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Amazon just upgraded one of its most beloved tech products in a major way, making it more portable and streamer-friendly than ever.
The new and improved Amazon Fire TV Stick HD was made available Wednesday, April 29, on Amazon.com. The streaming device retails for $34.99 and features changes made to the functionality and size. According to Amazon, the gadget is 30% slimmer, making it more portable than ever, and can be powered through a TV’s USB port, foregoing the use of a wall adapter utilized in older models.
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD New Model
This is the latest model of Amazon’s Fire TV Stick HD. According to Amazon, the new controller is 30% slimmer and can be powered through a TV’s USB port, so no need for a wall adapter.
That portability is an extremely attractive feature, especially for folks always on the go. The new model was created to fit easily into a carry-on bag or pocket. The Fire TV Stick HD’s new Direct Power feature allows users to power their device using a TV’s USB port with the included cable, working with your existing setup for less clutter and ease of use, something that was lacking in Amazon’s last models.
One of our favorite additions, which will surely take the guesswork out of streaming, is the built-in Alexa+. The pseudo companion is a generative AI-powered voice assistant that offers Fire TV Stick users a more personalized experience when it comes to watching movies or TV shows. You can ask your Alexa+ for recommendations based on your specific tastes. Like action movies? Maybe you’re into thrillers over music documentaries. Amazon claims that Alexa+ will consider your preferences, offering you suggestions for a new show to obsess over or an indie film you’ve never heard of.
Alexa+ can also be utilized to control your connected smart home devices, whether you’re dimming the lights in your living room for movie night or turning up the volume on your speakers to jam out. Don’t remember the name of that handsome actor in your favorite biopic? He’s on the tip of your tongue for sure. You can call on Alexa+ for help with that, too. In short, this is a smarter way to incorporate AI that works with you, not against you, for entertainment purposes.
Along with the built-in AI and size change, the new Fire TV Stick HD also includes advanced adaptive display settings, which are basically just accessibility features that make things such as text, menus and content easier to navigate and see on your screen.
Amazon Ember Artline 55″ with Fire TV Latest Model
This is the new model of Amazon’s Ember Artline TV with a matte finish to make your art screensaver more realistic. The new model also includes Alexa+, an AI helper.
The Fire TV Stick HD was also launched alongside a new Amazon Ember Artline TV for $899.99. The 55-inch TV will begin to ship on April 22 in the U.S. and Canada, and on May 7 in the U.K. and Germany. The screen is now matteified to make your artwork look like, well, artwork rather than a shiny TV screen. The TV also includes Alexa+ for hands-free control when you want to browse photos or find something to stream.