Amazon Fire TV Stick: Well worth the $40, but still not as good as Roku
Media Streamers
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Hello everyone.
This is Amazon Fire TV Stick.
The first thing to know is that it costs $40.
The second is that it works great for streaming video and even playing games.
Roku Stick is still our favorite at $10 more, but Amazon's is a close second, especially if you already have a lot of Amazon content in your collection.
Fire TV stick is about the size of a USB key.
It plugs directly into the HDMI port on your television.
It does require power, however, and Amazon recommends using the included USB power adapter instead of a USB port on your TV for best performance.
So there will be an extra wire, but it's still a very clean install.
Unlike chromecast, google sub $40 streamer, the firetv stick includes an actual physical remote and a real user interface.
Unfortunately, that interface pushes amazon content over other apps like Netflix and search results, unlike rowcrews, don't include other apps on the device.
The app selection on the stick is good, but it's still missing HBO Go, Vudu, and a few other major apps.
Seeing this search, you can do so via voice on The Stick too.
To do so, you'll need to use the companion remote app for Android, coming soon to iOS, or purchase a step up remote with a microphone for another 30 dollars.
I was pleasantly surprised at how responsive with the stick was.
It seems every bit as fast as $99 Fire TV box, and since their app selection's identical there's little reason to get the box unless you're really into playing app-based games on your TV.
Yes, the stick also supports games and even Amazon's optional $40 controller, but the selection isn't wide as on the box.
That's a look at the $40 Amazon Fire TV Stick, a great value, especially if you're deep in the Amazon ecosystem.
I'm David Castlemeyer for CNN.
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