Latest news with #FireStick
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I've tried BEST Fire TV Stick money can buy – and it has three clever Amazon tricks that could save you £100s a year
WHEN it comes to telly, few gadgets are as well known as the Amazon Fire Stick. And I've been trying out the best version of this blockbuster device: the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max . It's a supreme plug-in streamer that I reckon could even save you hundreds of pounds a year. 9 The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach has been trying out the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun 9 It's the top-of-the-range Fire Stick Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun If you're new to the Fire Stick game, this is a small black bar that plugs into the back of your telly. It goes into the HDMI port. Your TV almost certainly several of those. And it'll give it a brand new interface chock full of apps, games, and some clever Amazon features too. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – £69.99 The idea is that no matter what TV you have – even if it's old and a bit rubbish – you can get a new and "smart" experience on the cheap. Read more on Amazon And at £69.99 (or potentially less if you read on...), this device is way cheaper than upgrading to a newer TV. Of course Amazon Fire TV Sticks can be snapped up for far less, with the HD model coming in at just £39.99. So what makes this so good? Why am I here raving about it to you? AMAZON FIRE TV STICK 4K MAX – WHAT IS IT? Let's start with the basics. You plug it in, and you're pretty much good to go in a matter of seconds. Most read in Tech It's a fairly easy system to navigate. If you've ever used a phone or telly (and let's be honest, you probably have) then it's the same thing. You've got a list of apps that you can open, and they'll serve up content. There's a frankly enormous selection of apps available via the Amazon Appstore. But you get some bits pre-installed, like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and (of course) Amazon Prime Video. These are all official and legal apps – no "dodgy" Fire Sticks here. Amazon Fire Stick trick lets you find lost remote instantly using hidden 'ringer' There's also a Live tab packed with loads of live TV channels. These are totally free to watch. The only catch is that you'll have to sit through ads. But if you fancy effectively unlimited Hell's Kitchen, Mythbusters, or Baywatch , you're in luck. The big advantage for this device over the cheapest Amazon Fire Stick is the 4K quality. 9 You control the Fire Stick with this handy Alexa-enabled voice remote (but you can use the buttons if you'd prefer not to chat with your telly) Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun You'll be able to watch Ultra HD Netflix or Amazon Prime Video content in its full native resolution. So all of that extra detail is captured and displayed (as long as you have a 4K telly too). There is a slightly cheaper Fire Stick 4K (the one without the "Max" branding) that costs a tenner less. There are a few minor differences, including a slightly more advanced Wi-Fi system that you don't really need to worry about, and an "Ambient Experience" that shows artwork on your telly. They're both fine to have, but they're not the big winners. Instead, look out for the doubled storage on the Max (16GB versus 8GB) so you can download more apps. 9 The interface is easy to navigate – and guides you on how to use features as you go Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun And note that the processor is also faster on the Max, which makes it ultra-speedy. A slow telly is immensely frustrating. Don't put yourself through that. WHAT I'M MOST IMPRESSED BY One of the best things about the Amazon Fire TV Stick platform generally is the vast array of apps on offer. You can get pretty much everything on here. But there are some great options that save you money . For a start, you've got so much free telly on offer that you'd struggle to get through it all. You could quite easily watch TV forever without paying a penny. So if you fancy binning all of your TV subscriptions, you won't have to go without telly. That'll save you hundreds of quid right off the bat. But earlier this week, I also revealed how you could quite easily enjoy For £14.99 a month you can get Xbox Cloud Gaming , which is basically a "Netflix for games". 9 Loads of popular apps are available on the Fire Stick Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun So instead of having a console render the gaming visuals, they're beamed to you over the internet instead. You can play a massive library of over 350 games without owning a console. You just need a Fire Stick, decent internet, and a wireless games controller – like an Xbox or PlayStation joypad. It's a great way to make a saving, because you don't need to fork out for a console. But there's an even cheaper option that I'm also pretty impressed by. AMAZON FIRE TV STICK 4K MAX – THE OFFICIAL SPECS Here's a quick look... Picture Resolution: 4K Ultra HD Video Formats: Dolby Vision / HDR / HDR10 / HDR10+ / HLG Audio: Dolby Atmos Bundled Remote: Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced Storage: 16GB Memory: 2GB Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E Picture-In-Picture Live View: Yes Ambient Experience: Yes Picture Credit: Amazon Amazon has its own Xbox Cloud Gaming rival called Luna. And if you pay the £8.99-a-month Luna+ fee, you get more than 100 games to play. It's massively cheaper than buying a console, and you can cancel at any time. That's harder to do with a console. It works extremely well, and the visuals are stunning – because they're being rendered by powerful Amazon computers. 