The Latest Amazon Fire TV
Have you got an older 4K smart TV that still works but maybe hasn’t had its system updated for a while? I ran into this problem recently with my 40-inch Panasonic 4K HDR TV. It’s a brilliant screen and still performs well after seven years. However, it runs the old Firefox OS and I can’t recall it having been updated recently and the apps available are rather limited.
If you are in a similar situation, fortunately, there’s an easy and affordable solution. Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick 4K Max is compatible with the latest Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking protocol which offers stronger signals to more devices and at higher speeds. So, if you’ve recently switched broadband provider or bought yourself a new Wi-Fi router, now is the time to update your wireless gizmos to Wi-Fi 6. All new smartphones already use Wi-Fi 6 and it makes quite a difference to battery life.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is slightly larger than a packet of chewing gum and can either plug directly into one of the TV’s HDMI ports or one of the spare ports on a soundbar. Using the soundbar is handy if your TV’s HDMI ports are already occupied with a Blu-ray player, games console or some other device like a set-top box for Sky.
Setting up the new Amazon Fire TV Stick is a piece of cake. It’s virtually plug-and-play. The stick does need a power source which can either come from one of the USB A ports on your TV or the USB power supply that comes with the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. There’s also a USB power cable included in the box and an HDMI extender to make attaching the stick to soundbars a little easier.
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As well as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max itself, the box also includes a neat remote control with a built-in microphone for Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. In addition, the remote has a power button for turning the TV on and off, plus controls for pausing, playing, skipping and replaying videos or music. There’s even a volume control and a mute button and they work with all TVs that support CEC over ARC. In addition to the controls, Amazon has included four direct access buttons for firing up Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Music.
Setting up the Fire TV Stick 4K Max if you are an existing Amazon customer just involves inputting your username and password from an existing Amazon account. If you already have a Fire TV Stick, then you can transfer the apps and settings automatically. It’s so easy to do and when I tested the Fire TV Stick 4K+ Max, all the apps for overseas TV channels automatically updated. If you have subscribed to services like Netflix, your username and password should also automatically transfer. It’s a neat process.
The Amazon Fire TV interface is well designed and easy to navigate. Downloading and adding extra apps is easy and there’s 8GB of storage space available, plus the processor used is 40% more powerful than the Fire TV Stick model. The stick can stream 4K Ultra HD video with support for Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos audio if you have a compatible soundbar or home theater system.
As well as using apps for streaming TV and music, the Fire TV Stick 4K+Max also offers live TV viewing, although the content will vary depending on the geographic area you live in. The Alexa function makes it easy to search and launch content using your voice and it’s possible to do more things such as checking the front door if you have an Amazon Ring camera installed using Live View Picture-in-Picture. You can also ask Alexa to check on the weather or dim the lights if you have a smart home setup.
Verdict: The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is great value for money and offers a lot of functions. The compatibility with Wi-Fi 6 is welcome and the ability to update a perfectly serviceable TV that may not have been updated makes it an ideal and sustainable solution instead of buying a new smart TV. The ability to control a TV using a single remote is a nice feature. When paired with a 4K HDR, Wi-Fi 6 and a Dolby Atmos soundbar, you have a great home cinema setup for any room.
Pricing & Availability: The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max costs £54.99 / $51.98 / €64.99.
More info: www.amazon.com / www.amazon.co.uk / www.amazon.de
Tech Specs:
- Max image: Supports 4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160)
- HDR: Dolby Vision
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6
- Audio: Dolby Atmos
- Storage: 8GB
- RAM: 2GB
- Processor: Quad Core CPU 1.8GHz, GPU 750MHz
Choose Amazon Fire® TV to access all your favorite online streaming services from one convenient device. This ultra-portable digital media player streams contents from over 140 channels and apps including Amazon Video®, Netflix®, Hulu®, HBO NOW®, and YouTube™. Users can also stream live TV and sports programming on these devices without cable or satellite TV access. You can find a range of entertainment solutions, including set top boxes and TV sticks at Staples®.
