Although there are already 9,000 plus reviews and no one will ever read this, I think it's worth noting how easy it is to setup the remote to power on not only the television but accessories as well. Remember those code books from days gone by where you had to enter a number of codes to get a remote to work with a receiver, or a sound bar? This thing does the work for you. It EASILY sets up to work both my TV and my SOUND BAR. The fact that my TV is one brand and my sound bar is another is no problem. I love not having to fish for 3 different remote controls whenever I want to watch Amazon Prime or Netflix.
WARNING! I didn't realize that when you buy any Amazon device like this one (or a tablet, etc) it comes preloaded with your info. That's great.
But if you gift it to someone else it has all your info, and they can buy & install apps, make in app purchases and so on. You then have to rely on them to figure out how to switch it to their Amazon account...if they even have one.
EASY FIX. I guess I just needed to mark the "This is a gift" or the "This order contains a gift" box available on the Cart page.
High speed internet, wi-fi, etc., did not get to my neck of the woods until very recently so my experience with these devices was limited. The first was chrome cast which was good except I had to bring the laptop into the living room (I don't care to watch on a small screen) to be able to cast to the TV. I know, a not a real big problem, but still awkward. Also, it was a bit tricky for me to set up. I finally took the plunge and purchased the fire stick. I have read some reviews that are quite technical and way above my pay grade. I will keep this simple. The fire stick has been very, very, good for me. Set up was a snap. I don't have a smart TV, just a fairly new, cheap, HD. The picture is great and so is the sound. If there are technical glitches I haven't noticed them. I still need practice negotiating the screens, but that will come with time. I am getting used to talking to a machine, but still say "please" when addressing Alexa. I have already spent a couple of snow days catching up on two seasons of "The Blacklist" and have almost gotten through "Bosch ". I still haven't had time for the movies. There is so much available it boggles the mind. I guess all of this identifies me as an old person. Well, I certainly am and for me the fire stick is the best thing to come along since the VCR. I would highly recommend it for my fellow oldies who may be a bit leery about trying something out of their comfort zone.
This is an upgrade from my original firestick. The installation was so easy, Amazon is really good with their step by step instructions. It works perfectly but the thing I like even more than the voice control is the size of the remote. That original remote was ridiculously small and easy to loose.
We owned the initial firestick and had used it regularly for years. A remote issue forced us to replace the unit, and I'm so glad we did! The responsiveness and speed of the new version is amazing! No more lagging or double click. The new remote is also a huge upgrade with the voice control option. It's a must have!
Feature Product
- Our best-selling Fire TV Stick, now with Alexa Voice Remote (2nd Gen). Use the dedicated power, volume, and mute buttons to control your TV, soundbar, and receiver.
- Launch and control content with the Alexa Voice Remote. Watch favorites from Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, STARZ, SHOWTIME, or CBS All Access, plus stream for free with Pluto TV, IMDb Freedive, and others.
- Fire TV Stick devices have more storage for apps and games than any other streaming media stick.
- Experience tens of thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills, plus browse millions of websites like YouTube, Facebook, and Reddit using Firefox or Silk.
- Alexa on Fire TV provides the most comprehensive voice experience of any streaming media player-view live camera feeds, check the weather, dim the lights, and stream music.
- Amazon Prime members get unlimited access to thousands of movies and TV episodes, plus ad-free listening to millions of songs with Prime Music.
- No cable or satellite? No problem. Watch live TV and sports with subscriptions to Hulu, PlayStation Vue, and others.
- Switch seamlessly between your headphones and sound system-pair compatible Bluetooth headphones with Fire TV to listen to movies, TV shows, and music.
Description
Stream from Thousands of Channels & Apps Dual-Band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Plays 1080p Full HD Video Voice Control Android, iOS, and Fire App Control Voice Search All New Alexa Voice Remote
Out of the box I was disappointed with the remote. I couldn't get it opened to insert the batteries. Finally my husband used a screwdriver and forced it open. Meanwhile I had gotten onto Chat for support and they had pretty quickly agreed to send me a replacement, which would have arrived in three or four days. So I had to get on chat support again to get them to cancel the replacement. That was quick and easy. But if you have difficulty getting the battery compartment open, just use more force, and insert a small screwdriver to get it open. It's not as delicate as it seems at first. Support was excellent.
But I'm disappointed in the way the remote works. I would compare e it to a walkie talkie, not so much an Alexa device. You have to press a button in order to talk to the remote. So you have to have the remote in your hand in order to control the tv and turn it on/off.
