Amazon Adds Alexa to Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
Alexa, a constantly listening smart home assistant living in the Amazon Echo, is coming to the original Fire TV and Fire TV Stick in the form of a software update.
Once installed, Alexa will be able to dig movies to watch for you and understand even more complex voice commands than Fire TV already understands. Amazon told us via email that the update will bring the following new features to your Fire TV:
- Alexa supports first generation Fire TV and Fire TV Stick devices.
- Improvements to the Amazon Video Add-on subscription service, including an easier way to register, search, and access Amazon Video Add-on subscriptions.
- Supports Bluetooth headphone support for Fire TV Stick devices (previously only on Fire TV devices), allowing you to listen to music individually while watching your favorite movies, TV shows or games.
That’s slightly less than the Amazon Echo’s Alexa, so don’t expect your first-generation Fire TV or Fire TV Stick to turn on Wi-Fi enabled lights or control the temperature on your smart thermostat.
However, if you have a newer Fire TV – one of those released in September, according to Amazon, you can already use it for these and other features, including local search, traffic and weather reports, and more.
Amazon says the update will be rolled out “starting today and over the next few weeks,” but it will be available to your device wirelessly. If you like, here Amazon has a guide on how to check for updates on your device .
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