Enjoy Smooth and High-Definition Streams With Amazon Fire TV
In addition to video content, Amazon’s media players can also stream audio contents from online services like Spotify® and Pandora®. There are different generations of this box. Some versions can play 4K videos and come with a remote that supports voice search. Besides launching channels and controlling media playback, you can also use the remote for non-TV functions like shopping and even ordering pizza. This remote gets its smart features from Alexa®, Amazon’s voice-controlled digital assistant.
Powering the current-generation Fire TV box is a quad-core ARM® processor paired 2GB RAM and a PowerVR™ GPU. The media streamer has 8GB internal storage that you can expand with up to 128GB microSD card. It connects to its remote via Bluetooth® 4.1 and has a built-in dual-band Wireless-AC card for connecting to wireless networks. For those that prefer wired internet connections, the box has an Ethernet port too. Other available ports include HDMI® output for connecting to HDTVs and USB 2.0 input for mounting external storage devices.
Choose Between Amazon Fire TV and Stick
Amazon also offers the Fire TV Stick, a more portable version of its set-top box. The Stick is only a little bigger than a thumb drive. It has an HDMI connector as well as a micro USB port and comes with an Alexa-powered remote. Unlike the box version, the Stick draws power directly from HDTVs via its micro USB port. While it has the same 8GB internal storage, its RAM size is 1GB. The smaller device also uses a slower quad-core ARM processor and offers a maximum video resolution of 1080p. Although it lacks an Ethernet port, the Stick uses the same high-performance dual-band, dual-antenna wireless card as its bigger stablemate. You can access the same number of channels and apps from the streaming media stick.
Can You Play Video Games on the Amazon Fire TV?
Yes. The set-top box also doubles as a micro-console. It has a library of over 1,500 video games that you can play with the included remote or an optional game controller. The Fire TV Stick can play a smaller library of titles as its GPU is only powerful enough for casual games.
8 Best Amazon Fire TV Games to Enjoy on Big TV Screen
Amazon Firestick lets you play games in addition to movies and media streaming. You can play free games on big screen TV with Amazon Fire TV Stick without spending a single cent. You can just browse the Amazon store, install the games you like on your Fire TV and start playing them using your Fire TV remote. Now the challenge is, how to find out the best games from the Amazon store.
There are plenty of paid and free Fire TV games on the Amazon Store. Let’s take a look at some of the best free games for Firestick or Fire TV to play on big screen TV.
Minion Rush: Despicable Me
Minion Rush is the official game of the three-part Minion movie, developed by Gameloft. In this game, you will be playing the role of a Minion to race through several exciting missions. During your exciting journey, you will come across the popular locations which appeared in the original movie like Egyptian Pyramids, Bratt’s Liar and more.
You will be unlocking cool prizes for discovering and completing the missions on mysterious rooms. Plus, you have the option to pick your desired one, from 10+ cool and unique Minion costumes. As the game is regularly updated with new missions, costumes, it is a must-try game for your Amazon Fire TV.
Download from Amazon: Amazon Store
Candy Crush Saga
Amazon Fire TV
Candy Crush Saga was one of the most addictive games on Facebook, a few years ago. People were going really crazy to get extra lives or moves with the help of their friends. If you are someone who still loves the game, then you can just install the game on your Fire TV or Firestick.
This game is a true time killer as it has more than 1000+ levels. Even though the game is free to play, you might need an in-app purchase to unlock certain levels or get lives. As this app can be synchronized easily with the Facebook version, it will be really fun to challenge your friends.
Download from Amazon: Amazon Store
Crossy Road
Crossy Road often described as “endless Frogger” is an arcade game developed by Hipster Whale. In this game, you will be navigating through rivers, freeways, crossroads, train tracks and more. And, the real challenge in this game is to cross the obstacles as far as possible without losing your lives.
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As you progress through the game, you can collect more than 100 pop-art inspired characters. Overall, Crossy Road is a simple, but addictive game that can keep you engaged for hours.
Download from Amazon: Amazon Store
Badland
Amazon Fire TV
Badland is a highly rated sidescrolling action-adventure game, developed by Frogmind. It has received several awards like Winner of Best Project in Game Connection Europe when it was launched in the year 2013. In this game, you will be playing the role of a forest creature, who tries to identify the forces that have been trying to capture their land.
