experience.
- Cloud Gaming
Ambient Experience
In addition, Fire TV Stick 4K Max users will have access to Amazon’s new Ambient Experience.
First implemented in Amazon’s Fire TV smart televisions, the ambient experience displays artwork and widgets that convert the TV screen into a smart display whenever you’re not actively using it for viewing movies and shows. Later this year, customers will be able to create generative backgrounds with the help of AI (Artificial Intelligence).
Users can also create artwork using just their voice with AI ART. This free feature will be made available to users in the U.S. by the end of 2023. AI ART allows customers to easily generate a personalized background by giving Alexa an imagination-driven prompt, such as, “Alexa, create an image of cherry blossoms in the snow,” and watch as that prompt is translated into a unique display on the Fire TV screen
Tip: The Fire TV Stick 4K MAX is only $10 more than the non-Max 4K version
In the Box
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max
- Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced
- HDMI extender cable
- Fire TV Stick 4K
- Alexa Voice Remote
- Power cable
- Power adapter
- 2 AAA batteries
- Quick Start Guide
Fire TV Stick Setup
Whether you have the Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K MAX the initial setup follows the same easy steps.
Pricing and Availability
- The Fire TV Stick 4K is priced at $49.99 at Amazon.
- The Fire TV Stick 4K MAX is priced at $59.99 through Amazon.
These can be pre-ordered now with shipping starting September 27, 2023.
Bonus Offer: Receive a 6-month subscription to Amazon’s MGM+ streaming service, including access to thousands of Hollywood movies and Original series with any Fire TV Stick or Fire TV Smart TV purchase. Terms apply.
On the other hand, Amazon has also announced that it will be implementing an Ad-supported version of Amazon Prime Video. If you don’t want to see Ads – fans of the service will have to pay $3 extra on their Amazon Prime Membership or standalone Prime Video Subscription.
Tip: In addition to the new Fire TV sticks, Amazon also announced a new budget-priced Fire TV Soundbar.
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ORT
September 26, 2023 at 4:12 pm
“Silence foul temptress!” (Alexa). I have had my 4K Stick o’ Fire for a couple of years now and I kept the original one too in the event someone else here would get the idea to drop cable. Not gonna happen.
I shall have to determinize if this here upgrade ain’t a sidegrade, downgrade or a degrade. Last week the version I currently use came on sale at a nice savings. I said to myself (using plurals of majesty as I have decided to assume the throne as the rightful ruler of Freedonia) “We must bide our time for as surely as we have our Constipational Right to the pursuit of fappines”
I enjoy “The Mandaloria”, “Ahsoka Tano”, TCM and The Criterion Collection and for the last few weeks, “The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp”. The Fire Stick brings that to me.
Thee MandalORTian 🙂
Ian White
September 27, 2023 at 1:15 am
ORT,
I realized during a recent clean-up that I have 3 of 4 of these streaming sticks going back almost 6 years. With so many apps included with TVs, it almost feels unnecessary.
What does it offer channel wise that I can’t get from the internal apps on an LG or Samsung?
IW
ORT
September 29, 2023 at 2:48 am
Ian –
You sir are correct-0-mundo! If you have even an kindasmart TV you will more than likely have access to a lot more stuff than even Mike Teavee could stomach! If the “native” fApplications reach the point where the TV is too old to update but otherwise is fine, then buy a new device like the Fire Stick.
Every time I write “fire stick” I keep thinking of a Muppet movie where some Muppet Pirates said something like, “Me see you have BOOM-Stick! Bye bye!”
If I were to cave in and get a new Vizio Pro I would think I could just use it to watch my stuff. Besides, I am not going to pay spAmazon to avoid commercials on things I already pay them for so if the TV can do what the stick do without having to buy the stick? No brainer and believe me, my brain is a no brainier kind of brain.
spAmazon is just putting the squeeze on us for their woke shows that are buzhit failures.
The appliances for the kitchen are in except for the Range Hood for which minor construction work must be done prior to installation. The main thing for me is the fridge has 2 (count ’em!) TWO ice makers! HUZZAH for me!
By the by, I am once again hooked on the voice of the loverly and talented Helen Shapiro. “Sigh”…
ORT