The NEW Amazon Fire TV Stick HD Replaces Two Existing Models

Goodnight to the Firestick Lite

The Fire Tv Stick HD is the Streaming Giants Most Economical Streaming Device To Date

Amazon has unveiled its latest addition to the Fire TV lineup with the new Fire TV Stick HD, designed to replace both the Fire TV Stick Lite and the standard Fire TV Stick models that debuted in 2020. Priced at just $34.99, the Fire TV Stick HD emerges as the most affordable model in the Fire TV family, offering a budget-friendly option that includes TV power and volume controls on its remote. This new pricing undercuts the previous third-generation Fire TV Stick, which retailed for $39.99, by $5.

Hardware Specifications and Streaming Capabilities

The Fire TV Stick HD utilizes the same hardware specifications as its predecessor, the Fire TV Stick Lite. Amazon has not yet confirmed any changes to the streaming device itself; however, it appears that the new model shares the same model number (S3L46N) as both the Fire TV Stick Lite and the third-gen Fire TV Stick. It’s reasonable to assume that the hardware remains unchanged, utilizing the MediaTek MT8695D quad-core processor operating at 1.7GHz, along with a PowerVR GE8300 GPU.

The Fire TV Stick HD is equipped with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, and it supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 connectivity with a 2×2 MIMO configuration. As suggested by its name, the device supports up to 1080p video resolution and is compatible with HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG high dynamic range formats, though it does not support Dolby Vision.

In contrast to the outgoing third-gen Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Stick HD does not feature onboard Dolby decoding. Instead, it supports HDMI passthrough for Dolby-encoded audio, similar to the Fire TV Stick Lite. While most modern TVs, soundbars, and AV receivers can easily handle passthrough Dolby audio, the absence of onboard decoding means that users will need to pause their content to hear Alexa’s responses when using Dolby audio, as the audio volume is not lowered during Alexa’s replies, unlike on models with onboard decoding. Although this is a minor difference, it allows Amazon to keep costs lower by avoiding Dolby licensing fees.

Updated Remote Design and Features

The remote that comes with the Fire TV Stick HD is similar in functionality to the one provided with the previous third-gen Fire TV Stick but features a refreshed design that aligns more closely with the Alexa Voice Remote Pro. This updated remote includes TV controls, making the Fire TV Stick HD the most economical streaming device that Amazon has offered with both voice and TV control features. Notably, the updated remote has replaced the Alexa logo on the microphone button with a generic mic icon, differing from the remote included with the Fire TV Stick 4K, which retains the original Alexa branding. The introduction of a fully functional remote at a low price point marks a significant upgrade for budget-conscious consumers who want more control options.

Operating System and Software Support

According to Amazon’s software update page, the Fire TV Stick HD operates on the same version of Fire OS 7 as the Fire TV Stick Lite and the third-gen Fire TV Stick. This suggests that the new device does not utilize Amazon’s anticipated Vega OS, which is rumored to be based on a different operating system architecture rather than Android. Amazon has been contacted for confirmation, and further details may be provided closer to the Fire TV Stick HD’s release date.

Availability and Conclusion

The Fire TV Stick HD is available for purchase immediately at the price of $34.99, and units are already shipping. Although the new model does not boast upgraded hardware specifications, its lower entry-level price, coupled with the inclusion of voice and TV control on the remote, makes it an appealing option for those seeking a basic streaming device. Amazon will continue to offer the Fire TV Stick Lite and third-gen Fire TV Stick while supplies last; once these models are sold out, the Fire TV Stick HD will take over as the entry-level option in the streamlined Fire TV lineup.