Our setup is that we have cable on just the living room tv. I got the Firestick for a second tv in a bedroom. And that second tv now is preferable to the livingroom tv. The remote makes it much easier to navigate. But the Alexa function is clumsy. I don't feel comfortable with the walkie talkie function, and Alexa isn't really smooth, though I suppose it will improve. Suggestions for use do pop up on screen. So there's a learning curve for me, and I suppose for the Alexa system. I do like the remote and the way it controls the screen content. But the Alexa interface isn't so satisfactory.
I have several Alexa devices scattered around the house, so I'm familiar with the interface, and like it, and am addicted to it. But I just don't like the way Alexa works in this application. Or more accurately, I don't like the button. And in a setting where you have several people watching, only the person with the remote controls the tv, just as with an older remote system. And the remote is very small, and easily lost, so beware.
I've cut the cord. Still love Dish, just not the bill.
The Amazon Recast, was the missing piece. With it, I can record, CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, Me TV and watch the recorded shows on any of my 6 TV's with various forms of the Fire TV Devices.
Not that Amazon needs my defending... but I feel the need to address some of the complaints by folks that are mostly not up to the task of using the product.
1. Can't get the battery cover off the remote. I've experienced it.... used a single edged razor blade to start it.... and never had another problem. Heck I have to use pliers to get the Kraft salad dressing lids off... so I feel your pain.
2. Buffering... If your using the free modem that your ISP gave you, you are asking for problems. I've got a Linksys 5400, better part of $300... but I've got about 75 wifi devices... no problem handing out a great stream of my Fiber Optic Internet.
3. No Auio, No Video... you've got a defective TV or Fire Stick.... use another TV and a DVD/Blue Ray player to figure out which and replace. Hopefully it's the fire stick.
4. Complaints that you have to pay for content you thought would be free. Locals... Fire Recast if antenna gets it. Direct TV Now if not.
5. Complaints it won't run You Tube TV.... I can envision that could be frustrating. I envision Amazon will eventually support it, if it takes off... or I've looked at You Tube TV and all it's content IS available elsewhere.
6. Over Priced? If there are other cheaper products that meet your needs buy them. The best way of getting Amazon to "hear" you is with your wallet.
7. Didn't hook to my 3 receivers.... (volume)... sorry but it hooked brain dead easy to my 2 Pioneers and 1 Sony..
8. In app interface funky.... I don't understand this one. I've used Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and a couple of others on various devices... it seems as though the app interface is by service (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime etc.) not by device ie Firestick, Roku, Apple TV. I could be wrong.
9. Won't warrent the product.... there is a warranty period... they will for that time... or buy an extended warranty.
I suppose I'm an Amazon Fanboy. 8 echo dots, 2 echo shows, an Echo Connect Amazon Recast.
With Echo I can turn off or on every light in my house. Start my wife's car. Open the garage door. Turn on TV's get the news....
A very enjoyable device.
This is the second TV Fire stick I've purchased. The first one is on one tv set and the latest one is on another. The stick will pay for itself in less than four months, since I don't need to rent additional video boxes for the two TVs.
The only complaint I have is that the Fire Stick I received as a Christmas gift came with a remote that had no volume controls. Which was fine, until a week later I saw that Amazon was offering the "new" remote with volume controls! Why? Why didn't I get the remote with volume controls with the new Fire Stick? Was it not available yet? If that be the case I believe Amazon should send them out free to those who purchased the new Fire Stick. In the photo the remote on the left is what was packaged with the Fire Stick. The remote on the right is what I purchased separately. With that being said, I LOVE the Fire Stick! What it does is basically turn your TV into a smart phone. If you don't feel like surfing for something to watch just ask Alexa to find it for you! The Fire Stick is the best streaming media player out there as far as I'm concerned! And I have tried them all.
Finally--something decent to watch! We live in a rural area with substandard internet and wifi connectivity. I didn't have much hope of the Firestick working. Well, it not only works but--WOW! Crystal clear picture without the dreaded "spinning wheel"! I have only tried Amazon Prime shows/movies and Youtube, but I am wonderfully surprised and satisified. Cable and satellite don't have much programming to choose from. It is so thrilling to finally get to watch well-written and well-acted series such as Homecoming, Jack Ryan and the pilot of Hanna was compelling.
My husband was actually giggling because he got to watch a crew using a fella-buncher to cut down trees. No more laptop with poor sound and a small screen. He's in his recliner watching and learning on the big screen!
Yesterday, I listened to Amazon music--fantastic; even better than Pandora. The screensaver photos are awesome, or you can upload your own photos as screensavers.
Now, all we have to do is find a way to bring in local news channels and we can cut the satellite bill. I haven't found an antenna that works--but I will! Thanks Amazon for a stellar experience, great price and tremendous service!
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