9 You'll be able to unlock seemingly endless live telly too Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun Better yet, if you've got Amazon Prime then you get some games for free – even if you're not paying for Luna+. That includes Fortnite, which is a smash-hit shooter game that almost needs no introduction. So that's a third way this could slash your bills . If you can enjoy the free games you're getting with Prime, you don't need to pay for Luna+ at all. Are there any downsides? Honestly, it's pretty good for the price. I think the iPad , or Apple Watch. But that magical Apple box starts at £149, so it should be better. Not everyone needs a £149 plug-in streamer. But I think Amazon's 4K Max device is a great middle-ground between your smart TV or a bottom-end Fire Stick and a top-end gadget like the Apple TV 4K. 9 If you have a Bluetooth controller (like this Amazon Luna joypad) then you can play top-tier video games on the Fire Stick without even owning a console Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun SHOULD YOU BUY IT? Whether it's the gadget for you really depends on your budget – and home set up. If you haven't got a 4K telly or you're not paying for any 4K content subscriptions (if you've got the basic Netflix plan, for instance), then buying a 4K Stick is arguably overkill – unless you're looking for future-proofing. But 4K TVs are much cheaper to come by these days, so keep that in mind. If you're an Apple fan that wants to splash out, the Apple TV 4K is still my top pick for a streaming gadget. I'm impressed by it. For the price, this is good value for money – and it's got several ways to slash your entertainment bills too. It's fairly small and doesn't need a tangle of wires. The remote is neat and easy to use, and looks good on the coffee table. It also gives you access to the Alexa voice assistant, which is handy for asking about the weather or demanding a movie. And the set-up is no-nonsense. I'd only downgrade to the cheapest Fire Stick if I was sticking it in a spare room on a non-4K TV. Otherwise, this feels like the Fire Stick to go for. The other thing to watch out for is pricing. 9 Amazon has a special gaming service called Luna for playing video games over the internet Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun As I mentioned, this gadget normally costs £69.99 – but it doesn't always. Amazon often discounts its own products. Just plug the gadget into CamelCamelCamel (a tracker that monitors Amazon prices over time) to see for yourself. There are several points where it's been on sale for as low as £50, and even £44.99. The average retail price is £58.74. So this gadget is even better value for money if you can pick it up in a sale. There's no guarantee, but keeping your eyes peeled around Black Friday 2025 (that's November 28) could be a good idea. The Sun says: The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the perfect mid-range streaming gadget – and the best of the Amazon "sticks". It can save you money, and delivers 4K visuals across your favourite apps. 5/5 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – £69.99 Check The Sun's guide to Fire Stick 4K vs Fire Stick 4K Max. 9 The Fire Stick takes up very little space at the back of your telly Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – Pros and Cons Pros Extremely easy to set up and use Huge selection of content – and loads of free content too Viable alternative to a games console Takes up almost no space Great value for money Cons Slower than an Apple TV Better value if you wait for a sale
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review: I've tried BEST Fire TV Stick money can buy – and it has three clever Amazon tricks that could save you £100s a year
WHEN it comes to telly, few gadgets are as well known as the Amazon Fire Stick. And I've been trying out the best version of this blockbuster device: the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. It's a supreme plug-in streamer that I reckon could even save you hundreds of pounds a year. 9 The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach has been trying out the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun 9 It's the top-of-the-range Fire Stick Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun If you're new to the Fire Stick game, this is a small black bar that plugs into the back of your telly. It goes into the HDMI port. Your TV almost certainly several of those. And it'll give it a brand new interface chock full of apps, games, and some clever Amazon features too. