Tech Amazon firestick 4K Max

[CurrentlySober]

Anyone got / getting one? Just released yesterday in the UK. I assume same for elsewhere?

Nice Review...

[luclonely]

I like my Roku better

[fuzebox]

I hope the newer processor and increased ram helps with the reliability... I got tired of replacing my fire stick 4k every 4-6 months when it craps out and have switched to the new chromecast, at least at home. The fire stick is slightly better for travel as you don't need to set it's wifi using the app on your phone.

[CurrentlySober]

Cheers for the responses so far. My TV is an LG 2016 model, but unfortunately, it's also pre 'WebOS' version. This means I don't really have any control over the two main apps I use - Netflix / Prime - because I cant update to the latest versions - Im stuck with the 'LG' versions, that are somewhat out of date now, not really supported and buggy and laggy.

Rather than get a new TV (Wasteful) I'm looking for a streaming device that does Netflix and Prime to use instead of the ones built into the TV...

Initially, I was eyeing up a Roku, but on further research, a lot of the apps that are 'baked in' are not apps for the UK market, so that seemed kinda pointless for me in the UK. Then I was looking at firesticks and realised that this new one had just released. Meaning its about as state of the art as it's gonna get - For a streaming stick anyway.

I've kinda considered chromecast, but its not really something that is on my radar, as you dont really hear much about them in the UK. So I think I'm probably gonna pull the trigger on the firestick in the next few days or so.

I did have a firestick from one of the very first versions, but it doesn't have 4K, seems to think that it's located in Germany (Don't ask...) but most importantly, the only way to 'switch it off' is to pull the power cord - Then re plug when I want to use it - Not ideal.

The new one though, looks like it can be left connected up all day when not being used, then activated via a button on the remote (Not present on my old remote) then used for a few hours before I go to sleep, which is the only time I would be using it.

One thing I DO like about it, is the Netflix / Prime dedicated buttons on the remote - That will be ideal for my usage case.

Plus, if I get it from amazon, I can get a replacement sent out next day if I get a fault, so I'm not too worried about longevity, considering its only gonna get a few hours use a day

Thanks all

[fuzebox]

I can get a replacement sent out next day if I get a fault, so I'm not too worried about longevity, considering its only gonna get a few hours use a day

All the firesticks up until now randomly crap out after 3-6 months. It's called the "reboot loop", there's no "official" fix other than to "make sure you use the original usb cable plugged into AC", and unplug it and replug it in. Just a downer, for a year I always had a spare new one in a box so that movie night wasn't ruined.

I do prefer the firestick remote over the chromecast, google tries to oversimplify it which is annoying when entering text.

[fuzebox]

Any hdmi device is going to be better than built in TV apps though. I have a brand new TV that also runs Android and prefer both the fire and the chromecast to its built in interface.

[Rochard]

We love Amazon. We have Alexa dots in every room and firesticks on every TV.

[CurrentlySober]

All the firesticks up until now randomly crap out after 3-6 months. It's called the "reboot loop", there's no "official" fix other than to "make sure you use the original usb cable plugged into AC", and unplug it and replug it in. Just a downer, for a year I always had a spare new one in a box so that movie night wasn't ruined.

Yup. No problem using it 'wired' on my setup - Thousands of cables round he back already !

[Sly]

Cheers for the responses so far. My TV is an LG 2016 model, but unfortunately, it's also pre 'WebOS' version. This means I don't really have any control over the two main apps I use - Netflix / Prime - because I cant update to the latest versions - Im stuck with the 'LG' versions, that are somewhat out of date now, not really supported and buggy and laggy.

Rather than get a new TV (Wasteful) I'm looking for a streaming device that does Netflix and Prime to use instead of the ones built into the TV...

Initially, I was eyeing up a Roku, but on further research, a lot of the apps that are 'baked in' are not apps for the UK market, so that seemed kinda pointless for me in the UK. Then I was looking at firesticks and realised that this new one had just released. Meaning its about as state of the art as it's gonna get - For a streaming stick anyway.

I've kinda considered chromecast, but its not really something that is on my radar, as you dont really hear much about them in the UK. So I think I'm probably gonna pull the trigger on the firestick in the next few days or so.

I did have a firestick from one of the very first versions, but it doesn't have 4K, seems to think that it's located in Germany (Don't ask...) but most importantly, the only way to 'switch it off' is to pull the power cord - Then re plug when I want to use it - Not ideal.

The new one though, looks like it can be left connected up all day when not being used, then activated via a button on the remote (Not present on my old remote) then used for a few hours before I go to sleep, which is the only time I would be using it.

One thing I DO like about it, is the Netflix / Prime dedicated buttons on the remote - That will be ideal for my usage case.

Plus, if I get it from amazon, I can get a replacement sent out next day if I get a fault, so I'm not too worried about longevity, considering its only gonna get a few hours use a day

Thanks all

Do you have an Amazon store in your area? I have one down the street and can pop in to look at the different toys they have available on the market. I haven't been in to check anything out in quite some time, but the last time I was I found it pretty fun.

Toys "R" Us for adults.

[sandman!]

I’m not in the uk but I have used a fire stick and a Roku and I prefer the roku interface.

[Mr Pheer]

The Xbox Series X has those apps. And a bunch of rallycross games.

[CurrentlySober]

Do you have an Amazon store in your area?

Only one, in the entire UK, that opened a couple of days ago...

Still over 500 miles away from me though... That's a hell of a long walk...

https://www.euronews.com/next/2021/1...tore-in-the-uk

[CurrentlySober]

The Xbox Series X has those apps. And a bunch of rallycross games.

True, but I wanted to show restraint and avoid 'Overkill' for once in my life... Plus, I already do my rally cross on a rig, with wheel, pedals and shifter, in VR

[CurrentlySober]

Well I've pulled the trigger and it arrives tomorrow - I'll poost a review when I've tried it out

[Mr Pheer]

True, but I wanted to show restraint and avoid 'Overkill' for once in my life... Plus, I already do my rally cross on a rig, with wheel, pedals and shifter, in VR

Yep I did that too, but I need to upgrade my headset. I'm still wearing the Rift v1, but I did upgrade my GPU to the 3060.

[CurrentlySober]

Yep I did that too, but I need to upgrade my headset. I'm still wearing the Rift v1, but I did upgrade my GPU to the 3060.

HP Reverb G2 is my headset of choice. Really pleased with it - Recommended especially for Sim Racing scenarios. Not the best controllers and tracking with it (That's the index knuckles) but as for the screens and visuals, probably the best sub 600 kit available

[CurrentlySober]

REVIEW:

Well I have to say I fucking love it, and totally recommend it. Fast as fuck, and gives me all sorts of features that my smart TV never had.

Beautiful interface, presenting me with the best of my netflix, prime, Disney+ and live TV apps, along with IMDB TV with some really good films that are unavailable elsewhere, all in one place without needing to first open a specific app to search from first. PERFECT!

Additional storage is as simple as plugging in a USB drive / Compact Flash Card (Via an OTG connector worth about $1.99 which I already had) and its natively supported and recognised without the need for additional software to be installed.

10 out of fucking 10 ! If Id known how fast and comprehensive the experience was going to be, Id have got one years ago, but then I couldn't, as it only came out a couple of weeks ago!