- New Fire TV Stick HD, 30% thinner and designed for travel
- Direct USB power supply, no need for a wall plug
- Improved performance, a new Fire TV interface, and accessibility features
- Launching in Spain in June with a price of 49,99 euros
The new Amazon's Fire TV Stick HD arrives as the thinnest streaming player The company's latest product, launched so far, has a clear focus on portability and reducing cable clutter behind the TV. The idea is simple: a small, discreet, pocket-sized device that transforms almost any HDMI-enabled screen into a connected TV.
In addition to the physical redesign, this model introduces Significant improvements in performance, connectivity, and accessibility, and a new Fire TV experience which will be rolled out internationally. In Spain and much of Europe, the launch is planned for the coming months, with an official price of around 50 euros.
Slimmer design, intended to be unobtrusive
The new device stands out for a chassis approximately 30% narrower than the previous generationboth in volume and width. This size reduction isn't just for aesthetics: it allows for easier placement in those HDMI ports where space is often limited, preventing it from blocking other nearby connections.
That more compact format also means that be more convenient to carryIt fits easily in a pocket, backpack, or carry-on bag, making it an attractive option for frequent travelers who want to take their streaming platforms to hotels, vacation homes, or even a computer monitor.
By positioning itself better behind the screen and protruding less, the Stick blends more discreetly into the living room. The reduced thickness makes it easier to fit into TVs with several HDMI ports very close together.This is a recurring problem in older models or in some monitors where connecting a bulky dongle blocked more than one port.
Amazon completes this focus on portability with an included remote control, similar to the latest ones that the brand has been launchingwith basic controls, dedicated buttons for services like Prime Video or Netflix and access to the compatible voice assistant, or options for Control your Fire TV from your mobile device when greater accessibility is needed.
Direct USB power supply and goodbye (almost) to the power outlet
One of the key new features of this model is that can feed directly from the TV's USB portIn other words, in many cases it will no longer be necessary to occupy a wall socket with an adapter for the Stick to work, which greatly simplifies installation and helps to free up power strips and extension cords.
This direct power feature, which Amazon calls Direct Power in some markets, allows you to the television itself provides the necessary power provided the USB port offers sufficient power. For the user, this translates to fewer dangling cables and more freedom when positioning the television, especially if it's wall-mounted.
In any case, the company retains the option to use a power adapter and a USB-C cable This is for those who have TVs without USB ports, with ports that don't supply power, or for those who simply prefer traditional power. In other words, the option to plug it in as before is still available.
This flexibility makes the new Fire TV Stick HD be easier to use on older televisions, monitors, or projectors, as it adapts to different scenarios: from a hotel with a simple HDMI and USB, to a screen without USB where the traditional plug is used.
Faster than the previous model
The generational leap isn't limited to design. Amazon claims that this Fire TV Stick HD It is more than 30% faster on average than the device it replacesboth when turning it on and when opening applications and navigating through menus.
In practice, this improvement should be noticeable in shorter wait times when launching video platforms, switching apps, or navigating between sections within the Fire TV interface. One of the company's goals was precisely to reduce that feeling of sluggishness that some users had experienced with previous generations.
The device is designed for televisions and screens with Full HD resolution, so It offers playback up to 1080p., focused on those who don't need 4K but do want a smooth experience on streaming services and on-demand content.
For now, Amazon hasn't detailed all the usual publicly available technical specifications—such as specific HDR support in this HD model—but the overall approach makes it clear that The priority is to combine small size, better performance and a reasonable price. within the range of Fire devices.
Enhanced connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3
In terms of networking, the new Fire TV Stick HD Make the leap to Wi-Fi 6, a standard that offers more stable and efficient connections, especially in homes where many devices are pulling on the same wireless network.
Compared to previous models that only supported Wi-Fi 5, this improvement could mean Fewer playback interruptions, less stuttering, and better performance This is especially true when the router is located some distance away or when consuming high-quality content. Those with a Wi-Fi 6 compatible router will be able to take full advantage of this capability.
In addition to the network improvement, there is compatibility with Bluetooth 5.3This standard facilitates the use of wireless headphones, game controllers, and other accessories. This latest version aims to improve connection stability and energy efficiency.
