BACKGROUND:
When Amazon launched Amazon Fire TV stick-Basic Edition in Canada in November 2017, I decided to give it a try. It turned out to be right decision as I was able to not only convert my older HDTV into Smart TV, but it also opened door for lots of content including Amazon Prime Video. It should be noted that Amazon Prime Video is totally free for Amazon Prime Members. In November 2018 Amazon launched it’s Fire Stick 4K which was right move considering lots of content becoming available in 4K. Amazon’s new Fire Stick sits right between Fire Stick Basic (now replaced with Fire TV Stick Lite) and Fire Stick 4K. I believe this is considering the fact that not everybody need 4K content and at the same time equally powerful stick with great remote similar to Fire TV Stick 4K. The remote on Fire Stick Basic was very basic and the new Fire TV stick fills this gap. Like Fire TV stick 4K the remote is Alexa voice enabled and comes with dedicated power, volume, mute buttons to control TV as well as other peripherals like sounders and receiver. I am also using Amazon Echo Dot and there are few more Alexa compatible devices in home so updated remote with Alexa support is great to have.
SETUP:
I pre-ordered The Fire TV Stick and it was delivered on the release day-thanks to free 1-day shipping with my Prime Membership. Stick connects to your TV’s HDMI port. Set up was very easy - Just connect stick to power port and HDMI port of TV, enter WI-Fi password and after software update, Amazon Fire TV stick was ready to use in minutes. It even asked me if I want to set up parental controls. It asked me to press Volume Up and Down buttons which in turn successfully paired my TV to the remote and now I can control TV with Amazon remote. My last 4K stick came pre-registered to my name and my Amazon Account and I didn’t need to do any account set up. But this time it asked me to go to Amazon website and enter a code which did not take any time and everything was ready in few minutes.
IMPORTANT:
People buying it as a gift should note that you should make sure that you UNCHECK “Link to my Amazon account to simplify setup” option when you add this to the cart. This will ensure that Fire Stick will NOT come pre-registered to your account and gift recipient can register to their own Amazon account. This will ensure that they are not using your account.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR SPECIFICATIONS:
(1) Up to 1080p Full HD output resolution with support for HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, and HLG
(2) Powerful upgraded 1.7 GHz quad-core processor (Same as 4K version)
(3) Upgraded remote with Alexa support and added Volume and Mute buttons.
(4) Dolby Atmos Audio
(5) Ethernet Support. You need to buy “Amazon Ethernet Adapter for Amazon Fire TV Devices for $19.99
THE STICK:
When Amazon launched Fire TV Stick 4K in 2018, they claims that Fire TV Stick 4K is 80% more powerful than previous Basic version and this is mainly due to upgraded quad-core processor and Wi-Fi chipset. Amazon has now included the same powerful processor in this Fire TV Stick. This 50% faster processor (compared to previous generation) enables not just seamless Full HD video streaming, but also support for HDR in both HDR 10, HDR10 and HLG. Like 4K version it also has support for Dolby Atmos Audio. I think this stick checks all the boxes for home theatre enthusiasts in terms of both video and audio. Only difference between this stick and 4K version is support for 4K and Dolby Vision which many people do not require and can save $10 against 4K version.
There are lots of applications pre-configured and you can browse and download thousands of applications and games. There is also Firefox browser support to browse internet. This Edition has 8GB of storage, a 1.7 GHz quad-core processor. It can stream movies and TV shows at 720p, 1080p HD at up to 60 fps. The stick is compact and can be easily tucked behind the TV. The compact size makes it useful for traveling as well and weight is only 43 grams. Once you connect to TV, you find that everything is laid out nicely and browsing through the content is quite user-friendly.
Stick comes with dual-band, dual-antenna WI-Fi and provides seamless Wi-Fi performance. It features upgraded (same as 4K version) 802.11ac Wi-Fi chip that helps with bandwidth requirements of 4K programming which will ensure no buffering and quick load times. If you have issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, you can buy “Amazon Ethernet Adapter for Amazon Fire TV Devices” which is sold separately for $19.99. Box also contained HDMI extender cable.
