Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick 4K comes with an actually good remote
Amazon has updated its Fire TV Stick 4K with a faster processor and a redesigned remote control. The new remote features improved ergonomics and tactile buttons specifically designed for use in dark environments.
Why it matters
Hardware refreshes for streaming devices impact consumer entertainment habits and highlight the importance of user interface design in home technology.
As part of its fall hardware refresh, Amazon on Wednesday introduced the next version of its Fire TV Stick 4K, which is now slimmer, faster, and can be directly charged via a TV’s USB port.
But the real news is that the device comes with an actually good remote control. No more blue Alexa button, a home button you can feel in the dark, a button for adding favorites, and a new shape that makes it more comfortable to hold in the hand.
It may seem funny that a remote control is the best part about the new streamer, which Amazon claims is 20% to 40% faster than leading competitors. But true TV connoisseurs know that a bad remote can ruin what would otherwise be a great watching experience. Amazon’s older voice remote wasn’t terrible, but it had plenty of room for improvement.
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