The number of streaming video devices on the market continues to grow as consumers flock to popular services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. But if you're new to the technology, it can be difficult to find the most suitable streaming device for you.
One of the best options currently on the market is the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Along with the low cost, the streaming device plugs directly into an HDMI port, making it a solid choice for anyone with limited space near their TV.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Amazon Fire TV Stick, explain how it works, and tell potential buyers what they need to know before making a purchase.
Most of today's streaming video options are small boxes that sit near your TV and connect using an HDMI cable. But the Amazon Fire TV Stick is a bit different.
As the name suggests, the device is a small, stick-like dongle that is slightly larger than a USB flash drive. It is 3.4 inches tall and 1.2 inches wide. At the end of the device is a standard HDMI connector designed to be plugged into any open HDMI port on a television.
As long as your TV has an HDCP-compliant HDMI port, which is found on any modern set, it's ready to go once you've connected a micro-USB power cable and chosen a Wi-Fi network.
Amazon also includes a small Alexa voice remote with the Fire TV stick. This allows users to navigate the Fire TV Stick interface and even interact with Amazon's personal assistant, Alexa.
Alexa support opens up a host of different skills and other commands. One of the best is the ability to play music just by pressing the microphone button voice command.
The real draw of the Fire TV Stick is the video content. Since the device is from Amazon, you can watch movies and TV shows on Amazon Prime Video. Here are the best Amazon Prime movies. The 20 best movies to watch on Amazon Prime. The 20 best movies to watch on Amazon Prime. Of the thousands of movies on Amazon Prime Video, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff? We found some absolute classics. Read More
And that is far from everything. You can access a wide range of other subscription services, including Netflix, HBO Now, and many others. Cord cutters will be happy to hear that streaming TV services like Hulu, Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, or DirecTV Now are also available on the device.
First, enter your Amazon account information and pair the remote.
There are six main sections to explore:Search, Home, Movies, TV Shows, Apps, and Settings. Users will always start in the Home section. To move through the different sections and content, you will use the navigation trackpad on the remote. The center of the trackpad is used as the selection button.
Instead of having to use the different buttons on the remote, you can get a lot of things done by pressing the microphone button and talking to Alexa. You can use voice commands to play a movie or TV show, search for content, search within apps, control playback, launch apps, control live TV apps, and more.
Here are more facts you need to know about the Amazon Fire TV Stick:
Amazon provides access to a wide variety of different apps for download. But something you may not know is that the device runs Android. Thus, it is possible to download Android apps to the Fire TV Stick How to Add Apps to Your Amazon Fire TV Stick How to Add Apps to Your Amazon Fire TV Stick Your Fire TV Stick can run almost any Android app, and installing them couldn't be more easy. Read more . The best way is to use an Android phone, but it can also be done on a Mac, PC, or Linux machine.
One type of application that you won't have to worry about loading a device is a web browser. We compare two of the best Amazon Fire TV Stick browsers:Firefox and Silk The best web browser for Amazon Fire TV Stick:Firefox vs. Silk Best Amazon Fire TV Stick Web Browser:Firefox vs. Silk You probably already know. You can surf the web with Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick. But what is the best browser to use? Read more.
Like other Amazon hardware products, the Fire TV Stick comes with parental controls. During setup, parents can set a 5-digit PIN password. The PIN will be required to play content rated Teen or higher or make a purchase.
You don't need the Alexa Voice Remote to control the Fire TV Stick. Be sure to download the Amazon Fire TV Remote app for Android or iOS. Along with navigation via on-screen navigation, the app also supports voice search.
If you already own an Amazon Echo device, you can link the Fire TV Stick and voice control of the streaming device.
There are two versions of the Amazon Fire TV Stick to choose from. The best place to buy both options is from Amazon itself. Streaming devices are also available at a host of other retailers, including Best Buy and Target.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K brings Ultra HD content to any compatible 4K TV. It also offers a better wifi antenna design. Another bonus is a second-generation Alexa Voice Remote that offers a physical power button and volume controls.
Fire TV Stick 4K with New Alexa Voice Remote, Live Streaming Media Player Fire TV Stick 4K with New Alexa Voice Remote, Video Streaming Media Player Buy Now on Amazon $49.99
For anyone with only 1080p HD equipment, the standard Amazon Fire TV Stick is less expensive and offers access to all the same content and apps. Definitely be sure to check out our essential apps for the Amazon Fire TV Stick. You'll also get the old Alexa voice remote.
Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, Live Streaming Media Player Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, Streaming Media Player Buy Now on Amazon $39.99
In the box for both options, buyers will find the Fire TV Stick, the Alexa Voice Remote, two AAA batteries, a power adapter, and an HDMI extender. The extender provides better Wi-Fi reception and will allow users to not displace nearby HDMI ports.
As you can see, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is the perfect way to bring all the benefits of a streaming video device to your television. The affordable price, small size, and access to a host of different services make the Fire TV Stick a great choice for most users.
And if you decide to take the plunge and make the purchase, make sure you know how to set up and use the Amazon 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 excellent and affordable transmission for beginners. This guide will help you set up and start using your Amazon Fire Stick without any stress. Read more first.
