Amazon today introduced a $39 adapter to turn your TV into a Smart TV, capable of streaming movies, shows, music from a plethora of Internet sources. The device is called the Fire TV Stick, and it connects to the HDMI port on your HDTV. The device functions much like Chromecast or Roku Stick, but has Amazon centric features, which include games and Amazon Instant Video access. Although, it is the only one of the three with Dolby Digital Plus certified surround sound.
Amazon claims Fire TV Stick is the most powerful streaming media stick, offering up a Dual-core processor, 1 GB RAM, and 8 GB storage for fast and fluid navigation and instant search results. Fire TV Stick has 50% more processing power and 2x the memory of Chromecast; it has 6x the processing power, 2x the memory, and 32x the storage of Roku Streaming Stick—this results in faster and more fluid navigation, plus more storage for apps and games. It delivers stunning 1080p HD video and immersive audio with Dolby Digital Plus surround sound. Fire TV Stick features dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi with MIMO for fast and reliable streaming. Chromecast only has single-band, single-antenna Wi-Fi.
The Fire TV Stick, which is about the size of a pack of gum, should be simple to set-up. It arrives pre-registered so you can simply plug it in and start streaming in minutes. It features the same fast and fluid user interface as Amazon Fire TV, with big, beautiful images and easy-to-discover content.
A remote control is included for easy navigation on screen, but there is also a free Fire TV Remote App (with Voice Search) that turns your smartphone into a remote. Voice search enables you to simply speak the name of a movie, TV show, actor, director, or genre into your phone, and you’re done. Additionally, you can mirror your smartphone or tablet screen to your big screen TV.
Price and Availability
Fire TV Stick will be available November 19, 2014, but can be pre-ordered today for $39 at www.amazon.com/fire-tv-stick. As a thank you to Prime members, Fire TV Stick is available for two days only for just $19 on Amazon.com. Customers who are new to Prime can sign up for a free trial and also receive this special price.
You can also choose to upgrade to the Amazon Fire TV Voice Remote for $29.99.
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