Amazon announced an updated Fire TV Stick 4K alongside a redesigned Fire TV Remote on Wednesday. The new streaming media device features a slimmer profile, a quad-core 1.7GHz processor, and Amazon’s custom Vega operating system instead of Android. The company designed the physical remote with distinct button textures and an asymmetric shape, allowing users to navigate menus by touch without glancing down at the controller.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon launched an updated Fire TV Stick 4K running the proprietary Vega operating system.
- The device includes a quad-core 1.7GHz processor, 8GB storage, Wi-Fi 6, and Alexa+ integration.
- The redesigned Fire TV Remote features tactile surfaces, an asymmetric grip, and a customizable shortcut key.
- Sideloading Android APK applications is no longer supported due to the transition to Vega OS.
- The streaming stick retails at $59.99, while the remote sells separately for $14.99 in the United States.
Hardware and Performance Updates
Amazon equipped the new Fire TV Stick 4K with a 1.7GHz quad-core processor and 8GB of internal storage. It supports 4K Ultra HD playback up to 60 frames per second, Wi-Fi 6 networks, and Bluetooth 5.3. The stick draws enough power directly from a television’s USB port using the included cable, eliminating the need to connect to an external wall socket for most modern TV sets.
The hardware transition from Android-based Fire OS to Amazon’s in-house Vega operating system alters software capabilities. The custom platform enables faster content loading and native Alexa+ conversational voice search. However, the software switch removes the ability to sideload third-party Android APK packages, restricting app installations strictly to the official Amazon Appstore.
Redesigned Tactile Remote
The updated Fire TV Remote introduces an asymmetric body featuring a flat top surface and a curved, weighted bottom. This shape helps users recognize the remote orientation instantly in dark rooms.
Key controls feature distinct physical textures. The remote includes a metallic home button, unique shapes on volume and navigation rings, and a customizable button marked with a star. Users can map this shortcut key to open a favorite app like Prime Video or YouTube, or assign accessibility options such as closed captions.
Pricing and Availability
Amazon set the price of the Fire TV Stick 4K at $59.99 in the United States, launching alongside markets including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Mexico. The standalone remote costs $14.99 for existing Fire TV owners seeking an upgrade. Amazon plans to release the device in additional international markets, including India, by late October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can you sideload apps on the new Fire TV Stick 4K?
A1. No. The device runs Amazon’s proprietary Vega operating system rather than Android, which removes support for sideloading Android APK files.
Q2. What processor and connectivity features are included?
A2. The streaming device runs on a quad-core 1.7GHz chip with 8GB storage, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and Bluetooth 5.3 support.
Q3. Can the new Fire TV Stick 4K run on TV USB power?
A3. Yes. The included cable allows the stick to draw power directly from most television USB ports without requiring a separate wall adapter.
Q4. What is new about the redesigned Fire TV Remote?
A4. It features an asymmetric weighted grip, tactile button shapes for easy navigation in the dark, and a programmable shortcut button.
Q5. Does the device support Alexa voice controls?
A5. Yes. The device integrates Amazon’s updated Alexa+ voice platform directly out of the box for conversational content search and playback controls.
