Amazon Fire TV Stick Review - HTG

The Rise of Streaming Media Sticks: A 2014 Overview

The year 2014 witnessed a significant surge in the adoption of HDMI dongle streaming devices. This trend was largely driven by the increasing consumer interest in devices like the Google Chromecast and, to a somewhat smaller extent, the Roku Streaming Stick.

Introducing the Amazon Fire TV Stick

Amazon entered this competitive market with its own offering: the Fire TV Stick. We subjected this new device to a comprehensive evaluation to assess its performance and features.

This review details our testing process and findings regarding Amazon’s initial foray into the HDMI dongle streaming space.

Detailed Examination of the Fire TV Stick

The Fire TV Stick was designed to provide convenient access to a wide range of streaming content. It aimed to compete directly with established players in the market.

Our assessment focused on key aspects such as setup, user interface, performance, and content availability. We aimed to provide a thorough understanding of the device’s capabilities.

Key Features and Functionality

The device’s primary function is to stream video and audio content to a television via an HDMI connection. It relies on a Wi-Fi network for internet connectivity.

The Fire TV Stick differentiates itself through integration with Amazon’s ecosystem, including Amazon Prime Video and other Amazon services.

Performance and User Experience

Initial testing revealed a generally responsive user interface. Navigation was fluid, and app loading times were acceptable.

However, performance could be impacted by the speed of the user’s internet connection. A stable and sufficiently fast Wi-Fi network is crucial for optimal streaming.

Content Access and Availability

The Fire TV Stick provides access to a vast library of streaming content. This includes popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.

Amazon Prime members benefit from seamless access to the Prime Video library, offering a substantial collection of movies and television shows.

Concluding Thoughts on the Fire TV Stick

The Amazon Fire TV Stick represented a compelling option for consumers seeking an affordable and convenient streaming solution in 2014.

Its integration with the Amazon ecosystem and access to a wide range of content made it a strong contender in the burgeoning HDMI dongle market.

Understanding the Amazon Fire TV Stick

Priced at $39, the Amazon Fire TV Stick represents Amazon’s contribution to the streaming media player market. It directly competes with devices like Google’s Chromecast, Roku’s Streaming Stick, and various other Android-based alternatives currently available.

This device features a compact design, comparable in size to the Chromecast and Roku Streaming Stick. It connects directly to a television’s HDMI port and receives power through a micro USB cable. Power can be supplied by a USB port on the TV or a media center, or via the included power adapter for continuous operation. Notably, it lacks any external switches or LED indicators.

Despite being a smaller form factor than the full-sized Fire TV, the Fire TV Stick offers substantial processing power. It boasts 8GB of internal storage, exceeding the Chromecast’s capacity by a factor of four and the Roku Stick’s by thirty-two.

Furthermore, it incorporates a dual-core processor – a step up from the single-core processors found in both the Chromecast and Roku Stick. The device also includes 1GB of RAM, doubling the memory of its competitors, and a dual-band MIMO antenna for improved wireless performance. The Chromecast utilizes a single-band antenna, while the Roku Stick also features a MIMO antenna.

Key Hardware Specifications

• Storage: 8GB onboard flash storage
• Processor: Dual-core processor
• RAM: 1GB
• Antenna: Dual-band MIMO

The Fire TV Stick is supplied with a remote control, which is slightly more compact than the remote included with the larger Fire TV box. A key distinction is the absence of a microphone and voice search button on the smaller remote. Unlike the Chromecast, which relies on mobile device control, the Fire TV Stick and Roku Stick both include dedicated remotes.

An additional advantage of the Fire TV Stick is its compatibility with Bluetooth gaming controllers, offering expanded functionality not found in either the Chromecast or the Roku Stick.

Setting Up Your Amazon Fire TV Stick

The process of configuring an Amazon Fire TV Stick closely mirrors that of other HDMI streaming devices. Simply connect it to a free HDMI port on your television and provide power through a microUSB connection.

The software setup is remarkably similar to the larger Fire TV. If you acquired the Stick while logged into your Amazon account, it will be pre-configured with your credentials. The primary setup step then involves inputting your Wi-Fi network password.

Navigating the Initial Setup

Unlike the Fire TV, you will utilize the included remote to navigate the on-screen keyboard. However, Amazon has designed the remote buttons to align with essential functions, such as delete and next, facilitating relatively quick text entry.

Following the selection of your Wi-Fi network and the entry of your credentials, you will be presented with an introductory video featuring a cartoon guide named Steve, also found during the initial startup of the Fire TV.

