The upgraded Fire TV Stick 4K supports 4K streaming, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos object-based audio. It will start shipping later this month and is up for pre-order now for $50.

Dolby Vision & Atmos in a stick
Amazon says that it is the “powerful streaming stick available”, with over 80 percent more horsepower than the last version. The chip delivers quicker load times and app browsing, and supports the latest video and audio formats.

- “We’ve listened to our customers and pushed to deliver the complete 4K solution they are looking for, all within a compact stick form factor,” said Eric Saarnio, Head of Amazon Devices, Europe. “Our new quad-core processor delivers a fast and fluid experience, and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ provides an amazing picture. Plus, the all-new Alexa Voice Remote lets you control your entertainment experience and use your voice to quickly find the content you want. Just say ‘Find 4K movies’. The team also invented an entirely new antenna technology and combined that with a powerful 802.11ac Wi-Fi chip that optimizes for a more seamless 4K UHD streaming experience.”

The new stick is the first to support both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, the company said. The competing and more expensive Apple TV 4K supports both Dolby formats but in a traditional box form factor. Amazon released its first Atmos title with Jack Ryan earlier this year. The company did not detail Dolby Atmos support so at this time it is unclear if it will work with Netflix, too.

- “Together Amazon and Dolby are making best-in-class imaging and audio experiences more accessible,” said John Couling, Senior Vice President, Commercial Partnerships, Dolby Laboratories. “Fire TV Stick 4K will allow more people to enjoy their favorite entertainment to the fullest extent, through Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.”

The new Fire TV Stick 4K supports Alexa voice commands by pressing a button on the remote control - hands-free when paired to an Echo device with built-in microphones. Voice support will allow users to search for content – “Alexa, watch The Grand Tour on Fire TV” – and control video playback.



New Alexa Voice Remote
The company also announced a new Alexa Voice Remote designed to control TVs, soundbars, and receivers by using a combination of bluetooth, infrared, and cloud services. The remote comes bundled with the new Fire TV Stick 4K but can also be bought separately.

- “Combining Bluetooth, multidirectional infrared technology, and powered by our cloud-based service, the all-new Alexa Voice Remote allows you to power on your compatible TVs, soundbars and receivers. Plus, the all-new Alexa Voice Remote gives you even more control with dedicated power, volume, and mute buttons, along with the ability to use voice commands to find and control content. The all-new Alexa Voice Remote is compatible with the latest generations of Fire TV streaming media players,” the company explained.

Fire TV Stick 4K is available for pre-order on Amazon.com for $50 and will start shipping on October 31 in the US and Canada. It will start shipping in the UK and Germany on November 14 for Ł50 / €60. 

The Alexa Voice Remote will start shipping on the same dates for $30 / Ł30 / €30 when bought separately.