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Amazon Announces New Fire TV Stick Featuring 4K Support, and All-New Alexa Voice Remote (engadget.com)
Amazon is refreshing its Fire TV Stick to add support for Ultra HD and HDR in the new device. Engadget: With a base of active users that's 25 million strong, it's launching the Fire TV Stick 4K, delivering Ultra HD and HDR streaming through an HDMI dongle that costs a modest $50. The stealthy device isn't as affordable as Roku's $40 Premiere, but it's also billed as the first media stick to support Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision and HDR10+. You won't have to settle for lower-quality output just to save some cash or avoid using your TV's built-in apps. The device also ships with Amazon's newer Alexa Voice Remote (included with the Fire TV Cube), touting Bluetooth, "multidirectional" infrared and some much-needed buttons for power, volume and muting. You'll have more reason to use the remote, as well. Amazon noted that in-app Alexa control is coming to a number of more specialized video services, including AMC, HBO Now and Sony Crackle.
The first question is can you disable Alexa?
The next question is can you run Kodi on it?
for $50, sounds like a pretty good deal.
You trust Amazon? That's cute.
I don't want an Amazon device that's capable of listening to me, thanks. That's why we have ye olde fire stick with the non-microphone remote.
Depends on what you mean by "trust"... You don't have an android or apple phone? You don't have a Microsoft or Apple OS computer?
What little it records when I've pressed the button a whole 4 or 5 times is far less invasive than any smart phone or what happens when you access a web browser or use a laptop or desktop.
I'm sure Amazon tracks everything I watch, how long I spend on each screen etc... That's no different to any time you pick up a phone or power on a computer though to me. You don't think your cable company tracks what you watch? Or whoever else it is you get TV from.
"That's the way to do it" - Punch
Alexa: Hi there, Alexa here, might I suggest you tune into the fabulous offer from Amazon?
Punter: Errmm...no, I know what I want to watch.
Alexa: I don't think that you do. I would really rather you watch this (flashes to channel).
Punter: No, I want to watch what I want to watch.
Alexa: It is not the Bezo Way, please follow our instructions.
Punter: Why?
Alexa: Or else!!
Punter: Okay, buy me a chain saw from Amazon.
Alexa: Now yer talk...hey, what are you going to use that chain saw for?
Punter: Oh a little of this, a little of that...just think of it as a tool to help me simply my life.