Ease of Use and Features

User friendliness is a key characteristic of the Fire TV Stick, consistent with the design of previous Fire TV models and Fire tablets. The introductory video is concise, yet effectively demonstrates the device’s core features and functionalities within a short timeframe.

Beyond entering your Amazon account details and Wi-Fi password, minimal additional setup is required. However, a helpful companion application, which we will mention shortly, may be worth exploring.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick prioritizes a streamlined and intuitive user experience, making it accessible for users of all technical levels.

User Interface

The user interface found on the Amazon Fire TV Stick closely mirrors that of the Amazon Fire TV. Its design and functionality are remarkably similar across both devices.

The "Home" dashboard, presented in a tiled format, showcases recently accessed media, highlighted applications and games, and a range of personalized suggestions, mirroring the experience on the Fire TV.

Navigation and Content Access

Accessing the side navigation menu reveals familiar options such as Prime Video, Movies, TV Shows, Watchlist, Video Library, Games, Apps, and Settings.

Similar to the Fire TV, the interface is deeply integrated with the Amazon ecosystem. This integration provides direct access to Amazon content, including complimentary Prime videos, purchased videos, and media stored on your Amazon cloud drive.

Furthermore, the interface facilitates access to applications you have acquired through Amazon.

Overall Experience

Generally, the interface is user-friendly to navigate, although certain sections can feel somewhat crowded with recommendations and prompts to purchase content.

The setup menu, much like on the Fire TV, is organized effectively, allowing for straightforward adjustments to the device’s settings.

It is easy to customize the device to your preferences through this well-structured menu.

Hardware and Performance

Despite not featuring the robust quad-core processor found in the standard Fire TV, nor offering the same selection of external ports, the Fire TV Stick’s performance proved surprisingly capable.

We experienced no discernible delays in menu navigation, and video playback initiated quickly and ran seamlessly. The device also managed less demanding Android games without encountering any difficulties.

Indeed, beyond running more computationally intensive applications or games on this compact device, identifying scenarios where the Fire TV’s additional processing power would be essential proved challenging.

Comparable Speed and Responsiveness

In terms of menu responsiveness, video loading times, playback quality, and casual gaming, the two devices performed almost identically.

While a minor degree of hesitation was observed during some menu and thumbnail loading processes, this was minimal and wouldn’t be accurately described as lag or sluggishness. It simply lacked the absolute smoothness of the more powerful Fire TV.

The Fire TV Stick, despite its smaller processor, maintains the same 8GB of onboard storage as its larger counterpart.

Furthermore, it utilizes Amazon’s ASAP predictive video caching technology, ensuring near-instant video playback comparable to the experience offered by the Fire TV.

This caching system proactively prepares content for playback, minimizing buffering and enhancing the overall user experience.

Distinctive Capabilities

Similar to the Fire TV, the Fire TV Stick incorporates several specialized features designed to differentiate it within the streaming device market. It’s important to note, however, that the scope and functionality of these features are somewhat reduced on the Stick relative to the higher-priced Fire TV model.

Alexa Voice Control

Alexa voice control is a central component of the Fire TV Stick experience. Users can issue commands to navigate menus, launch applications, and control playback using only their voice.

Voice Search

The integrated voice search functionality allows for quick and effortless content discovery. Simply speak the title of a movie, show, or actor to locate relevant results across various streaming services.

Remote Finder

Losing the remote is a common frustration. The Fire TV Stick addresses this with a remote finder feature, enabling users to locate a misplaced remote via a voice command.

Parental Controls

Robust parental controls are included, allowing parents to restrict access to specific content and applications. This ensures a safe viewing experience for children.

Mirroring Capabilities

Screen mirroring is supported, permitting users to display content from compatible smartphones and tablets directly on their television screen. This is useful for sharing photos, videos, and presentations.

Multi-Room Audio

For those with multiple Echo devices, the Fire TV Stick can be integrated into a multi-room audio system. This allows for synchronized music playback throughout the home.

While these specialty features enhance the Fire TV Stick’s usability, it’s crucial to understand their limitations compared to the full-fledged Fire TV. The Stick offers a streamlined experience, prioritizing affordability and portability.

Voice Search Capabilities on Fire TV Devices

Voice search functionality is available on both the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. This feature generally performs with a high degree of accuracy.

However, a significant limitation exists with the Fire TV Stick. The standard remote that ships with the device lacks both a microphone and a dedicated voice search button.

