Katarzyna Petru
Amazon has finally admitted what users have known for ages: navigating on Fire TV has been a nightmare. The giant has just unveiled its first major overhaul of the system. Instead of a chaotic grid of icons, we're getting a command centre that's meant to be faster, smarter, and most importantly; finally allows you to pin more than just a few apps at a time.
More apps in the main menu
What was the biggest complaint about Fire TV according to users? The limitation to 6 pinned apps on the home screen. In the new version, Amazon has finally changed this, and thanks to smaller icons, you can pin up to 20 shortcuts. If you’re using a system based on Fire TV, regularly juggling between Netflix, Disney+, YouTube and HBO Max, you will finally not have to dig through the full list of installed programs.
It’s faster (by up to 30%)
Amazon hasn’t just rounded off corners and added new gradients. Engineers have rewritten a significant portion of the code responsible for the interface's operation. According to leaks, the system is set to respond to commands 20% to 30% faster. This is a key change, as we know from our tests of Panasonic televisions, this system could be quite “clunky” in its operation.
It gets interesting, of course, when it comes to something like AI. The built-in Alexa+ is no longer just a tool for checking the weather and simple commands. Now you can talk to it in natural language, for example, about what you want to watch.
You can ask: “Find me thrillers in the style of that specific movie XYZ.”
AI understands the context and will ask for details during the conversation.
The only downside, or rather two, is that the Alexa system works best in English. However, regarding Alexa+ itself, it is free for Prime subscribers. Others will have to pay separately for this pleasure.
When is the new Fire TV?
At the moment, the rollout is happening in the USA, which has included the latest devices (Stick 4K Max 2nd gen, 4K Plus) and Amazon TVs like the Omni Mini-LED and the Ember Artline, which is a new series of Amazon TVs that, like Samsung's The Frame, pretend to be framed pictures when turned off. In spring, the update is set to go global. It will reach newer Fire TV players and TVs from partners (including Panasonic, TCL, Hisense).
Source: flatpanelshd, techcrunch
