The original Fire Stick, but with the Alexa Voice Remote included for a much more seamless experience.
The remote can launch, control and change content with just your voice, which is perfect if you’ve got so used to letting your smart speakers turn your lights on and off, or adjust the thermostat. You need to press and hold the button, which is actually a nice touch to avoid any accidental commands being picked up.
There are all of the usual apps available, such as Netflix and Hayu or catch-up services like All 4 or My 5. You can also browse the internet on Firefox or Silk, listen to music on YouTube or TuneIn, or just ask Alexa to check the weather or the score of the Chelsea match.
Amazon Skills allow you to control other aspects of your home with compatible linked devices, such as lighting or security cameras. As with all of the Fire Sticks (and general Amazon products really), it is better if you have a Prime Membership as you’ll have access to further services such as Prime Video, but it isn’t a must.
You can watch live television if you don’t have a satellite in place too, through apps such as BBC Sport or the ITV Hub, although additional fees and licences may apply. A Prime Membership will allow you to just pay for what you download and use.
The Stick just needs plugging into your HDMI port, into the mains and connecting to the Wi-Fi. You’re good to go straight away. Because there isn’t much to it, you could take it to hotels, on holiday or even just transfer it to your television upstairs if you fancy an early night. You just need Wi-Fi.
