Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device with Alexa Voice Remote (includes TV controls) | Dolby Vision

When service for my older Roku ended a couple months ago, I had no idea which way to go with a new streaming device. I went into my typical research mode and was still undecided, but a couple perks suddenly made it easy to choose the 4K Firestick. As a Prime member, I love the convenient integration of all the subscription premium channels that Amazon offers, as well as being able to choose the standalone apps that were on Roku. Even though I don't yet (or may never) have a 4K TV because no one is currently broadcasting in 4K so why bother, it seemed a no-brainer to get the most updated version and streaming quality of picture afforded by the 4K stick, so the choice was easy and I've not regretted it.However, the stick comes with VERY MINIMAL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. I'm one of those users who likes to familiarize myself thoroughly with a device and its capabilities before installation, and the 3 steps in the enclosed installation manual left me more than puzzled about customizing the settings. So, I did what I encourage all of you to do -- call $K tech support and have them walk you through ALL THE STEPS. You'll be glad you did. Some things (that I didn't want) were turned on as defaults on the stick, and frankly, it wasn't clear what certain settings even meant or what would be optimal for me. Even going through the entire setup process onscreen doesn't explain many of the choices that can be tweaked. For instance:1) The remote comes preset to turn on your TV and the Firestick app automatically. I didn't want that. I turn on the TV separately from wanting to stream, and also use my sound bar for all my fine-tuned sound and volume preferences. In fact, I prefer using all my individual remotes. In particular, my TV settings for sound and my sound bar would have been in conflict with the 4K remote default setting, and caused so many more ridiculous steps to turn the TV on or off, the app on or off, or make any volume choices. If you don't mind this default feature then there's nothing to change, but it wouldn't bothered me right out of the gate.2) I only bought one Firestick because my other TV has built-in apps that are still being maintained by the manufacturer. However, they're two different manufacturers. You cannot use the Firestick interchangeably between different brands (say a Sony and a Samsung) without going through setup each time you switch because setup requires brand selection and only holds one in memory at a time. Plugging the stick into a different maker requires setup EACH TIME you switch from one TV to another, which would be a nuisance. There's a workaround that I learned only from the tech support guy who guided me through setup. During setup, I selected a TV brand that is neither of my two TVs. Therefore, I can easily switch the stick from TV to TV without setting it up each time. No matter how many TVs you have, the trick is to choose a brand that is none of your TVs. Works like a charm, but if I hadn't done setup with tech help, I would never have known that I could switch the stick between TVs and would have just left it on one TV.3) Some reviewers complain about buffering issues and dropped signal only happening with the stick, and not other devices in their homes. Well, once in awhile I've had a dropped signal, but it comes right back and I've never had buffering issues. Maybe less than 1/2% of the time has this happened, so not a problem, and once the signal is restored it never drops again during the duration of current use.4) The streaming and picture are spectacular.5) I waited to get this stick until Google and Amazon ironed out their differences at the end of 2019 so that the YouTube TV app (the best streaming app out there) is now downloadable on the stick.There's a reason for these issues that the tech explained to me: 4K takes ALOT OF INTERNET. It doesn't matter if you have 200 Mb speed, you may encounter buffering and dropped signal frequently, depending on how many other devices in use at the time. Ironically enough, I have a ridiculously slow internet speed that I've never upgraded because I have absolutely no problem running TVs, laptop, tablets, phone, streaming all at the same time here in LA. But, the key here is how much internet you're using at the same time when using 4K ANYTHING, not your speed. I think many of these critical reviewers have 4K TV, plus the stick, plus run alot of stuff at the same time because they have max speed, but they can actually have problems for using too much internet at once, while I have no problems. So bear that mind.I'll admit I haven't yet used the stick's Alexa feature yet because it doesn't matter to me for watching TV, and I have my Echo Dot anyway for other things. I love this 4K stick over any other device, am so glad I went through a formal installation process because (AGAIN) I tweaked even more settings than mentioned here during the process that I wouldn't have known to do or not, plus I have no issues with buffering and dropped signal that affect my use of the device. I intend to buy another stick soon, so I don't have to switch back and forth between TVs if I want, rather than use my pre-installed individual apps. It's so convenient to go in and out of NetFlix, Prime, premium movie channels, Vudu on the stick rather the individual apps, but I have the option of doing it either way..

