Amazon Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) Review: What’s New and Improved
Amazon has done it again! Just a year after the debut of its first-generation Fire TV Stick, the online retail giant has released an improved and refined version, dubbed the Amazon Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen). With its sleek design, improved performance, and an updated feature set, the new Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) aims to deliver an even more enjoyable streaming experience for TV enthusiasts.
Design and Hardware
The Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) sports a new look, with a more ergonomic design that makes it easy to slip into any power outlet. The device still measures only 4.4 inches long and 1 inch in diameter, making it compact and inconspicuous. Powering the device is a quad-core processor, twice as powerful as its predecessor, and 1 GB of RAM, which helps to deliver smoother performance. Additionally, the Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) features 8 GB of internal storage, which should be enough to store hundreds of movies and TV shows.
Improved Performance
In our tests, the new Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) proved to be a significant improvement over its predecessor. The interface is faster, more responsive, and generally more stable. This is likely due to the upgraded processor, which provides a noticeable boost in speed and performance. Whether you’re browsing the Fire TV’s home screen, streaming your favorite show, or playing games, the device handles tasks with ease and efficiency.
Updated Interface
The user interface of the Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) has also undergone a refresh, with a clean and intuitive design that’s easy to navigate. The main screen now features personalized recommendations based on your viewing history, making it easy to discover new content that you might enjoy. You can also access your recent and downloaded content, as well as your favorite shows and apps, with ease.
New Features and Enhancements
The Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) introduces several new features that enhance the streaming experience. One of the most notable is the new Alexa voice control, which allows you to control the device using voice commands. You can use Alexa to play and pause content, search for specific shows and movies, and even navigate the menu system. Other new features include:
- HDR Support: The Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) now supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) video, which means you’ll enjoy more vibrant colors and contrast in compatible content.
- Chromecast-like Streaming: The new Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) allows you to stream content from your mobile device or tablet to the TV using a technology called "Easy Fire TV Streaming."
- Voice Control for Games: You can now use voice commands to control games using Alexa, making it easy to pause, play, and switch between games.
- More Apps: The Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) features an updated app selection, with new additions like Twitch, NFL Network, and MLB.TV.
Verdict
The Amazon Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) is an impressive upgrade over its predecessor, with significant improvements in performance, design, and features. The new interface is clean and intuitive, and the addition of HDR support, voice control, and chromecast-like streaming make it an even more compelling choice for TV enthusiasts. At just $50, the Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) is an affordable and appealing option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly streaming solution.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommendation: The Amazon Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a easy-to-use, affordable, and feature-rich streaming solution. However, if you’re already invested in another streaming platform, you may want to consider sticking with what you know and love.
