With news of the new Apple TV 4K adapter out, Amazon formally introduced a new version of its Fire TV media adapter, equipped to stream up to 4K Ultra HD with high dynamic range (HDR).
The new Fire TV is set to ship October 25 in a couple of bundle options, including the Fire TV media adapter with an indoor antenna and an Amazon Dot Alexa-voice-activated digital assistant for a $79.99 suggested retail. Amazon is also offering the new Fire TV adapter and antenna only for $74.99.
The Fire TV alone is offered for $69.99, which is a whopping $110 less than the Apple TV 4K. However, the new Fire TV supports only HDR10 and does not support Dolby Vision, as the new Apple TV 4K does. The Fire TV does support Dolby Atmos surround sound, which the Apple TV 4K currently does not.
Read more on the new Amazon Fire TV adapter after the jump:
The new 4K Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and HDR will “soon” support voice-control from the popular Alexa digital assistant technology through the supplied remote control. The built-in iteration will enables using voice commands to search for content and control basic operations, by holding down a button and speaking.
Features of the new Fire TV adapter include a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Also offered is 2GB of memory and 8 GB of storage.
The unit has a compact design that fits easily behind a television.
When connected to a compatible 4K Ultra HDTV with HDR support, the Fire TV will access 4K Ultra HD streaming movies and television programs from popular apps including Amazon Video, Netflix, and others.
Amazon said it continues to work with leading app partners to supply the most demanded services with expanded voice interactivity, including: Hulu, SHOWTIME, Sony’s PlayStation Vue, CBS All Access, NBC, Bravo, CNBC, and NBC News.
Amazon said its Fire TV products now have access to more than 500,000 TV episodes and movies from Netflix, Hulu, HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Amazon Video, and more. The devices will also access the most popular subscription-based live streaming TV services and skinny bundles including: Hulu, Sling TV, DIRECTV NOW, Sony’s PlayStation Vue, CBS All Access, and Amazon Video.
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The Fire TV connects to an available HDMI port on a TV, and connects easily to a home Wi-Fi network or via an adapter to an Ethernet-wired router.
Amazon said it is also working with app partners to have Fire TV to have single sign-on added to TV Everywhere apps like ESPN, NBC, ABC, Disney Channel, AMC, CNNGo, Food Network, E!, Freeform, USA, so that viewers won’t have to repeatedly log-in for authentication access.
Through Alexa, the Amazon Fire TV will control compatible smart-home enabled devices including lights, thermostats, and security systems.
Amazon said that its has just updated Fire TV devices and second-generation Fire TV Sticks in the U.S to control and monitor smart security cameras by spoken commands.
Compatible smart cameras include models from Arlo, Ring, Nest, and August.
It can also be used to find, access and play music, check the weather, and perform numerous other tasks.
For a limited time, Amazon said eligible customers who purchase and activate the all-new Fire TV by November 15, 2017 will also receive two months of Hulu (Limited or No Commercials), a one month trial of SHOWTIME, and a $10 credit to rent or buy content from Amazon Video- a value of up to $45.
Amazon also introduced a new Echo Alexa-powered smart speaker for $99.99; a new Echo Plus with a built-in smart home hub for $149.99; and the an Echo Spot with a video screen, new compact design and Alexa interactivity for $129.99.
By Greg Tarr
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