This firestick is great but not perfect. I had this Firestick device for about 6 months and replaced it for my Xbox, which I only used to watch movies and Youtuber LOL. I wanted this Firestick device for streaming and this is super quick access to everything!!! Netflix, Hulu, Premium channel apps (IE: HBO, Cinemax, Crackle), Youtube, all the popular apps are already pre-installed on this stick (expect Kodi). So if you want to plug this into your tv's HDMI port and get started in under 10 minutes, you definitely can.FREE CHANNELS?Although everything is pre-installed, this does NOT include any "free" subscriptions, you have to pay for everything. Unless you have Amazon Prime (where you can watch Prime Video for free), you will not have access to anything "free" unless you go on Youtube or use the free trails some apps offer. My firestick came with a free 3-month trial with SlingTV, live tv subscription, which I did not use so I don't know if that's worth it or not. If you want to install Kodi (VPN protection needed) you can but I would watch a Youtube video on how to install that since I haven't done this.ALEXA VOICE FUNCTION???Alexa, the digital voice personal assistant, acts "right" most of the time but she does have her glitches LOL. I would say 70% of the time she listens and is accurate but sometimes she is so off it's comical. You press/hold-in the mic button at the top of the control to reach Alexa. Alexa is only able to find/play music and movies (that are usually included in Amazon's Prime Video or Paid Music services), open the pre-installed apps or authorized apps (Amazon has approved). So you can ask Alexa to open downloaded games, Youtube, play a song, find a movie, search the internet (in Amazon's own internet browser called "silk), order/find stuff on Amazon.com, do basic task (close, open a program, turn off, go to sleep, etc) and ask her questions like you can with Google (Example: Who, what, when, where, and why questions). However, she can do anything too advance like open settings, provide too many additional options for your questions, or make any phone calls or turn on/off lights (but you can buy other Alexa operated devices that do so you can do them from this Firestick device too).THE CONTROLLERThe controller is the most glitchy of it all. Sometimes it freezes and some buttons simply don't work until you unplug to reset the Firestick device. I had the Firestick for 2 weeks before I had problems with the controller and had issues with the Firestick device not connecting (remote to the device). So there was a lot of unplugging to reset the device, which only required you to disconnect the device not literally reprogram the remote/device again (I only had to program the remote once in 6 months). The batteries (two AAA) included have NOT died in the remote yet... so yeah LOL.THE BLUETOOTH CONNECTION???Every single time, you have to reconnect/repair your Bluetooth devices (if you turn them off) to the Firestick device. This is super annoying but only takes a few seconds to do. However, there ARE times that the Bluetooth devices (IE: wireless headphones) do NOT want to connect until you unplug the Firestick device. Again you only have to unplug for a few seconds and replug then you are good. Once you replug the firestick, magically the Bluetooth device reconnects WITHOUT having to pair it again.... STRANGE. The Bluetooth connection stays connected until your device turns off, so there is a strong connection WHEN connected.THE WIFI CONNECTION????I have this Firestick device connected to a WiFi modem and have NO ISSUES AT ALL with a lost internet connection. I've had more issues with my Xbox losing its wireless internet connection than this Firestick. So I would rate the wifi connection great.THE SET-UP / WIRINGSo the Firestick needs to be plugged into your tv directly via an HDMI port. Then the other end of the connected Firestick device needs to be plugged into the wall for power. You have a decent amount of cord but you want to put this directly into the wall and not into a cheap extension cord (power surge also will work). Obviously, you need to have your tv plugged in and then the Firestick plugged into the wall to work properly. Then you need to connect your wifi, sign in to your Amazon account, connect your remote, and you're basically done. This was easy to do, self-explanatory and you don't need the manual as its all prompted step-by-step on your tv screen.OVERALLI would recommend this Firestick device as you're getting a lot for $50 (even though cheaper during black Friday and on Prime Day), especially conveniences and a space-saving device. This makes your tv's color quality significantly better (especially if you don't already have a 4k tv) and it makes you want to watch all your movies on this device (instead of your computer). It's a lot more simply than streaming from your computer and takes up a lot less energy/space. This device is for the beginner too and it's not hard to set up. The Bluetooth is descent (paired with Sony headphones) and the wireless connection is strong. I would reorder again if need be, especially if they have better remote control and an upgrade to Alexa (which are glitchy). I'm not a tech person (I'm a female but so what LOL) but I think this is a great product and better than the $400 RVEAL device I bought in the past. I would recommend $50 without question. I hope this helps :)

I’ve reviewed a lot of streaming devices, and the Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa is easily one of my favorites from 2020. Setup was a breeze—just plug it into my TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and I was streaming in under 5 minutes. The 4K HDR support is fantastic; I tested it with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and the picture quality on my 4K TV was stunning—sharp details and rich colors. The Alexa voice remote is a game-changer. I could search for shows, control playback, and even dim my smart lights without lifting a finger. Performance is snappy, with no buffering during my tests (I’m on a 100 Mbps connection). The app selection is robust, covering all major platforms like YouTube, Disney+, and Hulu. My only minor gripe is the remote’s battery life—I had to replace the AAA batteries after about 3 months of heavy use. For the price, this is hands-down the best streaming stick for 4K content. If you’re upgrading your home entertainment setup, you can’t go wrong here!