Following in the footsteps of Apple and Roku, Amazon has also updated its streaming devices. The new Amazon Fire TV is faster, supports HDR, and yet costs less than its predecessor. So is there a catch?
This is the third generation of Fire TV, and Amazon still calls it a set-top box. But the device's new size makes it more like the Fire TV Stick or Chromecast Ultra, as it hangs behind your TV instead of sitting under it.
The new Amazon Fire TV launched with a retail price of $69.99, significantly lower than the $99.99 price of the second generation Fire TV.
Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and Alexa Voice Remote (1st Gen), Streaming Media Player Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and Alexa Voice Remote (1st Gen), Streaming Media Player Buy Now on Amazon
In fact, Amazon has two great deals to save you a lot of money. At the time of this writing, you can buy the new Fire TV with an echo dot to save money on both.
If you want to cut the cord but still enjoy free live sports, you need to buy a TV antenna. What can you watch using a TV antenna? What can you watch using a TV antenna? What if there was a cheap and legal way to get access to many of the big networks? You would probably turn around. Well, it turns out there is! The trusty TV antenna advances. Read more . Amazon is making it so simple (and affordable) by selling a Fire TV and HD antenna bundle.
Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD (2017 Edition, Pendant) + HD Antenna Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD (2017 Edition, Pendant) + HD Antenna Buy now on Amazon
The new Fire TV will begin shipping on October 25. If you like the device, it would be a good idea to pre-order it now. This promises to be a hot seller during the festive season.
The most striking feature of the new Fire TV (2017) is its small size compared to the previous version. In fact, Fire TV is now more like Chromecast.
The new Fire TV is a little black tile that fits in the palm of your head, with an HDMI cable sticking out of it. Connect this cable to your TV and the Fire TV will hang behind your TV doing its magic. At least after connecting it to a power source, of course.
If your TV's HDMI ports are located on the back, this is a much more aesthetically pleasing option than the previous Fire TV. There's no cable clutter, and no need to find a base to put it on. But if your TV's HDMI ports are located to the side, then this will be an odd-looking setup.
Either way, looking good doesn't matter if the device can't do what you want. And just like Apple and Google, Amazon is pushing HDR and 4K content HDR TV:what it is and why you'll need it in 2016 HDR TV:what it is and why you'll need it in 2016 High Dynamic Range, or HDR, is shaping up to be the big TV buzzword for 2016. But what is it? Will it live up to the hype? Here is everything you need to know. Read more . Plus, it boosts audio with Dolby Atmos support.
Remember, if you want to use both HDR and 4K, you'll need to buy a 4K HDR TV that supports it. The best affordable 4K HDR smart TVs you can buy. The best affordable 4K HDR smart TVs you can buy. The new Smart TVs have a difficult decision to make. It's not a gadget you update frequently, so you want something future-proof. So what do you get? Read more too.
It's annoying when a company removes a great feature just to make their device smaller. The new Fire TV (2017) removes the best feature of its predecessor Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Game Controller Review &Giveaway Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Controller and Game Review and Giveaway Amazon launched Fire TV, a media center device not very different than Apple TV, but with games as a benefit. Read more:the microSD card slot.
Now all you get is 8GB of internal storage. So if you wanted to download shows to watch offline later, you're out of luck. This will also affect Live TV DVR capabilities as 8GB is too little to save 4K HDR video.
One of the other features of Fire TV was the games you could play on it. But now, again, you're going to fill up that space very quickly and be left with no other option.
The new Amazon Fire TV is twice the price of the Fire TV Stick How to set up and use your Amazon Fire TV Stick How to set up and use your Amazon Fire TV Stick The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a great and affordable streaming device for beginners. This guide will help you set up and start using your Amazon Fire Stick without any stress. Read More Despite the lack of storage, it is.
The 2017 Fire TV has a new quad-core 1.5GHz processor that makes it 40 percent faster than any other Amazon streaming device. It also has 2GB of RAM compared to the Fire TV Stick's 1GB RAM. Both of these factors combined, you get a smoother experience while navigating through the menu or using the Alexa Voice Remote.
In fact, Fire TV 2017 works well with all Alexa voice controlled devices like the Amazon Echo series. A Comparison Guide to Amazon Echo Devices:Which is Best for You? A Comparison Guide to Amazon Echo Devices:Which is Best for You? Which Amazon Echo Device is Right for You? We compare the Plus, Dot, Tap, Show, Spot, Look and Fire TV Cube to help you decide. Read more.
Plus, it supports 4K and HDR, neither of which the Fire TV Stick can handle.
The big question you are facing now is:which media streaming device should you buy? What is the best media streaming device? What is the best media streaming device? Looking for the best streaming device? We've covered four different types of streaming devices:Budget, Mid-Range, High-End, and DIY. Learn more The 2017 Fire TV and the Roku Streaming Stick Plus cost exactly the same price, while the Apple TV costs twice as much. That's a huge price advantage.
However, Apple TV will upgrade all your previous purchases to 4K HDR for free. Which could add up to a lot of savings if you already have a nice iTunes library. You'll have to buy them again from Amazon or Roku, so consider that cost before you decide.
Between the Fire TV and the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, it's a tough call. Both have their selling points, like the voice remote on Fire TV and the new Wi-Fi booster accessory on Roku. So it's a pitch, really, and it comes down to your personal preferences.
In fact, it might be a better idea to opt for a streaming media device that fills the gap between the Apple TV and the 2017 Fire TV:the Roku Ultra. If you can grab it for less than $100, it's an absolute steal.
Roku Ultra - HD and 4K UHD Streaming Media Player with HDR, Enhanced Remote with Voice Search Roku Ultra - HD and 4K UHD Streaming Media Player with HDR, Enhanced Remote with Voice Search Buy Now On Amazon $84.70
While the 4K HDR support is great and the faster processor makes the Fire TV run smoother, the removal of the micro SD slot is very disappointing. Still, Amazon's latest streaming media devices are pretty darn good, especially with built-in features like X-Ray vision 8 Cool Things You Can Do With Amazon Prime Video 8 Cool Things You Can Do With Amazon Prime Video You Can Do More Than Just "just stream videos" through Amazon Prime Video. Here are several nifty tips, tricks, and hidden features that will enhance your Amazon Prime Video experience... Read More .
Do you like what Amazon has done with the new Fire TV (2017)? Or do you think this represents a step backwards for the company? Which streaming media device do you think represents the best value for money right now? Please let us know in the comments below!
