News in Short

• Amazon has launched a new Fire TV Stick 4K and redesigned Fire TV Remote.
• Amazon claims the new stick reaches content nearly 20–40% faster than a similarly priced 4K stick from another leading brand.
• Apps launch over 35% faster, while content starts playing nearly 20% faster, according to Amazon.
• The Fire TV Stick 4K uses Vega OS and includes Alexa+ and the new Fire TV experience.
• It features 8GB storage, a quad-core 1.7GHz processor and Wi-Fi 6.
• The new Fire TV Remote uses tactile buttons designed for easier navigation by touch.
• Amazon is simplifying its streaming-stick lineup into HD, 4K and 4K Max tiers.

Amazon has launched a new Fire TV Stick 4K alongside a redesigned Fire TV Remote. The new streaming stick focuses on faster access to content, while the remote gets a more tactile design.

Amazon is also simplifying its Fire TV streaming-stick lineup. The company now has three main stick tiers, with the Fire TV Stick 4K sitting between the entry-level HD model and the higher-end 4K Max.

Fire TV Stick 4K Promises Faster Streaming

The new Fire TV Stick 4K is designed to reduce the time users spend waiting for content to load.

Amazon says it reaches content nearly 20–40% faster than a similarly priced 4K streaming stick from another leading brand. Apps launch more than 35% faster, while content starts playing nearly 20% faster, according to the company.

Amazon also compared the Fire TV Stick 4K with the built-in interfaces of three 4K smart TVs. The company says the stick started content faster than all three TVs in its testing.

These figures come from Amazon’s own testing, so real-world performance can vary depending on the TV, network and apps used.

4K Streaming With Vega OS and Alexa+

The Fire TV Stick 4K supports 4K resolution and runs on Amazon’s Vega operating system.

It comes with Alexa+ and Amazon’s new Fire TV experience out of the box. Amazon says the Vega OS ecosystem has gained more than 2,000 apps since the first Vega-based Fire TV device launched.

Popular services include Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video and Spotify. The platform also supports Xbox, VLC and several VPN applications.

For connectivity, the stick supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 and Bluetooth Low Energy. It gets 8GB of internal storage and a quad-core 1.7GHz processor.

The device supports HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, H.265, H.264, VP9 and AV1 formats. It can output up to 2160p resolution at 60 frames per second.

Slimmer Design Needs Fewer Cables

The new Fire TV Stick 4K follows the slimmer design introduced with the Fire TV Stick HD earlier this year.

It also supports Direct Power. Users can power the stick through a TV’s USB port using the included cable.

This can reduce cable clutter behind a television. It could also make the device easier to pack when travelling.

Amazon Simplifies Its Fire TV Stick Lineup

With the new launch, Amazon is simplifying its streaming-stick range into three main options.

The Fire TV Stick HD targets everyday streaming and sits at the entry level. The new Fire TV Stick 4K serves as the core model with 4K resolution and a balance of speed and features.

Above it sits the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Amazon positions this model toward gamers and home-theatre users, with features such as Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, more storage and faster performance.

The Fire TV Cube remains available for users who want hands-free Alexa+ functionality and voice control.

New Fire TV Remote Focuses on Tactile Controls

Amazon has also redesigned the Fire TV Remote. The new version uses more tactile controls to make navigation easier without looking down at the remote.

Its asymmetric design features a flat top and curved, weighted bottom. The home button now has a distinct metal surface, while other buttons use different shapes and indentations.

The remote also gets a customisable star button. Users can assign it to a favourite app or use it to toggle features such as closed captions and Screen Magnifier.

TV controls remain built into the remote. Users can control compatible TVs, soundbars and receivers using dedicated power, volume and mute buttons.

Fire TV Remote Plus Coming in 2027

Amazon will also introduce the Fire TV Remote Plus early next year. It will feature an aluminium body and backlit buttons.

The new premium remote will replace the Alexa Voice Remote Pro. It will also add a built-in Find My Remote feature.

Users will be able to say, “Alexa, find my remote” to make the remote play a sound. The feature will also work through compatible Alexa devices, the Alexa app and the Fire TV mobile app.

Fire TV Stick 4K Price and Availability

The new Fire TV Stick 4K costs $59.99 in the US and starts shipping today across the US, Canada, Japan, Mexico, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Australia. More markets are expected to follow in late October.

For a limited period, US customers can buy it for $29.99 during Prime Big Deal Days.

The new Fire TV Remote is available for preorder separately at $14.99 in the US. It will begin shipping in late October.