Amazon hosted a press-only online event today, where it showed off its slate of upcoming devices throughout its wide range of product lines. Among the new Echo speakers, Ring devices, and smart home tech, the company also took the wraps off new entries in its Fire TV line, including the rumored Fire Stick Lite we reported on earlier.
The new $29.99 Lite slots in below an updated version of the Fire TV Stick, which will retail for $39.99. Amazon says the new Fire TV Stick Lite it 50 percent more powerful than the previous Fire TV Stick and “includes the most processing power of any streaming media player under $30.” The updated Fire TV Stick also boasts 50 percent more power than its predecessor, but packs in a more feature-rich remote control (with power and volume buttons) among other perks. Both devices should begin shipping next week in select regions and preordering starts today.
Image: Amazon
The company also mentioned its Fire TV line has sold over 100 million units so far. And alongside the hardware announcements, Amazon showed off a new Fire TV interface that should allow for more customization options based on individual profiles. The new interface is schedule to roll out later this year.
Elsewhere, Amazon also discussed its new game streaming service, Luna. This new venture is meant to compete against the likes of Google’s Stadia and Microsoft’s xCloud services. Early access subscriptions start at $5.99 per month and the service reportedly runs on the Amazon’s Fire TV, mobile devices, tablets, and PCs/Macs. Though it looks like it won’t be coming to Apple’s iOS hardware.
Amazon also pointed out it’s taking a more sustainable approach to manufacturing with its new products. The company sent out a press release during the event outlining how all new Echo and Fire TV devices announced at the showcase will include 100 percent post-consumer recycled fabric and recycled die-cast aluminum. Those devices will also contain around 30 to 50 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.
Beyond that, the company said it’s adding a new “low-power” mode to all new wall-powered Echo and Fire TV devices. Amazon said the feature should reduce lifetime energy consumption by reducing power needs when the device is inactive. It’ll also be rolling out over-the-air updates to current devices, although it wasn’t clear on exactly which existing devices would get the update.
Amazon’s announcing new gear at a rapid pace this morning, but we’ll update with more details on its Fire TV lineup as we learn more.
Featured image: Amazon