Home / Technology / Fire TV OS Gets Major Redesign: Faster, Smarter Interface
Fire TV OS Gets Major Redesign: Faster, Smarter Interface
28 Feb
Summary
- Fire TV OS update brings faster, organized interface similar to Google TV.
- New OS features top tabs for content, customizable app rows, and Alexa Plus.
- Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is on sale for $29.99, offering good features for price.
Amazon's redesigned Fire TV OS, initially revealed at CES, is now rolling out to the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus. This update brings a faster, more organized interface that draws comparisons to Google's TV experience.
The new Fire TV OS introduces a tabbed navigation system across the top, categorizing content like movies, TV shows, and sports, with recommendations pulling from all subscriptions. Users can now pin up to 20 favorite apps, an increase from the previous limit of six.
The update also enhances voice control with Alexa Plus, enabling users to search for specific content, navigate scenes, control smart home devices, and get sports scores. The remote gains a new feature: a long press of the Home button reveals a panel for quick adjustments to audio settings or checking connected devices.
On the hardware front, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus supports HDR10 Plus, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, along with including an Alexa Voice Remote. It's positioned as a balanced option for most users seeking features at a reasonable price point, especially with the current $29.99 sale.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select is also available for $19.99. While it lacks the new OS update, it still offers 4K streaming with HDR10, HDR10 Plus, and Alexa Plus, including an Alexa Voice Remote.
