Amazon is set to roll out a significant free upgrade for select Fire TV Stick models to enhance the user experience. The update will introduce a fresh look with a modern interface, updated typography, redesigned color gradients, and improved layouts on the homescreen. Users can expect smoother navigation, with performance enhancements of up to 30 percent promised by Amazon as users move through menus.
Beyond visual changes and speed boosts, users will now be able to pin up to 20 apps on the home screen, a substantial increase from the previous limit of six. The update also streamlines access to Games, Art & Photos, and the Ambient Experience through the Menu button on the remote control.
Amazon has introduced a new shortcut panel accessible by long-pressing the Home button, providing quick access to essential Fire TV controls such as audio and display settings. Additionally, an upgraded assistant called Alexa+ is on the horizon, aiming to make content discovery quicker and more intuitive when it debuts in the UK later this year.
In addition to the Fire TV Stick update, Amazon is refreshing the Fire TV mobile app, which will soon allow users to browse content, manage watchlists, and play titles directly on their TVs. The redesigned app mirrors the updated Fire TV interface and turns smartphones into a second screen, enabling users to explore new shows or add recommendations to watchlists while on the go.
The update rollout will commence in the U.S. before expanding to other regions later in the year. Initially, the new Fire TV will be available for the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen), and Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series in the U.S., with plans to extend availability to more devices and countries, including the latest Fire TV 4K streaming media players in the spring.
