Review of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max: It’s significantly quicker and has better Atmos support
This product feels more like a minor upgrade to the existing Fire TV Stick 4K than a completely new product.
However, the improvements maybe a little more niche than you might anticipate, but they’re significant changes that would make this the top streaming stick for the right people.
The layout of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
You probably wouldn’t notice any differences between the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max and the older Fire TV Stick 4K.
Both are about the size of USB drives, with a single HDMI connector on one end and a power Micro USB port on the other. The 5W plug, HDMI extension cable, and USB power cable are all included.
The new Bluetooth Alexa remote comes included with this streaming stick. It’s similar in size to the previous model, and it fits comfortably in the hand.
This model, on the other hand, includes shortcut keys for Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Amazon Music. Amazon has also decided to add a TV button to the main interface, which takes you to the Live section.
Instead of a microphone button, this remote has a real Alexa button. Of course, it accomplishes the same goal, but it’s a little clearer here.
With a cursor control and selection button in the middle, as well as navigation, playback, and volume controls, it’s primary business as usual. The Fire TV remotes have always been a favorite of mine, and this update only enhances the experience.
This is the new default remote for the older Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, which is still on sale, and you can get it for $29.99 if you have an older device that works with it.
A faster 1.8GHz processor and a new Wi-Fi 6 chip are found inside the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Wi-Fi 6, the most recent wireless version, is not only faster than the previous, but it also does a better job of sharing bandwidth. The disadvantage is that to get the most out of it, you’ll need a Wi-Fi 6 router.
Setup for Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
It’s simple to set up. Simply plug the Fire TV Stick 4K Max into an available HDMI port and power it up, and you’re ready to go.
The flexible HDMI extension cable makes things easier if you’re having trouble fitting the stick in.
Once you turn it on, you need to connect it to your router. Then you will be asked to log in to your Amazon account. This can be done from a browser to save you the trouble of entering the password using the on-screen keyboard.
If you have other Fire TV devices, you can restore your settings and apps from them. Otherwise, Amazon will ask you to choose which app to install, but it’s a good idea to skip this and install the one you need later, as you’ll miss big apps like Netflix and Disney +. To do.
Features of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
The new Fire TV Stick 4K Max has a little quicker processor than the older stick, although it’s just by 100MHz.
There’s a little difference here, with the interface being a touch smoother and lacking the jerks that plagued the earlier stick.
There’s also the new Fire TV interface, which allows you to establish profiles for each family member. As a result, everyone can choose their own apps and home screen arrangement. It’s a vast improvement over the previous interface.
Because the Fire TV line is so popular, it’s not difficult to discover the streaming apps you desire. Here you’ll find every major streaming provider.
When you pick an app, it can display recommendations, albeit not all apps have been updated to support this: Netflix does, but the BBC iPlayer, for example, does not.
With the exception of the occasional ad in the midst of the interface, the new design works well and makes it simple to find what you’re looking for.
Alexa is built-in, so you don’t have to utilise the old-fashioned approach of clicking things. Alexa provides you control over what you watch, in addition to controlling your smart devices and providing weather forecasts.
This method makes searching easier and more powerful, as it pulls results from the streaming services you’ve installed. You can stop what you’re seeing or jump forward or backward in time for a specified amount of time.
It’s surprisingly useful, and it makes long-winded tasks with onscreen keyboards much more manageable.
While the previous Fire TV Stick 4K supported Dolby Atmos (3D sound) and Dolby Vision (advanced HDR), the app’s support varies.
Disney+ would support both, although Netflix would only support Dolby Vision and 5.1 surround sound. Netflix now supports Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision with the updated model (as well as the other apps). This is great news if you have an Atmos soundbar, such as the Sonos Arc.
You used to have to spend a lot more money on things like the Fire TV Cube to get Dolby Vision and Atmos everywhere.
The Roku Express 4K, for example, does not support Dolby Atmos, but it does offer Dolby Vision, which supports the more basic HDR and HDR10+ standards.
Overall, it’s difficult to find a gadget that can give the finest image and sound for the least amount of money.
Because of the increased processing capability, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max now has picture-in-picture video, which was previously only available on the Fire TV Cube.
When your Ring Video Doorbell is pressed, a pop-up window appears, revealing who is calling. For this to function, you must set up your Fire TV as an Announcement device for your doorbell.
You can say ‘Alexa preview’ to receive a pop-up window with video from your chosen camera or doorbell if you want to do it manually.
Younger members of the family will be thrilled to learn that TikTok assistance is on the way to the United States and Canada (it is already accessible in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France).
