Some popular Fire TV Sticks are getting a free boost that promises to make things cleaner, faster and far more intuitive to use. Amazon has just confirmed a blockbuster update which will begin rolling out in the US soon, followed by other parts of the world later this year. Once it arrives on devices, owners will be treated to a more modern look on their TV screens that includes improved layouts, rounded corners, redesigned colour gradients, updated typography, and more optimised spacing.
Things should also be a lot faster to navigate, with Amazon promising up to 30 percent gains in performance when whizzing through menus.
Along with a new design and being more fluid to use, the latest Fire TV UI change also allows users to pin more apps to the home screen. In fact, it’s rising from a measly six to a more useful 20.
Other additions include a faster way to get to Games, Art & Photos, and the Ambient Experience via the Menu button on the remote.
Amazon has also added a shortcut panel that can be accessed by long-pressing the Home button on the remote. This gives users quick access to the most-used controls on Fire TV, including audio and display settings.
Finally, there’s Alexa+. This upgraded assistant – which should arrive in the UK this year – will help Fire users find things to watch more intuitively.
As well as boosting Fire TV Sticks, Amazon is also refreshing the Fire TV mobile app. This already works as a backup remote, but soon it will do more. The redesigned app adds the ability to browse content, manage watchlists, and play titles on TVs—all with a look and feel that matches the new Fire TV design.
Once installed, the app will turn phones into a second screen to discover what to watch next or add a friend’s show recommendation to watchlists when you’re away from home. Amazon has confirmed that the Fire TV mobile app will be available for free to download.
So who is getting the changes?
It’s been confirmed that the new Fire TV UI and mobile app will launch starting in February on the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen), and Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series in the U.S. Later this spring, Amazon will expand the new UI design to more countries and more devices, including the latest generation Fire TV 4K streaming media players.