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – £69.99 The idea is that no matter what TV you have – even if it's old and a bit rubbish – you can get a new and "smart" experience on the cheap. And at £69.99 (or potentially less if you read on...), this device is way cheaper than upgrading to a newer TV. Of course Amazon Fire TV Sticks can be snapped up for far less, with the HD model coming in at just £39.99. So what makes this so good? Why am I here raving about it to you? AMAZON FIRE TV STICK 4K MAX – WHAT IS IT? Let's start with the basics. You plug it in, and you're pretty much good to go in a matter of seconds. It's a fairly easy system to navigate. If you've ever used a phone or telly (and let's be honest, you probably have) then it's the same thing. You've got a list of apps that you can open, and they'll serve up content. There's a frankly enormous selection of apps available via the Amazon Appstore. But you get some bits pre-installed, like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and (of course) Amazon Prime Video. These are all official and legal apps – no "dodgy" Fire Sticks here. Amazon Fire Stick trick lets you find lost remote instantly using hidden 'ringer' There's also a Live tab packed with loads of live TV channels. These are totally free to watch. The only catch is that you'll have to sit through ads. But if you fancy effectively unlimited Hell's Kitchen, Mythbusters, or Baywatch, you're in luck. The big advantage for this device over the cheapest Amazon Fire Stick is the 4K quality. 9 You control the Fire Stick with this handy Alexa-enabled voice remote (but you can use the buttons if you'd prefer not to chat with your telly) Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun You'll be able to watch Ultra HD Netflix or Amazon Prime Video content in its full native resolution. So all of that extra detail is captured and displayed (as long as you have a 4K telly too). There is a slightly cheaper Fire Stick 4K (the one without the "Max" branding) that costs a tenner less. There are a few minor differences, including a slightly more advanced Wi-Fi system that you don't really need to worry about, and an "Ambient Experience" that shows artwork on your telly. They're both fine to have, but they're not the big winners. Instead, look out for the doubled storage on the Max (16GB versus 8GB) so you can download more apps. 9 The interface is easy to navigate – and guides you on how to use features as you go Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun And note that the processor is also faster on the Max, which makes it ultra-speedy. A slow telly is immensely frustrating. Don't put yourself through that. WHAT I'M MOST IMPRESSED BY One of the best things about the Amazon Fire TV Stick platform generally is the vast array of apps on offer. You can get pretty much everything on here. But there are some great options that save you money. For a start, you've got so much free telly on offer that you'd struggle to get through it all. You could quite easily watch TV forever without paying a penny. So if you fancy binning all of your TV subscriptions, you won't have to go without telly. That'll save you hundreds of quid right off the bat. But earlier this week, I also revealed how you could quite easily enjoy a "virtual" Xbox on the Fire Stick – rather than paying for a £500 console. For £14.99 a month you can get Xbox Cloud Gaming, which is basically a "Netflix for games". 9 Loads of popular apps are available on the Fire Stick Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun So instead of having a console render the gaming visuals, they're beamed to you over the internet instead. You can play a massive library of over 350 games without owning a console. You just need a Fire Stick, decent internet, and a wireless games controller – like an Xbox or PlayStation joypad. It's a great way to make a saving, because you don't need to fork out for a console. But there's an even cheaper option that I'm also pretty impressed by. AMAZON FIRE TV STICK 4K MAX – THE OFFICIAL SPECS Here's a quick look... Picture Resolution: 4K Ultra HD Video Formats: Dolby Vision / HDR / HDR10 / HDR10+ / HLG Audio: Dolby Atmos Bundled Remote: Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced Storage: 16GB Memory: 2GB Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E Picture-In-Picture Live View: Yes Ambient Experience: Yes Picture Credit: Amazon Amazon has its own Xbox Cloud Gaming rival called Luna. And if you pay the £8.99-a-month Luna+ fee, you get more than 100 games to play. It's massively cheaper than buying a console, and you can cancel at any time. That's harder to do with a console. It works extremely well, and the visuals are stunning – because they're being rendered by powerful Amazon computers. 9 You'll be able to unlock seemingly endless live telly too Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun Better yet, if you've got Amazon Prime then you get some games for free – even if you're not paying for Luna+. That includes Fortnite, which is a smash-hit shooter game that almost needs no introduction. So that's a third way this could slash your bills. If you can enjoy the free games you're getting with Prime, you don't need to pay for Luna+ at all. Are there any downsides? Honestly, it's pretty good for the price. I think the Apple TV 4K box is still a slicker experience. It feels faster to navigate, and I think the whole interface looks better. Plus it works neatly with your other devices if you have an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. But that magical Apple box starts at £149, so it should be better. Not everyone needs a £149 plug-in streamer. But I think Amazon's 4K Max device is a great middle-ground between your smart TV or a bottom-end Fire Stick and a top-end gadget like the Apple TV 4K. 9 If you have a Bluetooth