Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) Evaluate: Is it definitely worth the improve?

After having fun with the Amazon Fireplace TV Stick (third Gen) for greater than two years, I felt it was time to embrace an improve. This 12 months 2023, Amazon had simply unveiled the 2nd technology of the Amazon Fireplace TV Stick 4K, that includes each the 4K and 4K Max variants. Choosing the bottom mannequin, the Amazon Fireplace TV Stick 4K, proved to be a strategic alternative because it boasts specs akin to the first-generation Amazon Fireplace TV Stick 4K Max. Profiting from a reduction sale, I secured this upgraded streaming machine for $39.99, down from its authentic $49.99 price ticket. For savvy buyers, engaging offers throughout Black Friday or Prime Day might doubtlessly carry the associated fee down additional to an attractive $24.99.

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Transitioning to the 2023 Fireplace TV Stick 4K

Over the previous two weeks, I swapped out my Amazon Fireplace TV Stick (third Gen) that was linked to my TCL Roku Good TV for the all-new 2023 Fireplace TV Stick 4K. Unboxing the Fireplace TV Stick 4K revealed a visibly totally different design with rounded corners and a particular Fireplace TV label embossed on one facet of the stick.

Straight out of the field, you obtain a energy plug, a micro USB cable, an Alexa voice distant, triple A batteries, an HDMI extender, and, in fact, the Firestick. I recognize the comfort of powering the Firestick utilizing one in every of your TV’s USB ports, eliminating the necessity for a wall socket. This thoughtful design units it other than alternate options just like the Chromecast with Google TV, which requires a wall socket for energy. Moreover, the included HDMI extender proves helpful for TVs positioned in difficult or inaccessible areas.

Notably, the Fireplace TV Stick 4K boasts enhanced connectivity by supporting WiFi 6, the newest commonplace in WiFi know-how. Contemplating that the Firestick depends on WiFi as its major mode of web connectivity, Amazon’s alternative to include cutting-edge wi-fi know-how is a forward-thinking transfer.

Presently, my D-Hyperlink 885L router helps WiFi 5, so I received’t totally harness the potential of WiFi 6 till I improve my router, a plan I’ve within the pipeline. Nonetheless, having WiFi 6 on my Firestick ensures that I’m future-proofed for upcoming technological developments. It’s price mentioning that the 4K Max model goes a step additional by supporting WiFi 6E, offering an much more superior wi-fi expertise. If you happen to’re looking for the head of wi-fi connectivity, investing a further $10 for the 4K Max may very well be a worthwhile consideration.

Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) Specs:

• Mannequin: Fireplace TV Stick 4K(2nd Gen)
• Dimension: 99 mm x 30 mm x 14 mm (solely housing)
• Weight: 43.5 g
• Processor: Quad-core 1.7 GHz
• Reminiscence: 2GB RAM
• Storage: 8GB (inner)
• Decision: 2160p, 1080p and 720p as much as 60 fps
• HDR Codecs: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Imaginative and prescient
• Audio Codecs: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, HDMI audio pass-through as much as 5.1
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 dual-band: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
• Bluetooth:  Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 output with ARC enter help, micro USB
• Voice Assistant: Alexa

The Upgraded {Hardware} of Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen)

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The all-new Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2nd gen) brings notable enhancements in reminiscence and processing energy. Outfitted with 2GB of RAM, a considerable improve from the earlier mannequin’s 1.5GB, and powered by a 1.7GHz quad-core MediaTek MT8695 processor, customers can count on a minimum of a 20% enhance in efficiency in comparison with the sooner model. Whereas the sensible distinction could be difficult to discern when evaluating the Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2018) and Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2023), the enhancements turn out to be evident for customers transitioning from decrease fashions such because the Fireplace TV Stick (third gen) streaming participant as I did. As an example, the Fireplace TV Stick (third gen) helps WiFi 5, in distinction to the WiFi 6 functionality of the Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2nd gen), and gives a decision of 1080p HD versus the 4K decision of the latter.

The Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2nd gen) takes content material streaming to new heights with its WiFi 6 capabilities and beautiful 4K UHD decision. Supporting all common HDR requirements, together with Dolby Imaginative and prescient and HDR10+, it guarantees a theater-like expertise within the consolation of your house. To unlock the total potential of the Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2nd gen), it’s essential that you just join it to a 4K UHD-capable Good TV. For these with a 1080p HD TV, the whole vary of video codecs and advantages supplied by the Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2nd gen) may not be totally realized. So maintain that in thoughts.

