Amazon has announced its slimmest ever streaming device, in the form of a new Fire Stick HD. The new streaming stick is 30% slimmer than its predecessor, making it much more portable for those who won’t travel without it.
The new model is available to preorder in the US from today and costs $35. It’ll launch in the UK and other nations at the end of the month. Aside from the slimmer design, it’s speedier than former HD models and powers on faster with apps opening more rapidly too. There’s also support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, both of which offer more reliable connectivity than its predecessor.
Handily, this model still supports the USB direct power option. via the included cable. That means the Fire TV Stick goes into the HDMI port and the power cable goes into the USB outlet. If you head to a hotel and there’s no USB power in the back of the television then you can still use a traditional USB-C wall adapter. Ideal.
The new model includes support for the new Alexa+ AI assistant, which provides “provides smarter, more personalised recommendations through natural conversation.” The company adds: “You can ask Alexa+ to help you find your next binge-worthy TV series, learn more about the actor you see on screen, or easily control your connected smart home devices like dimming the lights in your living room.”
It also arrives with the redesigned Fire TV experience that Amazon launched this year. Amazon says it’s cleaner, better organised and faster “all with the goal of helping customers get to what they want to watch, fast.”
We’ll let you know when UK selling arrangements and are confirmed.
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