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Hurry before Amazon realizes it took more than 50% off the Fire TV Stick 4K
You and your TV deserve this upgrade
Unless you're using an antenna to watch TV, chances are that you're streaming video content. These days, there are so many ways to find content from the top video streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Heck, there are even some really great options out there you can stream for free.
Amazon's 4K TV streaming stick so cheap right now you can't afford not to buy one
They're pretty much all on sale, starting at $18
It wouldn't be Prime Day if Amazon weren't discounting all of its own hardware. If you've been waiting to upgrade your streaming experience, the entire lineup of Fire TV gadgets is on sale. Whether you're switching from another platform or adding Netflix to your bedroom TV, there's a little something for everyone.newsIf you're just looking for the best deal of the bunch, the 4K version of the Fire TV Stick is for you. At $25, it's 50% off its usual price. Even if you don't have a 4K TV yet, it's worth it alone just to keep your gear futureproofed. This model includes an Alexa-equipped remote, complete with volume and power controls, and supports Dolby Vision.
Where Apple – that other tech giant that doesn't make the world's most popular operating system – was once able to lock users into its walled garden of premium-priced hardware, the tech industry has recently been shifting further from what devices are (processors, cameras, and displays) and more toward what they can do through software. Apple's recent pivot to monthly subscription services has had a notable impact on the Cupertino company's business model, forcing it out of its hardware ecosystem to capitalize on the wider world of devices. We saw this a few years ago when Apple Music came to Android in 2015, and now we're seeing it again with the official Apple TV app landing on some Amazon Fire TV devices.Starting today, the official Apple TV app is coming to Amazon Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) and Fire TV Stick 4K. All you have to do is download the app, log in with your iCloud account, and you'll be able to view your entire iTunes movie and TV show library through your Fire Stick. Next week, users will also have access to Apple TV+, a monthly subscription service featuring Apple's first-party movies and shows from big-name directors like Steven Spielberg and M. Night Shyamalan.The Apple TV app is expected to roll out to more Amazon Fire devices soon. You can try out Apple TV+ free for seven days starting on November 1, 2019. After that, you will be charged $4.99 per month for the service.Source: Amazon Fire TV
The streaming hardware industry is a highly competitive place. No sooner had Roku introduced its Premiere 4K player in late September for a market-beating $40, than Amazon launched the Fire Stick 4K for a mere $10 more, with support for all three major HDR standards (HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision) plus Dolby Atmos for sound. But while the Premiere only offers HDR10 and is a bit bigger than a streaming stick, many prefer its user interface and remote design. Roku also beats Amazon to market by a small margin — it's available as of today, October 8th, while the Fire Stick TV 4K starts shipping October 31st.In addition to the Fire Stick 4K, Roku's main competitor is the Chromecast Ultra, which supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos for sound — plus comes in dongle form — but costs substantially more than the Premiere at $69. We may also see a refreshed Chromecast with Bluetooth and improved Wi-Fi reception at Google's October 9th event, but unfortunately it doesn't seem like it will add 4K support.The Roku Premiere is available at the Roku online store, Amazon, and Best Buy. Meanwhile, the Roku Ultra 4K streaming player with JBL headphones and voice remote is now available for pre-order on Amazon and Best Buy for $99.Source: Roku