controller (like this Amazon Luna joypad) then you can play top-tier video games on the Fire Stick without even owning a console Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun SHOULD YOU BUY IT? Whether it's the gadget for you really depends on your budget – and home set up. If you haven't got a 4K telly or you're not paying for any 4K content subscriptions (if you've got the basic Netflix plan, for instance), then buying a 4K Stick is arguably overkill – unless you're looking for future-proofing. But 4K TVs are much cheaper to come by these days, so keep that in mind. If you're an Apple fan that wants to splash out, the Apple TV 4K is still my top pick for a streaming gadget. I'm impressed by it. For the price, this is good value for money – and it's got several ways to slash your entertainment bills too. It's fairly small and doesn't need a tangle of wires. The remote is neat and easy to use, and looks good on the coffee table. It also gives you access to the Alexa voice assistant, which is handy for asking about the weather or demanding a movie. And the set-up is no-nonsense. I'd only downgrade to the cheapest Fire Stick if I was sticking it in a spare room on a non-4K TV. Otherwise, this feels like the Fire Stick to go for. The other thing to watch out for is pricing. 9 Amazon has a special gaming service called Luna for playing video games over the internet Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun As I mentioned, this gadget normally costs £69.99 – but it doesn't always. Amazon often discounts its own products. Just plug the gadget into CamelCamelCamel (a tracker that monitors Amazon prices over time) to see for yourself. There are several points where it's been on sale for as low as £50, and even £44.99. The average retail price is £58.74. So this gadget is even better value for money if you can pick it up in a sale. There's no guarantee, but keeping your eyes peeled around Black Friday 2025 (that's November 28) could be a good idea. The Sun says: The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the perfect mid-range streaming gadget – and the best of the Amazon "sticks". It can save you money, and delivers 4K visuals across your favourite apps. 5/5 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – £69.99 Check The Sun's guide to Fire Stick 4K vs Fire Stick 4K Max. 9 The Fire Stick takes up very little space at the back of your telly Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase.
Engadget
11-07-2025
- Business
- Engadget
Last chance Prime Day deal: Grab the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD for only $18
The Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is available for just $18 as part of the Prime Day festivities. That's 49 percent off, as it typically costs $35. But if you want it, you'll have to get it today because Prime Day officially ends at the end of the day July 11. The stick made our list of the best streaming devices, and we particularly recommend it for those on a budget. It just gets the job done. The Fire TV Stick HD is easy to set up and provides access to all of the major streaming platforms. It streams content at 1080p and the UI is simple enough to grasp immediately. This is a record-low price. $18 at Amazon It also comes with an updated remote control, which is the same remote that comes with Fire TVs. It allows for voice control, so you can simply ask it to look for something to watch and let Alexa do the rest. It can also control the power and volume on the TV, which is something previous Fire Stick remotes couldn't do. The one caveat is right there in the name. This is a stick that supports HD content and cannot stream in 4K. That could be a dealbreaker for some, though the price is most certainly right. If you absolutely must have that 4K magic on your set, consider the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Amazon's most powerful streaming dongle. It's on sale now as well for only $35.
Metro
09-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
Amazon Prime Day is here! These are the best deals under £50 to shop at Amazon
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Amazon has launched its hotly anticipated sale of the year – Prime Day. Deals and discounts have been flooding in thick and fast with impressive early Prime Day deals, as well as new offers, from SPF sales to tech discounts, and everything in between. While the Amazon sale, or any sale for that matter, is a great opportunity to invest in big ticket items, such as a new flat screen TV, washing machine, dishwasher, or top of the range coffee machine, some of us are on a budget and watching our pennies. Amazon has curated a section to help find more affordable items on sale this Prime Day as it has an under £50 and under £15 section to shop. It goes without saying those categories are also filled with a plethora of products from a medley of brands. But, you're lucky you have us to sift through the best deals and discounts to make your sale shopping a breeze. Without further ado, here are the best bargains to buy for under £50 in Amazon's Prime Day sale. If you're looking to stream your favourite shows then a Fire Stick is the gadget you need to have on your radar. According to Amazon shoppers it's a 'fantastic little gadget that really packs a punch', as it allows you to watch almost anything without any buffering. BUY NOW FOR £27.99 (WAS £49.99) Music