Amazon Fire TV Stick: Hands-on and Review
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The Amazon Fire TV Stick, the HDMI dongle version of the Amazon Fire TV that came out earlier this year, finally dropped. It shipped out to customers on November 19 for those who ordered it early. I was fortunate to order one of these as soon as it was announced. As a Amazon Prime member, I was able to buy the Fire TV Stick for $19 during a two-day promotional sale. I figured for the price, there is no harm to test it out.
During my initial plugin of the device I discovered that it needed to be powered by the included power adapter. Surprising since the Google Chromecast can be powered by a TV’s USB port but considering all things it’s not really an issue. The setup was easy and straightforward. The device is not sluggish as you would think instead I find it performing as good as the Fire TV. The interface is quick and easy to use. The interface is the same as the Fire TV for those not familiar with the Amazon Fire ecosystem. The following are some more thoughts I have on the Fire TV Stick:
PROS
- Quick, easy to use, user friendly interface.
- Wireless streaming works really well.
- Amazon Instant video loads, fast forwards, and rewinds considerably fast.
- Dedicated Prime Menu allows Prime members to easily see what free content is available.
- The Fire TV Stick includes a remote unlike the Google Chromecast.
- Can stream your own videos by uploading them first to your cloud storage.
- Can play quite a few selection of games with the included remote.
- Irresistible price for Amazon Prime members. It was $19 during the two-day promotional sale. However, even with the full retail price of $39, it’s worth it.
- Clear winner in terms of specs compared to Google Chromecast and Roku Stick
- Ultraportable, can literally fit in a pocket. It’s great for carrying with you anywhere a friends place, while visiting family or when staying at a hotel.
- Can stream local videos and other content using the Plex app.
- Android phones can be used as a remote with voice search after installing the recommended app.
CONS
- Included remote doesn't support voice search. It would cost extra to get it.
- Not as fast as Fire TV but with the price being so competitive this is not really an issue. Especially for those who currently don’t own a set top box, it’s not that noticeable at all.
- Limited compatibility with older Android devices.
OTHER
- Out of the box the Fire TV Stick arrives associated with the buyers Amazon account. You can change it of course. However, it is something to keep in mind if you are sending the device as a gift.
- The Fire TV Stick may recommend you to connect with the included power adapter to power on the device instead of using the USB port on your TV like the Google Chromecast.
- Setup will take around 20 minutes or so that’s including joining the device to the network and installation of updates.
- Gaming controller is recommended if you want a full gaming experience.
Check out some photos of the device below. You can view the rest at Febrero.info.
Comparison between AMAZON FIRE TV STICK and GOOGLE CHROMECAST
Google Chromecast is a capable device and it cost less now. However, it’s more of a casting/client device. It’s dependent on other devices to get content. It doesn't have a remote and the user interface is a little clunky. Although, it has a few notable content sources such as HBO Go and Sling Player that Fire TV Stick doesn't have.
Amazon Fire TV Stick has a very quick and easy to use interface. Out of the box it comes with a remote. It’s a standalone device so you really don’t need other devices for content. Non-technical family members will find the Fire TV Stick easier to use than the Google Chromecast. If you have Amazon Prime, it's definitely a no-brainer. The Fire Stick is a better choice over the Chromecast.
Comparison between AMAZON FIRE TV STICK and AMAZON FIRE TV
The Fire TV is faster, it includes voice search through the remote, and it has more RAM. It comes with more storage and an Ethernet port. It can play more selection of games. However, it’s more expensive with a full retail price of $99.
The Fire TV Stick is more portable. It's also a lot cheaper, especially if you’re an Amazon Prime member and got if for the promotional sale price of $19. It’s a great alternative to the Fire TV if you’re in a budget. However, if you can afford the Fire TV, get it. Otherwise the Fire TV Stick is more than sufficient. It all really depends in what you'll use it for. Either way you can’t go wrong with either one of them.
Bottom line, I really like the Amazon Fire TV Stick. It’s a great deal even with its full retail price of $39 (practically $40) or $19 for Amazon Prime members that got it during the two-day promotional sale. It's definitely close to getting the Amazon Fire TV for the fraction of the price. It's a really great way to view your Amazon content and media on a TV. Due to its portability, it makes it easy to carry anywhere a friends place, while visiting family or when staying at a hotel. For gaming or if you want the voice search feature it might be a better idea to get the Fire TV.
For Amazon Prime members and for anyone that has Amazon movies or shows purchases, or just currently don't own a set top device both the Fire TV and the Fire TV Stick are must have devices. You can purchase the (Disclosure: Affiliate Links) Fire TV Stick, Fire TV, Google Chromecast and Fire Game Controller at Amazon now. Check out the video below for the device unboxing and interface demo.