THE REMOTE:
Like 4K version the most appealing functionality on the remote is Alexa Voice Support. I have Echo Dot and I knew this will work well and I found this to be case. Voice Control worked almost perfectly. The Alexa Voice Remote combines Bluetooth with infrared to control both the Fire TV Stick as well as other home entertainment devices, including your TV and cable box. Alexa powered remote is great upgrade as you can just talk to Alexa to find things for you. Another impressive find is though remote includes in-built microphone and you can command remote to do almost anything, if you have Amazon Echo, you can also link it to Echo to have hands-free Alexa compatibility. In fact as soon as I set up fire TV, Amazon Echo Dot immediately announced :” I found TV”. I also got message on my Alexa iOS application as well if I want to control new TV.
For Example, you can ask :
“Alexa, Open Netflix”,
“Alexa, Open Amazon Prime Video”
“Alexa, Find Thriller Movies” ,
“Alexa, play Grand Tour”
“Alexa, find dramas”.
If can also control compatible devices like TV and Sound Bards or ask Alexa to dim the light. I also tried things like “Alexa, What is the weather now” and “Alexa, Set thermostat temperature to 21 degrees”.
Alexa Remote has also got upgrade in terms of added Volume and Mute buttons. It should be noted that this remote can be purchased separately to upgrade your remote on older Fire TV.
You can also download the Fire TV Remote App to your mobile phone and pair it with your Fire TV device to use as an alternate remote. It should be noted that the remote is compatible with Fire Tv Stick Lite, previous generation Fire Stick (2nd and 3rd generation), Fits Tv 4k, Fire Tv Cube as well as Fire TV Stick Basic.
GENERAL NOTES:
For people new to Amazon Fire Stick, it should be noted that there is no monthly charge associated with Amazon Fire TV stick, but you may have to pay for streaming services like Netflix to stream their content. There is lot of free content though including YouTube. Another thing worth noting is the content is country specific. E.g. Amazon Prime Video content will be different in Canada than US and you can only watch country specific content to which you have subscribed to. Amazon Prime Members will be happy as they do not pay for Amazon Prime Video which has lots of content. Some people may say that other streaming services like Netflix has more content, but I am not even able to watch small fraction of huge amount of stuff available on Amazon Prime and it’s free with my Prime membership. People using Android box may be disappointed as most of content they were getting free is not available free. You subscribe or pay for the content.
There are lots of other benefits of being Prime Member and having Fire Stick. For example Prime Members gets unlimited free storage of photos which you can view on TV. Also all the digital content purchased from Amazon can be stored for free on cloud storage.
THE GOOD:
(1) Great Video (Full HD) and Audio (Dolby Atmos) support including HDR10+, and HDR10 format support
(2) Alexa enabled remote with capabilities to control devices like TV, Sound Bar as well as other Alexa devices in home
(3) Extremely fast performance. Fast Load Time and no buffering
(4) Best in class hardware
THE BAD:
(1) As an Amazon Prime Member I do not mind it, but it seems Amazon content seems dominant.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Overall, this package feels best-in-class in terms of hardware capabilities and remote functionalities. Only thing it lacks compared to 4K stick is 4K video capability which was not needed for my bedroom TV. So I decided to save some money and spend on equally capable but little cheaper stick. Some people may lean towards Roku, but to me being a Prime Member (Free Prime Video) and having many Alexa compatible devices this is definitely a winner. It simply fits well in Alexa ecosystem.
