Amazon’s New Slim Fire TV Stick HD and Ember Artline TVs Launch
▼ Summary
– Amazon announced the new, slimmer Fire TV Stick HD and the Ember Artline televisions, both available for preorder.
– The new Fire TV Stick HD is 30% slimmer and faster, includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, and features the Alexa+ AI assistant.
– The Fire TV Stick HD introduces an upcoming “Adaptive Display” setting to enhance accessibility by resizing on-screen elements.
– The Ember Artline TVs focus on aesthetics with magnetic frames and an AI “Match the Room” feature to select complementary artwork.
– A new feature for U.S. customers allows content to be transferred between Fire TV devices via voice command, starting with Prime Video.
Amazon has unveiled two significant additions to its home entertainment lineup this week, opening preorders for a redesigned Fire TV Stick HD and its new Ember Artline televisions. The latest Fire TV Stick HD represents a notable redesign, becoming the company’s thinnest streaming device ever. This model, which is roughly 30% slimmer than its 2024 predecessor, maintains a focus on entry-level streaming while promising improved performance. Amazon states the new stick operates about 30% faster, which should translate to quicker app loading times. It also incorporates modern Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for a more reliable wireless experience.
A central component of the user experience is Alexa+, Amazon’s enhanced AI assistant. Available in the U. S., Canada, and the U. K., it allows for voice-controlled searches for shows, actor information, and smart home management. Later this year, a new Adaptive Display accessibility setting will launch, designed to automatically adjust the size of on-screen text, menus, and artwork for improved visibility and navigation. The Fire TV Stick HD is priced at $34.99 and is scheduled to start shipping on April 29 to customers in North America, the U. K., Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
Alongside the streaming stick, Amazon is entering the competitive lifestyle TV market with its Ember Artline series. First shown at CES earlier this year, these sets are designed to blend into home decor, directly challenging products like Samsung’s Frame TV. A key aesthetic feature is the availability of ten different magnetic bezel frames in finishes like Walnut, Ash, Teak, and Pale Gold, which users can easily swap to match their room’s style.
The Artline TVs also leverage AI with a feature called Match the Room. This tool helps users select artwork from a library of over 2,000 free pieces that complements their room’s color scheme and decor; users can also display personal photos via Amazon Photos. The televisions are equipped with a 4K QLED display supporting HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, all housed in a slim 1.5-inch profile. They are available in 55-inch and 65-inch sizes, starting at $899.99. Preorders are live, with the first shipments to the U. S. and Canada beginning on April 22, followed by the U. K. and Germany.
Furthermore, Amazon is rolling out a new convenience feature for U. S. users this month. It allows seamless content transfer between Fire TV devices using voice commands. A viewer can ask Alexa to move a live sports game or TV show from one Fire TV to another in their home. This functionality will debut on Prime Video with plans to expand to additional streaming services in the future.
(Source: TechCrunch)
