Amazon has a new Fire TV Stick for you to consider. As to be expected with a new hardware device, Amazon says its latest Fire TV Stick 4K model is its fastest yet, and one that’s super fast in general. Amazon also announced an all-new Fire TV Remote today.
What You Need to Know
- Amazon has launched a new Fire TV Stick 4K that is faster at launching apps and playing content than past models.
- Amazon looked to highlight the speed of the new model by comparing it to competing devices, including a streaming stick and three smart TVs.
- Amazon also announced a new Fire TV Remote featuring a more durable and tactile design.
Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick 4K costs $59.99 and is now available to buy in a variety of countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
According to Amazon, the new Fire TV Stick 4K is fast. Not only does it turn on faster, but it also launches apps over 35% faster, and content starts playing nearly 20% faster.
When compared to an unnamed “similarly priced 4K streaming stick from another leading brand,” Amazon says its new device gets customers to content nearly 20-40% faster.
The new Fire TV Stick is apparently not just faster than select unnamed competing stick-based devices, but some unnamed smart TVs too. Amazon explained how it tested the speed of Fire TV Stick 4K against the built-in experience of three smart TVs from top-selling brands.
After measuring the average across the three most popular apps on Fire TV, Amazon says its new Fire TV Stick 4K played content faster than all three of the TVs compared against.
Presumably, one of the reasons for the increase in speed is the use of Amazon’s Vega operating system. Similar to the Fire TV Stick HD from earlier this year, this makes the new model different to past Fire TV Stick models and versions.
Working alongside the OS, the Fire TV Stick 4K comes loaded with 8 GB internal storage, a quad-core 1.7 GHz processor, and features 2160p, 1080p, and 720p output resolution up to 60 frames per second.
It also supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and Bluetooth Low Energy, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, H.265, H.264, VP9, and AV1 video content formats.
An All-New Fire TV Remote
Amazon also today announced an all-new Fire TV Remote. More specifically, a new Fire TV Remote design that’s now expected to become the default design for all future Fire TV remotes.
The big change here appears to be in usability and durability, as the new remote includes more tactile controls that make it easier to hold and navigate key buttons.
Adding to this, a new asymmetric shape with a weighted bottom is designed to make it easier to feel which way is the right way up, and the home button now features a distinct metal surface for easier identification by touch.
The new Fire TV Remote is now available to pre-order for $14.99 as a standalone purchase, with shipping due to begin in October.
Those that want an even more premium remote might want to hold off right now, as Amazon says a new Fire TV Remote Plus (featuring distinctive aluminum housing and backlit buttons) will launch early next year.
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