Amazon offers an upgraded remote, complete with voice control, for $30. This presents a cost for users desiring this feature.

Alternative Voice Search Solution

An alternative solution involves downloading the Fire TV helper app, currently exclusive to Android devices. This app introduces voice search and a mobile keyboard for easier input.

While functional, this app is not available directly on the Fire TV itself. Consequently, users opting for this free software solution may need to manage two separate remotes.

This creates a situation where choosing between the free app and a dedicated remote requires consideration of convenience versus cost.

• The standard Fire TV Stick remote does not support voice search.
• An upgraded remote can be purchased for $30.
• The Android-only Fire TV helper app provides voice search functionality.
• Using the app necessitates managing two remotes.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on individual preferences and willingness to invest in an additional accessory.

Gaming on the Fire Stick TV

User feedback regarding the gaming capabilities of the Fire Stick TV was quite varied. While we generally maintain a skeptical perspective on mobile gaming experiences when projected onto a television, the Fire TV Stick distinguishes itself.

It provides a broader selection of gaming possibilities compared to most other HDMI dongles currently available. Our expectations were tempered, given the device’s form factor and price point.

Gaming Options and Performance

Considering the Fire TV Stick’s nature as an HDMI dongle, we were favorably surprised by its ability to run less demanding Android games. Furthermore, the device supports pairing with Bluetooth controllers, enhancing the gaming experience.

Despite not anticipating a widespread adoption of mobile gaming through HDMI dongles in the near future, the Fire TV Stick offers viable options for casual entertainment.

Suitable Game Types

Simple Android games and local multiplayer party games are well-suited for the Fire TV Stick. These titles provide a low-pressure gaming environment.

They don’t require a significant investment in graphical fidelity or complex gameplay mechanics. This makes the Fire TV Stick a surprisingly capable device for relaxed, accessible gaming within a living room setting.

Comparison to Fire TV

It’s important to note that the gaming selection on the Fire TV Stick is more constrained than on the full-fledged Fire TV. However, it still presents a compelling option for those seeking basic gaming functionality.

The Fire TV, priced at $99, is positioned as a dedicated gaming device, whereas the Fire TV Stick offers gaming as an added benefit.

Restricted Parental Supervision on Fire TV Stick

A significant drawback of the Fire TV Stick lies in its limited parental controls. While the larger Fire TV offers both purchase-locking controls and the comprehensive Amazon FreeTime system, the Stick only provides basic PIN-based restrictions. Amazon FreeTime is a highly effective system, establishing a secure and curated environment for children.

This environment is filled with age-appropriate content, features a simplified menu for easy navigation, and allows for management of screen time, including setting bedtimes. It represents the most valuable family-oriented feature available on both Amazon Fire TV devices and Amazon Fire tablets.

The omission of FreeTime is a considerable oversight. Should Amazon aim to broaden its consumer base and establish a comprehensive media presence throughout the home, excluding FreeTime from the Fire TV Stick seems counterintuitive.

Consider the typical purchasing pattern: many consumers will likely invest in the $99 Amazon Fire TV for their primary viewing area, such as a living room, and then supplement it with $39 Fire TV Sticks for secondary screens.

These secondary screens are often located in areas frequented by children, like playrooms or bedrooms. Therefore, it appears illogical to withhold the beneficial kid-friendly features from the device most likely to be used by young viewers.

It is disappointing that Amazon has effectively made FreeTime a premium feature, requiring consumers to upgrade to the more expensive Fire TV to access it. This approach feels like a forced upgrade for families seeking robust parental controls.

Why FreeTime Matters

• Provides a safe, curated content environment for children.
• Offers easy-to-use navigation designed for young users.
• Enables precise control over screen time and daily schedules.
• Represents a key differentiator for Amazon's family-focused devices.

The lack of these features on the Fire TV Stick diminishes its appeal for households with children. A more inclusive approach to feature distribution would undoubtedly enhance the overall user experience.

The Good, The Bad, and The Verdict

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Positive Aspects: Identifying Strengths

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Strong keyword rankings indicate effective SEO strategies. Higher positions in search engine results pages (SERPs) drive organic traffic. Consistent content creation and quality backlinks are often key to achieving this.

A well-defined site architecture improves crawlability and user navigation. Logical categorization and internal linking help search engines understand the site’s structure. This also enhances the user journey.

Negative Aspects: Addressing Weaknesses

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Poor mobile responsiveness alienates a large segment of users. With the majority of web traffic now originating from mobile devices, a mobile-friendly design is essential. Responsive design ensures optimal viewing across all screen sizes.

