Amazon introduced two new Firestick devices, One is Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen), and the other one is the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite. The new devices are the successor of the discontinued Fire TV Stick 2nd Gen. Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite, as the name Lite suggests, is a sightly low-performance device than the other one. But a lot of new features are included in the device. The new device is set to compete with the likes of the Chromecast 3rd Gen and Roku Streaming device. Let’s get into the features and technical aspects of the all-new Firestick Lite.
Features of Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite
With the new Firestick Lite device, Amazon introduced new features too. Most of the new features are derived from popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. All the existing features plus the new features make the Fire TV Stick Lite a perfect fit for the streaming lovers. The features include,
Tip-off !!
Streaming without a VPN exposes your IP address, making you vulnerable to privacy breaches and hacker attacks. Without encryption, your online activities are more susceptible to monitoring by ISPs, snoopers, and the government. Lastly, accessing geo-restricted content may be impossible without a VPN, limiting your entertainment options. Hence, it is recommended to use a VPN.
Of all the available VPNs, I recommend NordVPN if you ever want to watch the desired movies, TV shows, or sports events on your Firestick without risking your privacy. NordVPN is the fastest and best VPN service provider with global coverage. You can now avail yourself of the New Year's deal of 67% off + 3 Months Extra of NordVPN to stay anonymous.
With NordVPN on Firestick, your internet traffic gets encrypted, so your IP and identity stay anonymous. You can stream the desired content while staying away from the government and other online intruders.
New Home Screen
For the first time, Amazon revamped the Home screen layout. The settings options and apps screen will be easier to navigate. In the new home screen layout, the trending and recommended contents will appear on the top. The navigation options are placed in the mid-part of the screen. Below the navigation options, there is the apps and movies section. With the new home screen, we can expect some changes in the on-screen keyboard. A lot of users are not satisfied with the alpha-numeric keyboard. Let’s hope Amazon looked into this.
Profiles
Another major new update is the Profiles. In the new device, you can add up to 6 profiles with one Kids profile. With the profiles, you can manage the device with 6 unique accounts. The apps installed and the content recommendations are unique to each profile. The Kids profile is even better. Instead of setting Parental Control and monitoring your kid when they are using Firestick, you can create a separate Kids profile. All the contents in the Kids profile will be filtered and will be appropriate for kids.
Low Power Mode
The Sleep mode is redesigned as the Low Power Mode. When the device is not in use, it will go to Low Power Mode, which will consume less electricity and fewer data than the Sleep mode. Just like the Sleep mode, you can press the Select button to turn off the Low Power Mode.
Picture In Picture Mode
The Picture in Picture mode in Android and iOS is known to all. The same comes for the new Fire TV Stick Lite too. When you minimize the app while streaming, the playback screen will appear on the bottom of the screen. This is a better feature for those users who do multitasking. Only a few streaming apps have this Picture in Picture mode. In the later stages, many apps will support the feature.
Live TV Guide
In Remote, there is a new button for the TV Guide. Pressing this TV Guide button will show you the schedule for the channel. This is an exceptional addition to the streaming device. With this, you will get to know what is going on the channel without opening the specific channel. Live TV apps like YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Pluto TV are expected to have this new feature.
Video Calling
Until now, there is not a single video calling app available on the Amazon App Store. Zoom is set to be launched on the Amazon App Store for the new Fire TV Stick Lite. To control the video and audio settings, the new device is expected to support Logitech USB Webcam. If this is well received by the users, we can see more video calling apps hitting the Amazon App Store.
These are the new features on the new Amazon Firestick Lite. The existing features are also getting new upgrades. They are,
- Now, watch movies and series with fast streaming in Full HD.
- Thousands of streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, Hulu, Discovery Plus, and more.
- Improved Alexa voice search and new voice commands.
- Monitor your data consumption and the option to change the video quality.
- You can mirror content from your smartphone and PC in a much easier way.
What’s in the Box
In the packaging kit, you will have the same equipment. There is no major change in the packaging kit. You have,
- Fire TV Stick Lite
- Alexa Voice Remote Lite
- Power adapter
- USB Cable
- HDMI extender
- 2 AAA Alkaline batteries
Design and Dimensions
There are no great changes in the design section. The new device follows the same rectangular shape as the rest of the models. But the dimensions are revised a bit. It comes with 8.6 x 3 x 1.3 cms. The weight of the device is 32 grams, which are 13 grams lighter than the Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) and 23 grams lighter than the Fire TV Stick 4K.
Technical Specifications
| Processor | Quad-core 1.7 GHz |
| GPU | IMG GE8300 |
| Storage | 8 GB (Internal memory) |
| WiFi Support | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth Support | Bluetooth 5.0 and Bluetooth Low Energy. Compatible with Bluetooth headphones, Bluetooth speakers, and Video game Controllers, |
| Voice Support | Alexa Voice Remote and Fire TV smartphone app |
| Audio Support | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+ |
| Video Support | HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, H.264, H.265, and Vp9 |
| Output Resolution | 1080p and 720p up to 60fps. |
| Ports | HDMI port for output and micro-USB for power supply. |
| Requirements | HD TV with HDMI input, internet connection through WiFi, a power outlet. |
| TV Compatibility | HD TV with HDMI port, capable of 1080p or 720p at 60/50 Hz. |
Fire TV Stick Lite Remote (Alexa Voice Remote Lite)
As mentioned earlier, one new button is added in the remote, TV Guide. The rest of the buttons are the same as the previous model. The Volume buttons and the Power button are missing in the remote. These buttons are available in the Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen). You can use any Alexa remote on the device. If you want volume controls, you can buy the remote separately. But the TV Guide button is available on the Alexa Voice Remote Lite.
How to Setup Fire TV Stick Lite
The setup procedure is not changed a bit. All the wire connections are the same. Plug the Fire TV Stick Lite into the HDMI port of the TV, power the device with the micro-USB port, and activate the device. With the new home screen, there will be a few changes in the on-screen setup procedures. If you buy the device on the Amazon E-commerce website, you have the option to link your Amazon account.
How to Order
The all-new Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is priced at $29.99. You can order the device on the Amazon website.
Verdict
From the price and the specification, it is clear that Amazon is targetting the mid-range customers. With a mere 30 dollars, you can get a new Fire TV Stick device. As of now, Fire TV Stick Lite is the cheapest streaming device. If you are excited about the Fire TV Stick Lite, go ahead and try the device.