Thanks to a new update, every Amazon Fire TV device is about receive a significant upgrade: Alexa support.
Amazon has been selling Fire TV devices since 2014, and the overall concept has remained the same since. We’ve seen Fire TV boxes and Fire Sticks sold throughout the UK, USA, Germany and Japan with relative success, but the platform is now being shifted in a big way, and it’s all thanks to artificial intelligence.
This week, Amazon began rolling out a new update to all Amazon Fire TV devices in the UK that adds support for Alexa. That means Fire TV owners will now be able to take advantage of Amazon’s custom-built, voice-controlled digital assistant.
The move comes as Amazon releases a dedicated Alexa Fire TV Stick that features an Alexa-enabled remote control. But if you haven’t got the luxury of such a remote control, you can still make use of Alexa features by downloading the iOS or Android app, and using your smartphone’s built-in microphone.
The good news is that Alexa for Fire TV works just like it would on an Amazon Echo speaker. You’ll be able to do all of the usual stuff such as checking on the news and weather, as well as engage with third-party services such as ordering an Uber, or arranging a takeaway through JustEat. There are also Fire TV features that let you control your TV playback using your voice – ‘Alexa, play Man in the High Castle’, and so on.
Even better, Amazon is constantly adding new skills to Alexa’s repertoire, which means that your Fire TV will only become smarter over time. We’re just happy we can order a Domino’s pizza using our voices.
Related: Best TV
What do you think of Amazon Fire TV? Let us know in the comments.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
