Hardware

Published on October 19th, 2020 | by James Wright

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite Review

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite Review James Wright
Score

Summary: For price, features and smart integration, the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is almost unbeatable!

5

Unbeatable


This clever little device from Amazon is great for transforming TV’s or monitors into an Alexa controlled streaming device that gives you access to literally thousands upon thousands of free movies and TV shows. While this device supports big streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Disney+, it also supports Australian streaming services such as 7plus, ABC iView, 9NOW, SNS on Demand and 10 Play. So it’s ideal for both free and subscribed streaming services.

Add in the ability to play songs through music services like Spotify or Amazon Music and this tiny device (Fire TV Stick Lite: 86 mm x 30 mm x 13 mm / Remote: 142 mm x 38 mm) will provide you endless hours of entertainment. Best of all, it comes with the Alexa Voice Remote Lite that has a microphone and by holding down the voice button, you can control your digital streaming with just your voice. However as the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite has Alexa integration, you can even control other smart devices in your home such as lights or blinds, even asking Alexa questions like what’s the weather or capital of Hungary!

Key Features

  • Enjoy fast streaming in Full HD. Comes with Alexa Voice Remote Lite
  • Press and ask Alexa – use your voice to easily search and launch shows and movies across multiple apps like Netflix, Prime Video, ABC iview and more. Try “Alexa, find Australian movies.”
  • Thousands of Alexa skills, and apps – Including YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, Stan and more. Subscription fees may apply
  • Free TV – Access thousands of free movies and TV shows from apps like 7plus, ABC iview, 9Now, SBS On Demand, 10 play and more
  • Listen to music. Stream on Amazon Music, Spotify, and others. Subscription fees may apply
  • Turn your TV into a smart TV. Easy to set up and stays hidden. Plug in behind your TV, turn on the TV, and connect to the internet to get set up
  • TV is just the beginning. Alexa can also play music, answer questions, read the news, check the weather, and set alarms
  • 200,000+ movies and TV episodes. With thousands included in your Prime membership*

In terms of power, the Fire TV Stick Lite is controlled by a 1.7Ghz quad-core process with 8GB storage that really makes this streaming device quite responsive and best of, it supports 1080p (Full HD) at 60 frames per seconds. Adding to the connectivity to your home network is support for dual-band (including 5Ghz) plus dual antennas to ensure your streaming is lag free. We had no issues with streaming at all, however it is dependent on your router or Wi-Fi router, including interference around your home. A good test is to your use your mobile phone and if you have no issues with streaming on that device, the Fire TV Stick Lite should be the same.

Well-packed from Amazon, the first thing that I noticed about this device was how small it is! It’s tiny! It also comes with everything you need to connect it to your TV from a built-in HDMI cable, microUSB plug plus wall charger and a remote control with two AAA “cute” Amazon batteries. The remote control is quite basic and that’s what you want with the main button being a microphone button to launch Alexa plus its navigational/select wheel. Adding to this is back, home, menu, fast forward, play/pause, rewind and guide.

Unboxing Photos

Setting up the Fire TV Stick Lite is super easy and if you have installed other Amazon Alexa devices before, the process is just as simple. Once you connected the Fire TV Stick Lite to your TV via the included HDMI cable and then connected the device to your mains power, the next step is to download the app on your smartphone and presto, you’ll be up and running in under 5 minutes. This also connects the Fire TV Stick Lite to your Wi-Fi network and once done, you just control the device through the remote and of course, Alexa herself.

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Alexa, find comedies
Alexa, open ABC iView
Alexa, play ABC news
Alexa, open Disney+
Alexa, what’s the time?
Alexa, what’s the weather?
Alexa, turn kitchen lights off
Alexa, turn kettle on
Alexa, find me a Mexican restaurant
Alexa open YouTube

After using this device for several weeks now, it is quite a sturdy device that connects well to the Amazon tech-ecosphere. Sure, there are a few hiccups in terms of getting your requests mixed up but this is also the case with Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri. However exploring digital content has never been easier and with the combination of the remote control plus Alexa, this is the perfect duo for easily finding and controlling your online videos. Add in other Alexa skills and the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite will become your next go-to item.

Final Thoughts?

While Smart TV’s are great, sometimes they can be a little problematic when it comes to connections, streaming quality and of course the absence of voice control. However with the Fire TV Stick Lite, this is no longer the case as it does it all and with ease. Best of all, Amazon have promised even more updates and the only addition I would like is a longer cable to connect to your TV but apart from that, this device is excellent value for money!

Availability

Fire TV Stick Lite is available now for $59 on amazon.com.au/firetv and JB Hi-Fi.

Overview

  • Everything you need, right out of the box
    Fire TV Stick Lite comes with all the essentials you need to get set up and start watching with ease. And with 50% more power than Fire TV Stick Basic Edition, Fire TV Stick Lite delivers quick app starts and fast streaming in Full HD.
  • Alexa Voice Remote Lite
    Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to find, launch and control content. Easily search and enjoy thousands of movies, TV shows, apps, and games. Alexa can also play music, answer questions, read the news, check the weather, and set alarms.
  • Find content fast
    Streaming on Fire TV is simple and intuitive. It all starts with the easy-to-use Fire TV home screen. Search across multiple streaming services to find what you want to watch.
  • 200,000+ movies and TV episodes
    Enjoy favourites from Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, Stan, 7plus, SBS On Demand and others. Stream live news, sports, and must-see shows. Plus, play millions of songs through services like Amazon Music and Spotify. Subscription fees may apply.
  • Stream for free your favourite Australian TV apps
    Watch live TV and on demand shows and movies for free with apps like ABC iview, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9Now and 10 play. (Some apps are ad-supported).
  • Plug and play, out of the way
    The compact design plugs directly into an HDMI port and can tuck neatly behind your TV. Easily move Fire TV Stick Lite between TVs at home or away so your content travels with you.
  • Prime members get more from Fire TV
    Prime Membership includes thousands of movies and TV shows, including Amazon Originals such as Upload, Last One Laughing, Jack Ryan, Fleabag, Hanna and more. Amazon Originals showcase comedy, drama and family programming you can only see on Prime Video, such as The Grand Tour, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Little Fires Everywhere and the award-winning series Man in the High Castle.
  • TV is just the beginning
    Fire TV is always getting smarter with new Alexa skills and voice functionality. Use the Alexa Voice Remote Lite to turn on compatible smart bulbs, check the weather, stream music and more.

 


About the Author

james@impulsegamer.com'



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