Amazon’s newest Fire TV Stick 4K doesn’t need a separate power brick. You plug it straight into your TV’s USB port, the way the company’s cheaper entry-level stick works. The device is out today, and it runs on Amazon’s refreshed TV OS with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and Bluetooth Low Energy built in.
The trick isn’t new to the brand. Amazon already offered a stick that pulls power from the TV earlier this year, and this one follows the same pattern.
The Stick That Skips the Adapter
The Fire TV Stick 4K draws its power directly from the USB port on your TV. That means no extra power adapter cluttering the wall socket. Amazon says the stick is now a little easier to set up than its previous 4K models, which required a separate adapter.
The stick runs on Amazon’s refreshed TV OS. It also packs Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and Bluetooth Low Energy into the package.
The USB power method is a convenience, not a revolution. It’s a trick Amazon has already used before, and the company is now applying it to its 4K lineup.
A New Remote With a Familiar Shape
Amazon is also launching a redesigned Fire TV remote alongside the stick. The new controller has an asymmetrical shape and “more tactile controls,” according to Amazon. It is compatible with all Amazon Ember TVs and Fire TV streaming devices from 2019 onward.
The remote will be available separately for $14.99. It starts shipping late October. Amazon says it also plans to launch a “Plus” version of the remote early next year, with an aluminum design, backlit buttons, and a “Find My Remote” feature.
A Simpler Lineup
Amazon is cutting down its streaming stick line-up from five devices to four. The new lineup includes the Fire TV Stick HD, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and Fire TV Cube. The new Fire TV Stick 4K replaces Amazon’s earlier “Select” and “Plus” 4K streaming sticks.
That move simplifies the menu for shoppers. Instead of picking between multiple 4K options, customers now face a clearer choice between standard HD and the upgraded 4K models.
Software Updates, Including Alexa Plus
Fire TV is getting a few software updates along with the hardware. The updates include an Alexa Plus Hub and an Alexa Plus integration in the Fire TV mobile app. Amazon says its AI “now draws on real-world context” like awards and events, which helps it answer more complex prompts for show and movie suggestions.
Amazon Music is also getting a new Fire TV app later this fall. That app comes with an Alexa Plus integration that lets users prompt for music and podcast recommendations.
The Bottom Line
The Fire TV Stick 4K is a solid upgrade if you want 4K streaming without a separate power adapter. The direct power method is a convenience, not a revolution. The remote is the more interesting development, with the Plus version arriving early next year offering backlit buttons and a “Find My Remote” feature.
For anyone who has already bought a newer stick, the update is modest. For someone shopping new, the price and the combined features make it worth considering.
| Device | Price | Power Method |
|---|---|---|
| Fire TV Stick 4K | Not stated | Direct TV USB |
| Fire TV Stick 4K Max | Not stated | Not stated |
| Fire TV Cube | Not stated | Not stated |
- Price: Fire TV Stick 4K is not stated
- Power: Draws from TV’s USB port
- Remote: New design, $14.99, ships late October
- Plus version: Backlit buttons, “Find My Remote,” early next year
The headline promised a major change. The reality is a small one. Amazon has simply moved a trick from one stick to another, and the stick itself is now cheaper for it.
Source material: “Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick 4K can pull power directly from your TV,” The Verge.
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