At Amazon's annual devices event, the company unveiled an exciting update to its Fire TV lineup, featuring the Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and a new Fire TV-branded soundbar. This expansion mirrors Roku's move into diverse home entertainment products. However, the standout announcement was the introduction of generative AI for Fire TV voice search, enhancing how users interact with Alexa and discover new content.
Fire TV users can now ask Alexa more complex and open-ended questions about TV shows and movies, thanks to the newly integrated generative AI experience. This allows for a more conversational and natural way of interaction. The AI-powered Alexa update made its debut during the event earlier today.
Users will be able to instruct Alexa to find content based on specific actors, directors, scenes, genres, or preferences. Examples include phrases like “action movies with car chases,” “comedies for rainy days,” or “free animated movies.” Alternatively, users can simply express their mood to Alexa, who will provide personalized recommendations tailored to their Fire TV profile.
While the generative AI-powered voice search is a key highlight in the enhanced Fire TV experience, several other updates are also included. A new "Continue Watching" row will feature titles from a range of streaming platforms such as Disney+, Freevee, Hulu, MAX, MGM+, Peacock, STARZ, and Tubi, with more options to be added over time. Both the improved voice search and this new feature will roll out across the U.S. later this year.
Additionally, Amazon is upgrading its Fire TV product line with a trio of new devices, including a Fire TV bundle. The new Fire TV Stick 4K, priced at $49.99, now supports Wi-Fi 6 and boasts an upgraded 1.7 GHz quad-core processor, making it 30% faster than its predecessor. It supports 4K Ultra HD picture quality and Dolby Atmos audio, along with technologies like Dolby Vision, HDR, HLG, and HDR10+. With Alexa Home Theater, users can wirelessly connect other Echo devices for a multi-speaker audio experience.
The upgraded Fire TV Stick 4K Max, retailing at $59.99, comes equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and features double the storage of the previous generation at 16GB, allowing users to save more apps and games. It includes an enhanced 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, making it the fastest option in the Fire TV lineup. This stick also supports 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
Furthermore, this top-tier streaming stick features the Fire TV Ambient Experience, previously exclusive to Fire TV Omni QLED Series televisions. This transformation turns your TV into a continually-on smart display, showcasing over 2,000 pieces of artwork from global artists, motion graphics, or personal images. Additionally, on-screen widgets provide quick access to information like calendars, reminders, and sticky notes, as well as control over smart home devices, play music from streaming services like Amazon Music and Spotify, and more.
Amazon further expands its offerings with the introduction of a new soundbar and a Fire TV device bundle. The 24-inch Fire TV Soundbar, priced at $119.99, is a two-channel device that supports DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, compatible with any Fire TV device. Users can also connect their phones or tablets via Bluetooth when they’re not watching TV.
In conjunction with the purchase of any Fire TV media player or smart TV in the U.S., the new Fire TV bundle includes a six-month subscription to MGM+. Amazon's acquisition of MGM for $8.5 billion in 2022 provides access to a diverse library of films, including “Top Gun: Maverick,” “No Time to Die,” and “House of Gucci,” along with original series like the sci-fi horror “FROM,” Emmy-winning “Godfather of Harlem,” and the Western adventure “Billy the Kid.”
All the new devices are recognized as Climate Pledge Friendly, having achieved the Carbon Trust’s Reducing CO2 certifications. Preorders for the new Fire TV Stick devices are available now on Amazon.com, while the Fire TV Soundbar is available for immediate purchase.
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