The game can be played either as a single-player or up to four players using the device. The single-player game has more than 100+ levels whereas the group mode has 30+ levels.
Download from Amazon: Amazon Store
Asphalt 8: Airborne
If you are someone who is passionate about car racing, then this game is a must-try for you. Asphalt 8: Airborne allows you to choose from over 50+ high-performance cars like Lamborghini, Ferrari and more. You can start your race in 9 different locations like Venice, Iceland, Nevada Desert and more. And, you can perform 360-degree jumps and barrel rolls on this game.
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No doubt, the game has stunning visuals, real-time geometry reflection, detailed damage system, and other amazing effects. However, the only drawback is that it takes close to 1.5 GB of space on your Firestick memory.
Download from Amazon: Amazon Store
Eventide: Slavic Fable
Eventide: Slavic Fable is an exciting hidden-object puzzle adventure game, where you will be on a quest to find a rare plant not only to help the mysterious creatures but also to save your beloved Grandma. In this game, you will be visiting 30 locations to find 33 hidden objects. The game of quest gets completed after you unlock all the 25 achievements.
This game is developed by getting inspiration from Slavic mythology. The storyline and the characters in this game are so fascinating that they will keep you immersed until the end.
Download from Amazon: Amazon Store
Editor’s Note: Free games are limited to their features or supported by ads. If you are a game lover who doesn’t mind spending a few dollars for buying games, then you can check out the list of paid Fire TV games.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Paid)
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 was originally developed by Sega for the Genesis console in the 1990s. It is a side-scrolling classic adventure game, where you will be taking the role of Sonic or Tails to race through high-speed environments. When compared to its predecessor, Sonic The Hedgehog, the game has introduced new levels, modes, improved graphics, audio and more. It supports both single-player and multiplayer modes.
Buy from Amazon: Amazon Store
Prince of Persia (Paid)
Prince of Persia is an action-adventure game series (originally developed and published by Broderbund) developed by Ubisoft. It is a classic and immersive single-player game, where you will play the role of a Prince, who goes on a long journey in search of his past. The game has 14 levels rendered to give you a stunning 3D experience.
To play this game, you need a dedicated gaming controller as you cannot use your Firestick remote for this adventure game. Either you can use the joystick or gesture-based touch controls to get yourself immersed in this action-packed game.
Buy from Amazon: Amazon Store
Gaming Controller for Fire TV
Not all the game apps listed on the Amazon store requires a gaming controller. There are a lot of free game apps that allow playing games using your traditional Amazon Fire Stick remote. In fact, most of the games listed above doesn’t require a dedicated gaming controller.
In case if a particular game requires a dedicated gaming controller and you already own a Bluetooth gaming pad or controller, then you can easily pair that to your TV by just making a couple of settings on the Firestick. Otherwise, you can buy a gaming controller for your Fire TV from Amazon or other retailers.
5 Best Game Controllers for Amazon Fire TV
For example, the ZD-T pro-Wireless Gaming Controller (Buy from Amazon) works not only for Fire TV but also on Nintendo, PC, Android Tablet and more. The SteelSeries Stratus XL Bluetooth Game Controller also supports multiple consoles and you can check the product on Amazon. You can have more game controllers to play with FireTV with the list for the best Bluetooth Game Controllers.
We have listed the Amazon Fire TV games which are either reputed or have received good feedback from the users. Are you looking for more game apps for your Fire TV? Then, the best option would be to browse the games listed on the Amazon Store, install them on your Firestick and start playing to find out the best picks.
Do You Need a Prime Subscription to use Amazon Fire TV?
No. However, being an Amazon Prime subscriber has its benefits. First, it grants you unlimited access to all the movies and TV shows on Prime Video. Secondly, Prime users can add premium channels and watch live TV without requiring cable subscriptions.
Should You Get an Amazon Fire TV Even If You Do Not Have a 4K TV?
Yes. You do not need a 4K TV to enjoy the set-top box. It is a faster and more powerful streaming device than the Stick. With twice the RAM size and a more powerful GPU, the box handles regular 1080p streams and video games better than the media stick.
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