Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Simplifies Streaming Options, and I Went Hands-On

Amazon has introduced a new Fire TV Stick 4K, which is part of a streamlined lineup of popular streaming devices. This device comes with 4K HDR10 playback and is priced at $60, replacing both the Fire TV Stick 4K Select and 4K Plus models. The Fire TV Stick 4K includes a new remote control, support for HDR10 and Samsung’s HDR10 Plus, and offers 8GB of internal storage.

Its quad-core 1.7 GHz processor and compatibility with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and Bluetooth Low Energy make it significantly faster than the similarly priced Roku Streaming Stick Plus, according to the company.

The stick is described as solid and feels premium in hand. Its design and user experience are said to be an upgrade from previous models, with a redesigned remote that does not prominently feature an Alexa button. Instead, it has a red home icon and a microphone on the top right. Amazon also hinted at an upcoming premium remote with backlighting and a "find my remote" feature.

The Fire TV Stick 4K is designed to work seamlessly with Alexa Plus and comes with an impressive feature that allows users to plug articles into the app, automatically adding the listed movies to a watch-next list. The device's setup and usage felt familiar, but the reviewer noticed that its speeds are expected to improve over time as it learns the most frequently used apps.

The simplification of the selection options for buyers is the standout feature of the Fire TV Stick 4K release. This stick is recommended as the go-to device for most users, with enthusiasts of home cinema seeking the $85 4K Max model for Dolby Vision and Atmos support, or compatibility with add-on speakers via Alexa Home Theater. The Fire TV Stick 4K is currently available for an introductory price of $30, likely to remain so until Amazon Prime Big Deal Days next week.