It looks like streaming device season is here, as Amazon joins Google and Roku in launching new products. Amazon randomly introduced Fire TV Stick HD It’s meant to replace both Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite to simplify your Fire TV streaming device offering.
Although not officially announced by Amazon, the new Fire TV Stick HD will be available for purchase as a new device for $35. It provides much of the same experience you’d expect from a Fire TV device, and connects to your TV as a dongle to provide smart features.
Also: Your Roku TV gets a major smart home upgrade for free.
Like the previous Lite and base models, the new Fire TV Stick HD supports 1080p resolution. While this may not seem like enough in the age of 4K TVs, it’s a great way to upgrade smaller or older TVs that may not have smart features to HD resolution.
Unlike the previous Lite version, the new Fire TV Stick HD features TV and voice controls. The remote supports voice control with Alexa and buttons to control the TV’s power and volume.
But do you see the difference? The Fire TV Stick HD looks a lot like the previous Fire TV Stick, but the Alexa voice remote is a little different. Compared to the existing Alexa voice remote offered with the Fire TV Stick 4K and 4K Max, the new Fire Stick remote has rounded edges and a slimmer appearance.
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“The new entry-level stick in the Fire TV Stick family includes an Alexa voice remote, allowing customers to seamlessly control their entire TV experience across soundbars and receivers using one remote,” an Amazon representative told ZDNET. “We will be able to control it,” he said. “Fire TV Stick HD delivers the full power and intelligence of the Fire TV experience and Alexa, plus over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes. Fire TV Stick HD allows customers to choose compact HD streaming. This device fits neatly behind your TV. ”
This launch is a good way for Amazon to merge two entry-level streaming sticks into one and smooth out its Fire TV streaming device lineup. Amazon now offers four streaming devices instead of five. Fire TV Stick HD, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Maxand Fire TV Cube.
