Amazon has fired off a salvo against Google's Chromecast and the Roku Stick with the just announced Fire TV Stick. The HDMI streaming video dongle is now available for pre-order for $39, with shipments beginning on November 19. However, current and new members of Amazon Prime can get the Fire TV Stick for just $19 for the next two days.
Amazon says that the UI of the Fire TV Stick is the same one used for its older Fire TV set top box. In addition to its own Amazon Prime Video service, it can access Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus and many more video and audio services. As far as the hardware, Amazon says it has a "Dual-core processor, 1 GB RAM, and 8 GB storage for fast and fluid navigation and instant search results" along with "dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi with MIMO." It adds:
Fire TV Stick has 50% more processing power and 2x the memory of Chromecast; it has 6x the processing power, 2x the memory, and 32x the storage of Roku Streaming Stick—this results in faster and more fluid navigation, plus more storage for apps and games. It delivers stunning 1080p HD video and immersive audio with Dolby Digital Plus surround sound. All of this power comes in an incredibly small package—Fire TV Stick is the size of a pack of gum.
Owners can get 30 days of free Amazon Prime service with the purchase of the Fire TV Stick. While it can be controlled with the free remote or the Amazon Fire TV Remote App for Android and Fire tablets, users who want a hardware remote with voice can purchase the optional Fire TV Voice Remote for $29.99. Do you think the Fire TV Stick will be able to compete with similar video dongles?
Source: Amazon
Have you listened to this week's Android Central Podcast?
Every week, the Android Central Podcast brings you the latest tech news, analysis and hot takes, with familiar co-hosts and special guests.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
The best Cyber Monday phone deals anywhere
If you're hoping to find a new phone at a discount, Cyber Monday is the perfect opportunity to shop for one. This year's sale is lasting longer than ever, and a number of early Black Friday deals are already live!
Having tracking issues on your Quest 2? It might be your Christmas lights
Some users have been having tracking issues with their Oculus Quest 2 since Christmas decorations started going up, and you might be surprised at the correlation!
Android apps on Windows 10 will be even worse than on Chromebooks
Android apps on Windows is an idea that faces so many hurdles it's unlikely to be very good. And a "not very good" Android experience is the last thing anyone needs.
Charge faster than ever with these fast chargers for the Fire HD 8 (2020)
Amazon finally smartened up and brought both USB-C and fast charging capabilities to the new Fire HD 8 (2020). As the rest of the world has largely moved away from micro USB, this is a long-overdue change, but a welcome one nonetheless. Now that you'll get fast charging on your Fire HD 8 (2020), you'll need a great fast charger and these are our favorites.