Design and Performance
As part of its fall hardware refresh, Amazon introduced the next version of its Fire TV Stick 4K, which is slimmer and faster and can be directly charged via a TV’s USB port.
The device comes with a completely overhauled remote control featuring a home button you can feel in the dark, a dedicated favorites button, and a comfortable new shape.
The streamer is claimed to be 20% to 40% faster than leading competitors, but the redesigned remote addresses long-standing usability complaints.
Redesigned Remote Control
The new remote features a different curvature making it easy to hold, with buttons and layouts specifically optimized for use in a dark room.
Users frequently struggle to find the right button when visibility is low and icons are unclear.
Image Credits:Amazon
The prominent blue Alexa voice button has been replaced with a more subtle black microphone button at the top right, featuring a slight dish for tactile identification.
The home button includes a distinct metallic finish and an orangish-reddish hue. The power button is recessed to prevent accidental presses, and the D-pad is flatter with a more tactile center click.
Responding to user feedback, a new Favorites button can be programmed to launch a preferred app or toggle options like Closed Captions and Dialog Boost.
Image Credits:TechCrunch
Pricing and Availability
The new remote control ships bundled with the Fire TV Stick 4K and is also sold separately for users wanting an upgrade.
The 4K Stick includes 8GB of internal storage, a quad-core 1.7 GHz processor, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 support. It handles multiple HDR formats and outputs up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.
The 4K model expands Amazon's lineup, which includes an HD Stick, a 4K Max Stick, and the Fire TV Cube.
The Fire TV 4K Stick has a list price of $59.99 with a launch discount at $29.99, rolling out globally in markets including the U.S., Canada, UK, and European countries.
The standalone remote ships in late October and costs $14.99 in the U.S.