fans, or those tight on space, will want to invest in Amazon's top-rated Echo Pop, which is a compact speaker. Blare your tunes, the radio, or maybe even a podcast. BUY NOW FOR £20.99 (WAS £44.99) Dental hygiene is paramount, and an electric toothbrush has been hailed as a must-have to clean almost all plaque hiding in hard to reach areas in your mouth. We've not seen one this cheap, we'll be honest. BUY NOW FOR £39.99 (WAS £100) If you are struggling to sleep then we recommend Magnesium Glycinate, and Nutrition Geeks' formula in particular, which is gentle on the stomach. We have tried, tested and swear by this brand to help you relax before bed, doze off and stay asleep. BUY NOW FOR £7.89 (WAS £9.98) Ninja has a whole host of nifty tech gadgets and home appliances, the majority of which have been reduced in Amazon's Prime Day sale. Now the summer is here we are lusting after iced frappes and smoothies, which is why this gadget is a must so you can create your refreshing drinks on the go. BUY NOW FOR £35.99 (WAS £49.99) A concealer is a popular staple in many make-up bags, including ours. But Maybelline's Instant Anti-Age Eraser is one to have on your radar if it's not already as it is a top-rated item on Amazon. Not only that, but this concealer can be applied all over the face as a foundation, in deeper shades as contour, hence why it's called multi-use. BUY NOW FOR £4.73 (WAS £9.99) If you are needing an energy boost to replace your vitamin levels after a day in the sun, or a workout, electrolytes are often have tried and tested a whole host of electrolytes, but we always come back to Humantra because they are vegan, contain no sugar, taste delicious and are gentle on the stomach too. BUY NOW FOR £22.40 (WAS £28) We have tried and tested a whole host of ear plugs from Loop, but the Quiet version is our favourite, especially to drown out the noise when trying to sleep. The soft silicone fabric fits comfortably in the ears for hours of wear. The set also includes interchangeable ear plugs to ensure a secure fit. BUY NOW FOR £15.95 (WAS £19.95) Medik8's Crystal Retinal range spans across different intensities to suit all skin types and tolerances. The potent formula claims to work 11 times faster than retinol in plumping and tightening the skin, improving the skin's texture and luminosity. BUY NOW FOR £39.20 (WAS £49) If you are looking for longer and fuller lashes than an eyelash serum is the solution. We have tried a variety of lash serums, but UK Lash has formulated a serum that is lightweight and gentle on the delicate eye area. All you have to do is sweep along you lashline and after a few weeks you will notice visibly longer and fuller lashes. BUY NOW FOR £30 (WAS £38) La Roche Posay's Cicaplast B5 is the GOAT of all skincare solutions in my is a gentle formula that is deeply hydrating, but also has soothing and reparative benefits. I often apply morning and night to repair my skin barrier after any breakouts. BUY NOW FOR £12.58 (WAS £19.50) Multi-purpose tools are a worthy investment as it can save you buying numerous tools, as well as the space they take up. This Shark tool can be used on wet and dry hair. It uses a powerful air flow to dry your locks, but switch to the setting suitable for dry air and you will notice the pink section light up to alert you it is ready to use and straighten your hair. BUY NOW FOR £49.99 (WAS £99.99) If you are looking to shake up your hairstyle in general, or for any upcoming festivals this summer, beach waves are the way to go. This multipurpose style helps you to create mermaid waves, as well as softer beach waves with its ceramic-coated barrel. BUY NOW FOR £49.99 (WAS £59.99) Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: The 14 practical Amazon Prime Day picks you'll actually use every single day MORE: Molly-Mae Hague's skincare secret since ditching filler is now under £10 in Amazon Prime Day MORE: Amazon Prime Day is here and the summer sale sees 48-pack of toilet roll reduced to just £16
Engadget
09-07-2025
- Business
- Engadget
The Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for only $18 in this Prime Day deal
The Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is available for just $18 as part of the Prime Day festivities. That's 49 percent off, as it typically costs $35. This is a record-low price. The stick made our list of the best streaming devices, and we particularly recommend it for those on a budget. It just gets the job done. The Fire TV Stick HD is easy to set up and provides access to all of the major streaming platforms. It streams content at 1080p and the UI is simple enough to grasp immediately. This is a record-low price. $18 at Amazon It also comes with an updated remote control, which is the same remote that comes with Fire TVs. It allows for voice control, so you can simply ask it to look for something to watch and let Alexa do the rest. It can also control the power and volume on the TV, which is something previous Fire Stick remotes couldn't do. The one caveat is right there in the name. This is a stick that supports HD content and cannot stream in 4K. That could be a dealbreaker for some, though the price is most certainly right. If you absolutely must have that 4K magic on your set, consider the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Amazon's most powerful streaming dongle. It's on sale now as well for only $35.
