Amazon has continued to make great options on an annual basis despite other companies holding off on releasing new devices. One of the best streaming devices you can get is the Fire TV Stick 4K with Amazon's voice remote, which is the best Fire TV Stick out of the bunch. I was interested in the new Fire TV Stick and TV Stick lite.
There are a couple of different problems that can be solved by these. There are flaws, but they aren't enough to make either of these options unattractive. Amazon is paying attention to what is working and what is not.
There isn't much difference between the Fire TV Stick and the TV Stick lite from a design point of view. You can find the same HDMI stick in the box, along with Amazon's remote, charging cable, and batteries. This isn't much of a surprise, as this is more of an iterative release than a ground-breaking device.
Each stick has a different reason for existence.
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The Amazon Fire TV Stick and TV Stick lite have been on the market for a while. The TV Stick lite and the Fire TV Stick can be purchased from a variety of retailers. The Fire TV Stick lite's remote doesn't have TV controls, but it does have an Amazon voice remote.
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Since moving into my current apartment, I've been searching for the perfect setup for my streaming needs. Due to the number of streaming services I already subscribe to, I decided not to sign up for the company's television service.
With a TV in three different rooms, and the ability to feature smart speakers in various rooms, I have already tried out the likes of Apple TV 4K and the new Chromecast with the new smart speakers. The Hisense H65 TV in my living room is powered by an operating system that is free to use.
My wife is one of the reasons why I tinker and find the best solution. The Fire TV Stick has been her go-to option for a few years now, as she has become accustomed to the Amazon way of life.
I was able to control my TV with the included voice remote when I went through the Fire TV Stick setup process. I have enough remotes, but they all end up in a drawer, so being able to use one for everything is a big help. I was signed into my account in no time at all.
Being able to control everything from a single remote is extremely satisfying.
Amazon asked what applications I planned on using throughout the process so that I wouldn't have to look for them myself. The fact that I was able to just select the app and sign in was more seamless than I anticipated.
You would expect it to perform as you would expect it to. It's not the first Fire TV remote to feature this ability, but the Fire TV Stick felt a bit quicker than the Fire TV Stick 4K that's in another room.
A new "Guide" button has been added to the Fire TV Stick lite, which hasn't changed much in a couple years. This is different from other Fire TV remotes in that it gives you quick access to a guide so you can channel surf just like you would on a cable box. It's easy to find something to sit back and relax with thanks to the likes of YouTube TV.
The built-in Guide button on the Fire TV Stick Lite's remote will harken you back to the old days of channel surfing.
Regardless of the interface, or the app availability, the Fire TV Stick (2020) and Fire TV Stick lite really shine for a specific subset of people. It's great to see that Amazon is trying to get more and more users to use the service.
Amazon's Fire TVUI feels clunky and disorganized in a market filled with competitors. Amazon said a new and streamlined interface was on the way, but it hasn't arrived.
This has made me angry as the Amazon ads take over the screen. I can set some favorites, but I have to go back to the Home Screen to see the ads again. There are limitations to what you can ask her to show on the big screen, as well as the limitations to what you can ask her to say. It can open the YouTube TV app, but it can't take you to a particular channel. If you want to open the Apple TV+ app, you need to go to the App Store or be told there is no app that can be found.
The standard Fire TV Stick doesn't provide the ability to control your TV, but it does have a dedicated guide button. You cannot control your TV with the guide button on the Fire TV Stick lite.
Put simply, the Fire TV Stick is in an awkward position and doesn't offer as much value as the Fire TV Stick Lite.
If Amazon released a remote that included all of the features, it would be great. I would guess that Amazon had to "cut corners" somewhere or give the TV Stick lite more features to make it more attractive outside of the price.
The Fire TV Stick and TV Stick lite are the only smart home streaming devices that can be compared to each other. One of the few non-4K streaming devices on the market is the $30 Express HD, and it's clear that Amazon is trying to cannibalize it.
The Express HD has an advantage with the help of the remote and four shortcut buttons. You won't be able to use any of the Alexa-smarts or smart home compatibility in general, but this is an entry level streaming device, meaning that you will win some and lose some.
They blow the Fire TV Stick and TV Stick lite out of the water by not competing in price. A sleek interface and the first Chromecast that comes with a remote are some of the things that make the new device perfect. There's 4K on board, along with a few different colors.
The Fire TV Stick 4K is the final competition for the new Fire TV Stick's. For just $10 more than the Fire TV Stick, the 4K model has the same remote, access to all of Amazon's services, and a new interface. Leaving the Fire TV Stick in an awkward position is a toss up.
If you do, you should purchase these.
If you purchase these, you should not.
Amazon is trying to get a product at every price point for people looking for streaming devices. Due to how close in price it is to the superior Fire TV Stick 4K, the Fire TV Stick is in an awkward position.
The Fire TV Stick lite is cheaper than almost anything else on the market. Even though it's a low price, Amazon still has amazing voice integration, so you won't have to spend a lot of money.
If we were to compare the Fire TV Stick 4K and the Fire TV Stick lite, we'd see that the Fire TV Stick 4K was the better product. If you want a Fire TV Stick, you'll have to pay $40.
The review was first published in 2020. June 22nd was when it was updated.
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