Amazon is launching a new Fire TV Stick HD, which is more energy efficient allowing it to be powered through a TV's USB port.
The Fire TV Stick HD supports only 1080p – no 4K here – but is 30% slimmer and 30% faster, according to the company. It does not appear to support Dolby Atmos either. Update: It does support HDR.
- "We’re launching our newest and most portable ever streaming device, the Fire TV Stick HD, that comes with our new Fire TV user interface and Alexa+ built in. Whether you’re looking to upgrade a TV at home or planning for an upcoming trip, this new device is small enough to fit in a bag and ready to deliver your full entertainment experience on any TV you connect it to," announced Amazon.
Last year, Roku launched a similar streaming stick that can draw power directly from the TV, but this one supports 4K. Other streaming sticks and boxes require a power cable to a wall outlet, which is also possible with the new Fire TV Stick via USB-C, if you prefer.
The redesigned Fire TV user experience. Photo: AmazonSubsidized by ads
Amazon's Fire TV sticks – like Roku, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, Google TV and more TV platforms – are heavily subsized by ads and data collection, which the user has to accept in exchange for a low price.
Also read: Your Smart TV might be crawling the web while you watch movies
The new Fire TV Stick HD will launch in more than a dozen countries starting April 29, according to Amazon. It will cost $35.
Wi-Fi 6 and Alexa+
Amazon confirmed that it features WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. It will ship with the redesigned Fire TV interface and offer support for Alexa+.
- "In the coming months, Amazon will add a new Adaptive Display setting to the Fire TV Stick HD, an accessibility feature that makes text, menus, and content easier to see and navigate on screen. When turned on, the feature enlarges smaller items like text and menus while proportionally scaling content artwork, creating a more balanced browsing experience. Customers can choose from multiple size options to customize their viewing experience, the company added.
