Along with the 4th-generation Echo smart speakers, Amazon has also refreshed its video streaming devices. The e-commerce giant has launched the new and more affordable Fire TV Stick Lite, along with an upgraded Fire TV Stick. There is also an upgrade on its Alexa Voice Remote which now comes in Lite version and a one with TV controls.
As we said, the new Fire TV Stick Lite is Amazon’s most affordable Fire TV Stick ever and its priced at Rs 2,999 in India. Whereas the upgrade Amazon Fire TV Stick (2020 release) retains the same price tag of Rs 3,999 from the previous gen. Both new Fire TV streaming devices are available for pre-order and will be shipped starting October 15th, 2020.
What’s changes in Fire TV Stick (2020 release)
The 2020 release of Amazon Fire TV Stick gets much-needed hardware upgrade which is now 50 per cent more powerful than the previous generation for fast streaming in Full HD. It now comes with a 1.7 GHz quad-core processor coupled with IMG GE8300 and 8GB storage. It can seamlessly stream videos in 1080p and 720p up to 60 fps with HDR compatibility. It also supports videos content formats – HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, H.265, H.264 and Vp9.
Adding to the video capabilities, the new Fire TV Stick (2020 release) comes with Dolby Atmos audio for the immersive sound experience. The only downside is that you need to find compatible video content and home audio systems to take full advantage of it. Thus for audio support you get Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+ Surround sound and HDMI Audio passthrough for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+ and Dolby Atmos.
Coupled with the new Fire TV Stick is the Alexa Voice Remote which now includes TV controls. You could now use the Alexa Voice Remote to control TVs, soundbars, and A/V receivers. It comes with dedicated power, volume and mute buttons to control the above devices.
Connectivity option in Fire TV Stick (2020 release) include dual-band, dual-antenna WiFi (MIMO), 802.11a/b/g/n/ac that also supports 5 GHz networks. It also has Bluetooth 5.0 and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity option that can be used pair with compatible Bluetooth speakers, headphones, video game controllers, and more.
What’s new with Fire TV Stick Lite
Bring the streaming device much nearer to the mass market Amazon has also launched an affordable Fire TV called the Fire TV Stick Lite with Alexa Voice Remote Lite. Don’t get deceived but the “Lite” name, the streaming device is as much powerful as the new Fire TV Stick (2020 release). It has the same hardware and internals of its big brother. You can stream videos in 1080p and 720p up to 60 fps with HDR compatibility and supports all video content formats including HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, H.265, H.264 and Vp9.
However, what it lacks is full-fledged audio support. The Fire TV Stick Lite only comes with HDMI audio passthrough for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+ and Dolby Atmos. Other than that, the Alexa Voice Remote Lite has fewer functionalities, and you can’t use it control the TV and other devices like in the Fire TV Stick (2020 release).
How to set up and use Amazon Fire TV Stick
As always, get started with an Amazon Fire TV Stick is easy. Connect the streaming device directly into an HDMI port and connect the USB cable to the power outlet. Then connect the device with your home internet/WiFi, and you are good to go.
Amazon App stores have almost all OTT apps in its disposal including, the Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, Voot and others. As the streaming device has Android running underneath it, you can freely sideload most of the Android TV apps to it.