Pick a version
See the differences
-
Adds TV controls | Stream thousands of apps
This version1,604From: CDN$ 34.99 -
Stream thousands of apps | no TV controls
620From: CDN$ 29.99 -
Supports 4k UHD | TV controls | Stream thousands of apps
20,390From: CDN$ 44.99
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Compare Fire TV streaming devices
| Price | From: CDN$ 29.99 | From: CDN$ 34.99 | From: CDN$ 44.99 | From: CDN$ 99.99 |
| Ratings | (620) | (1,604) | (20,390) | (1,354) |
| Included remote | Alexa Voice Remote Lite | Alexa Voice Remote | Alexa Voice Remote | Alexa Voice Remote |
| Remote with TV controls (power/volume buttons) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Supported audio | HDMI pass-through for Dolby Atmos Audio | Dolby Atmos Audio | Dolby Atmos Audio | Dolby Atmos Audio |
| Release year | 2020 | 2020 | 2018 | 2019 |
| Best for | Streaming essentials | Streaming essentials plus TV control | Vivid 4K Ultra HD streaming | Hands-free voice control of entertainment |
| Hands-free with Alexa | ✔️ | |||
| Picture quality | Up to 1080p Full HD with support for HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG | Up to 1080p Full HD with support for HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG | Up to 4K Ultra HD with support for HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision | Up to 4K Ultra HD with support for HDR, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision |
| Behind-the-TV design | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Storage | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Quad-core processor | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Hexa-core |
| Optional Amazon Ethernet Adapter | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Full Ethernet support |
Simple to set up and use
1. Plug Fire TV Stick directly into your HDTV, or use the included HDMI extender.
2. Plug into wall outlet.
3. Connect to the internet and enjoy.
Technical Details
Fire TV Stick technical details
|
Size |
86 x 30 x 13 mm |
|
Weight |
32.0 g |
|
Storage |
8 GB internal |
|
Wifi |
Dual-band, dual-antenna wifi (MIMO) for faster streaming and fewer dropped connections than standard wifi. Supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wifi networks |
|
Bluetooth |
Bluetooth 5.0 and Bluetooth Low Energy. Pair with compatible Bluetooth speakers, headphones, video game controllers, and more |
|
Voice support |
Yes, with Alexa Voice Remote (included) or the free Fire TV app (available for download on Fire OS, Android, and iOS) |
|
IR device control with included Alexa Voice Remote |
The included Alexa Voice Remote can control Fire TV Stick and certain functions (such as power and volume) on a wide range of compatible IR-enabled devices, including TVs, soundbars, and A/V receivers. Note: Certain functions may not be available on some IR-enabled devices |
|
Cloud storage |
Free cloud storage for digital content purchased from Amazon |
|
Ports |
HDMI output, micro-USB for power only |
|
Audio support |
Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+ surround sound and HDMI Audio passthrough for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, Dolby Atmos |
|
Video content formats supported |
HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, H.265, H.264, Vp9 |
|
Output resolution supported |
1080p and 720p up to 60 fps |
|
System requirements |
High-definition television with available HDMI input, internet connection via wifi, a power outlet |
|
TV compatibility |
High-definition TVs with HDMI capable of 1080p or 720p at 60/50 Hz |
|
Warranty and service |
1-Year Limited Warranty and service included. Optional 2-Year and 3-Year Extended Warranty available for Canadian customers sold separately. Use of Fire TV Stick is subject to the Fire TV terms found here |
|
Regional support |
Note: Certain services may not be available outside Canada |
|
Accessibility features |
VoiceView screen reader enables access to the vast majority of Fire TV features for users who are blind or visually impaired. Watch videos and TV shows with closed captioning displayed. Captions are not available for all content. You can also listen to Fire TV with compatible Bluetooth headphones. Learn more about accessibility for Fire TV |
|
Included in the box |
Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen), Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen), USB cable and power adapter, HDMI extender, 2 AAA batteries, Quick Start Guide |
Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen) technical details
|
Size |
38 x 142 x 16 mm |
|
Weight |
43.4 g (without batteries) |
|
Batteries |
2 AAA (included) |
|
Technology |
Bluetooth and infrared |
|
Compatibility |
Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen), Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen), Fire TV Stick (Basic Edition) |
Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
Top reviews from other countries
Nevada girl
This changed my Dumb TV into a Smart TV
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2020Verified Purchase