Software program and App Versatility

On the software program and app frontier, the Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2nd gen) operates on Fireplace TV OS 8, the newest iteration of the software program. Needless to say numerous older Firestick nonetheless run Fireplace TV OS 7 and even 6.0. Now, Amazon ensures your Firestick stays up to date with steady software program enhancements, delivering the newest options and safety patches to maintain your machine optimized. Among the many standout options of the Fireplace TV platform are:

• Sideload Apps: Empowering customers to effortlessly set up Android Apps not obtainable on the official Amazon App retailer. This proves particularly useful when coping with apps restricted to particular areas, such because the BBC iPlayer restricted to the UK.
• Constructed-in Browser: The Fireplace TV Stick 4K contains the Silk browser, offering a full-fledged net searching expertise. This function allows entry to streaming providers with net apps which may not have a devoted Fireplace TV App. For instance, even when the DStv app isn’t formally supported on Fireplace TV, it could nonetheless be accessed by the DStv net app.
• Voice-Enabled Remotes: Outfitted with voice search performance by Alexa, Amazon’s sensible assistant. In contrast to competing platforms like Roku, the place solely premium streaming units include a voice distant, nearly all Fireplace TV remotes help voice search.
• Native VPN Assist: Streamlining VPN set up immediately from the Fireplace TV App. This function gives comfort and adaptability, permitting customers to select from varied VPN suppliers comparable to Surfshark, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN, IPVanish, and extra. In distinction, opponents like Roku or Apple TV necessitate the usage of a VPN WiFi router.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: With Bluetooth capabilities, Firestick customers can simply hook up with headphones or audio system. This function units Firestick aside, as Roku solely helps this performance by the app or premium remotes geared up with a headphone jack.
• Good dwelling integration: You probably have Alexa-compatible sensible dwelling units comparable to sensible bulbs, sensible plugs, sensible dwelling safety cameras, doorbells, and thermostats, then you definitely benefit from FireTV Alexa marriage. You’ll be able to as an illustration view a dwell stream of a video feed of blink safety digicam proper on the TV display.
• Stay TV and FireTV Channels: Customers can simply stream Stay TV and watch issues like Information or TV reveals in real-time versus on-demand. That is all supplied for Free. You additionally get FireTV channels such embody TV channels and an assortment of streaming providers for Free, however with occasional Advertisements.

Learn extra: High 20 ideas and methods on find out how to get probably the most out of your Firestick

Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen): An Leisure Powerhouse

The Fireplace TV platform’s outstanding versatility seamlessly extends to the brand new Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2nd gen). This platform compatibility ensures help for a wide selection of common streaming providers, together with however not restricted to Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Hulu, HBO Max, Pluto TV, Tubi, Crackle, Freeve, BBC iPlayer, MGM+, and lots of extra. Curiously, every new Firestick buy comes with a complimentary 6-month subscription to MGM+. So if you happen to’re a fan of James Bond, then you definitely’re in for a deal with.

Learn extra: High 20 Should-Have Streaming Apps for Amazon Firestick in 2023 (Paid and Free)

Restricted streaming channels for African customers

For readers in Africa the place DStv and ShowMax are highly regarded, I’m sorry to dissapoint you. The App will not be obtainable on the Fireplace TV App retailer. Additional extra, most of these streaming providers comparable to Pluto TV, Tubi, Peacock can solely be accessible by way of a VPN. Even Amazon’s personal streaming providers, Freeve(previously IMDB TV) isn’t accessible to African audiences. Fortunately, you’ll be able to set up a descent VPN from the App retailer and stream away if you happen to’re actually as much as the duty.

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Amazon providers take middle stage

Regardless of its broad help for varied streaming providers, it’s essential to notice that Amazon prioritizes its providers throughout the Fireplace TV platform. Whereas this may be advantageous for these deeply immersed within the Amazon ecosystem, comparable to Prime subscribers, it does come on the expense of different content material. Prime content material takes middle stage on the house display, and customers might encounter Amazon product and providers Advertisements interspersed between TV reveals, dwell TV, and ad-supported free films. For people not subscribed to Amazon providers, this emphasis could be a tad intrusive. In such circumstances, exploring extra platform-neutral alternate options like Roku TV or Android TV may very well be a viable consideration.

Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) storage limitations

Whereas the Fireplace TV Stick 4K (2nd gen) gives a compelling leisure expertise, it does have its limitations, notably within the storage division. With a modest 8GB of inner storage, customers would possibly discover the capability filling up quickly as they set up varied apps. An choice to mitigate this limitation is the potential for increasing storage by exterior means, utilizing an OTG cable and a USB flash drive. I wrote an entire tutorial on find out how to obtain this. Nonetheless, it’s important to bear in mind that the efficiency of apps or information saved externally might not match the velocity of inner storage.

Learn extra: Learn how to Add exterior storage to your Amazon FireTV Stick by way of USB Drive

For customers requiring extra storage capability, various Fireplace TV units just like the Fireplace TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen) or the Fireplace TV Dice(third gen) current viable options. The Fireplace TV Stick 4K Max doubles the inner storage to 16GB, providing a extra capacious possibility, whereas the Fireplace TV Dice boasts a considerable 32GB of inner storage for these with even higher storage wants.

Learn extra: Learn how to Set up or transfer apps to microSD card or USB exterior storage on Fireplace TV Stick

Alright, this concludes my evaluate of the Fireplace TV Stick 4K(2nd gen) straming participant. You will get it proper now $24.99 Black friday deal, in any other case, it’s normally at $49.99 on Amazon.

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