Amazon’s mini media streaming dongle dubbed ‘the Fire TV stick’ is finally up for pre-orders in the UK starting Tuesday.
The Fire TV Stick is a smaller version of Amazon’s Fire TV box and can be plugged into any set with a HDMI port. The mini streaming dongle is powered by a dual-core processor and features 1GB RAM, 8GB storage and dual band Wi-Fi antennas.
The device offers a wide selection of video and music services, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Demand 5, YouTube, Spotify and Amazon’s own Prime Instant Video. It also supports Amazon’s “X-Ray” functionality, which gives more detail on movies and TV shows and “ASAP” (Advanced Streaming and Prediction) which predicts what to watch next and pre-buffers it. Additionally, users can also ‘Fling’ movies and TV shows from their Second Screen-enabled Fire tablet or Fire phone to Fire TV Stick.
A remote will be included with the Fire TV to let users control the device with their smartphones.
The Fire Stick will cost £35 and will begin shipping from April 15. Prime members will be able to get one for just £19 for the first two days after that. Non-Prime members willing to sign up for a 12-month Prime Membership (costing £79) can have the device for £7 (after refund).
‘When we launched Fire TV in the UK last September, it quickly became our fastest-selling Amazon device,’ said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and boss.
‘We’re excited to introduce Fire TV Stick in the UK. Fire TV Stick is the most powerful streaming media stick available, with a dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, dual-band and dual-antenna Wi-Fi, included remote control, voice search with our free mobile app, and an open ecosystem.
‘The team has packed a huge amount of power and selection into an incredible price point – Fire TV Stick is just £35.’
