Amazon's 2023 Fall Event Unveils Fire TV Soundbar and Enhanced Streaming Sticks

Politics, News Sept. 21, 2023, 5:35 a.m.

Amazons 2023 fall event introduced the Fire TV Soundbar and updated Fire TV sticks. AI-driven Alexa voice search enhancements and a free MGM+ streaming offer were also announced.

During Amazon's annual fall event held on Wednesday, the tech giant introduced an array of innovative devices and software enhancements to its Fire TV lineup. A standout addition to this lineage is the Fire TV Soundbar, boasting Bluetooth connectivity and a seamless setup process. Amazon's VP of Alexa and Fire TV, Daniel Rausch, emphasized its compatibility with all Fire TV streaming products and televisions. This eagerly anticipated soundbar is now available for purchase at an attractive price point of $120.

Rausch also unveiled a modest update for the ever-popular Fire TV streaming sticks. The established 4K Max variant, nearing its two-year anniversary, received a subtle boost in processing power by 0.2GHz and an upgrade from WiFi 6 to the more advanced WiFi 6E standard. Furthermore, it now supports HDR, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby Vision, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The new Fire TV 4K Max is currently open for pre-orders at a reasonable cost of $60, with shipping commencing on September 27th. The standard 4K Fire TV Stick also received a processing power upgrade, 4K support, and WiFi 6 capabilities, all offered at a competitive price of $50. Customers purchasing these new Fire sticks and TVs will also enjoy an enticing perk of six free months of the MGM+ streaming service.

Notably, Amazon's hardware presentation placed a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLM). It was widely anticipated that these trending product categories would make their way into the Fire lineup. Upcoming enhancements to the Alexa voice search feature will leverage Amazon's LLM and data from IMDb, which the company acquired back in 1998. This integration aims to enable Alexa to better understand nuanced queries about what to watch and provide tailored recommendations based on individual user profiles. The rollout of this new voice search functionality is anticipated later this year through an over-the-air update.

Stay updated with all the live news from Amazon's 2023 Devices event, where the tech giant continues to push the boundaries of innovation and AI integration.