Taken together, the new connectivity hardware reinforces the idea that this model is designed for respond better in situations where connection is criticalWhether it's to watch series and movies, to watch live content, or to take advantage of the available game apps on Fire TV.
New interface and system: Fire TV is faster and more organized
Along with the new device, Amazon is rolling out a completely revamped Fire TV experiencewhich is available for this model as well as other devices in the family via an update.
The company talks about an interface cleaner, faster, and better organizedwith clear categories for movies, series, live content, sports, news, and other types of channels. The goal is for users to find what they want to watch with fewer steps and less time wasted browsing.
To achieve this, Amazon has rebuilt the underlying system codeIn some markets it's a new Linux-based operating system, and in others it's called VegaOSIn both cases, the goal is the same: a more agile platform that reduces the feeling that the system is "stuttering".
The company claims that, thanks to these internal changes, The Fire TV experience can be up to 30% faster than before. This includes both daily navigation and access to the different sections and recommended content on the main screen.
The interface update is being rolled out internationally as a free upgrade for existing usersSo not only will the new Fire TV Stick HD benefit from these changes, but also compatible older models.
Accessibility features: larger text and easier navigation
Another area Amazon has focused on is accessibility. The new Fire TV Stick HD will feature a specific function called Match Room or Adaptive Display/Screendesigned to make it easier to read and navigate the menus.
Once activated, this tool increases the size of small elements, such as texts, menu options or icons, and at the same time proportionally scales larger elements, such as movie and series covers, so that the interface does not become misaligned.
The idea is to offer a more balanced and comfortable browsing experienceespecially for users with vision problems or for those who simply prefer to view menus with large letters from the sofa without having to get close to the screen.
In addition, the system will allow you to choose between several size options, so that Each person can adapt the interface to their needs.This feature will be rolled out via updates over the next few months in supported markets.
With these measures, Amazon reinforces the message that the new Fire TV Stick HD not only aims to be smaller and faster, but also more accessible to a wider range of usersregardless of their age or vision conditions.
Alexa+ and generative AI: availability by country
The new Fire TV Stick HD has also been designed to integrate with Alexa+ powered by generative AI, a version of the voice assistant that promises more natural responses and more personalized suggestions in the countries where it is available.
Among other functions, this integration allows the user Describe a specific scene in words of a movie or series on Prime Video and jump directly to that moment, without having to manually rewind. It also improves control of smart home devices connected to the Amazon ecosystem.
However, the company has made it clear that Alexa+ will not be available in all markets at launchIn the first phase, it will focus on countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, while for European territories such as Spain, Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, and Sweden, a specific date has not yet been provided.
In these cases, users will continue to have the usual functions of the Amazon voice assistant on the Fire TV Stick HD, but without the latest generative AI features until the company decides to expand availability.
Availability in Spain and Europe, price and reservations
Regarding the launch, Amazon has confirmed that the new Fire TV Stick HD It will arrive in Spain starting in JuneWith an official price of €49,99, the device is already available in the company's online store in our country.
For now, in Spain It cannot be purchased directlyHowever, it is possible to register to receive a notification when the product is available. Simply access the device's listing and click the button that allows Amazon to notify you by email when it goes on sale.
In other markets, the company has been somewhat more specific. Canada, Mexico, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand They are among the countries that will receive it sooner, with availability expected by the end of the month according to various official communications.
For much of continental Europe —including them Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland and Sweden— the company speaks of an arrival “soon”, without an exact date, although the fact that the product pages have already been activated points to a near-term commercialization.
In the UK, the device will be sold at £ 39,99, while in North America it is around $34,99It is expected that, as with other products from the brand, there will be occasional discounts during campaigns such as Prime Day or Black Friday.
Overall, the new Fire TV Stick HD is shaping up to be A compact player for those looking for something simple but well-designed.Its compact size, cleaner installation thanks to USB power, significant improvements in speed and connectivity, and a user-friendly interface make it a compelling option for upgrading an older TV, complementing a screen without smart features, or taking entertainment with you on the go.