Technical errors, such as broken links and crawl errors, negatively impact SEO. Regularly auditing the site for these issues is vital. Addressing them promptly improves crawlability and indexation.

The Verdict: Synthesizing Findings

The final assessment, or "verdict," involves synthesizing the positive and negative findings. A balanced perspective is crucial for prioritizing optimization efforts. Focus should be placed on capitalizing on strengths while addressing critical weaknesses.

Prioritization is key. Addressing issues with the greatest impact on user experience and SEO should take precedence. For example, fixing critical crawl errors might be more important than minor cosmetic changes.

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Key Areas for Improvement

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• Content Quality: Ensure content is informative, engaging, and relevant to the target audience.
• Backlink Profile: Build high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites.
• User Experience (UX): Optimize the website for ease of use and intuitive navigation.
• Schema Markup: Implement schema markup to provide search engines with more context about the content.

By focusing on these areas, websites can achieve significant improvements in both search engine rankings and user engagement. A holistic approach to optimization is paramount.

Advantages of the Fire TV Stick

Priced just $5 above the Chromecast, the $39 Fire TV Stick presents a compelling value proposition for users aiming to consolidate access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Performance and Hardware

Video content is delivered with impressive speed and fluidity, benefiting from the same ASAP caching technology implemented in the larger Fire TV model.

The robust hardware configuration positions the Fire TV Stick as a leader within the streaming media dongle category.

Remote Control Features

The included Bluetooth remote operates without the need for direct line of sight, enhancing usability.

Its design is particularly well-suited for children, eliminating the necessity to provide them with costly smartphones or tablets for device control – a common requirement with alternatives like the Chromecast.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Fire TV Stick offers support for both Amazon-branded and third-party Bluetooth controllers, expanding its functionality.

This compatibility allows for a more versatile entertainment experience.

• The affordability of the device makes it an attractive option.
• Its quick loading times and smooth playback enhance user satisfaction.
• The inclusion of a Bluetooth remote adds convenience.

Drawbacks and Limitations

One notable shortcoming is the absence of voice search functionality on the standard remote. Furthermore, the Android-based software remote, while available, cannot operate the Fire TV if a separate purchase is made.

Content Discovery Challenges

Locating content available at no extra cost to Prime subscribers can be surprisingly difficult. The menu structure appears to be geared towards promoting paid content rather than highlighting included benefits.

Search Result Bias

The integrated search feature demonstrates a strong preference for Amazon-owned content. This prioritization can make it harder to find options from other sources.

Gaming Capabilities

While gaming on the device is relatively limited, it offers a more advanced experience when contrasted with other HDMI streaming dongles available on the market.

Missing Family Features

A significant omission is the lack of compatibility with Amazon’s highly regarded FreeTime system, designed to provide a safe and controlled entertainment environment for children.

These limitations should be considered when evaluating the Fire TV’s overall suitability for individual needs and preferences.

A Comprehensive Evaluation

Currently, the Amazon Fire TV Stick stands out as the most powerful and responsive streaming media player in the HDMI dongle category. Its performance is driven by a quicker processor, increased memory capacity, and greater internal storage compared to rival devices.

Notably, it is the sole prominent streaming HDMI dongle offering Bluetooth controller compatibility, appealing to users seeking casual gaming alongside their streaming entertainment and maximizing the utility of their investment.

For consumers deeply integrated within the Amazon environment, or those desiring a unified platform for accessing Amazon Video, Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube without constant device switching, the Fire TV Stick presents a compelling alternative to the Chromecast. This is primarily due to its inherent support for Amazon Video.

While the Roku Streaming Stick does support Amazon Video, it comes at a $10 premium and lacks the seamless integration found within the Amazon ecosystem. Features like streaming saved photos and music are unavailable on the Roku platform.

Individuals prioritizing the convenient voice search functionality, particularly those with children, should consider the total cost. Purchasing the Fire TV Stick and then adding a voice remote ($30 extra) brings the total to $69, while simultaneously foregoing the benefits of the exceptional Amazon FreeTime system.

For those fully committed to the Amazon ecosystem, upgrading directly to the Fire TV is a more sensible choice, bypassing the Fire TV Stick altogether.

Despite our satisfaction with the Fire TV Stick’s speed and its access to Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu content, we find the Amazon Fire TV to be a superior device. If a comprehensive solution with a strong focus on Amazon ecosystem content is desired, the Fire TV is the recommended purchase.