Amazon is rolling out a major update for select Fire TV Stick models, aiming to enhance user experience significantly. The update brings a refreshed look with a modern interface, updated typography, and redesigned color gradients on the homescreen. Users can expect faster navigation, with performance improvements of up to 30 percent promised by Amazon.
Aside from visual enhancements 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. Streamlined access to Games, Art & Photos, and the Ambient Experience can now be achieved through the Menu button on the remote.
A new shortcut panel has been added, accessible by long-pressing the Home button, offering quick access to essential Fire TV controls like audio and display settings. Additionally, users can look forward to Alexa+, Amazon’s upgraded assistant, which will be introduced in the UK later this year to facilitate faster content discovery.
In addition to the Fire TV Stick update, Amazon is also revamping the Fire TV mobile app to allow browsing content, managing watchlists, and playing titles directly on TVs. The redesigned app mirrors the updated Fire TV interface, turning smartphones into a second screen for easier content discovery and watchlist management on the go.
The initial rollout of the update will start in the U.S., with global availability planned for later this year. The update will first reach devices such as 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 expansion to more devices and countries, including the latest Fire TV 4K streaming media players, expected in the spring.