Amazon launches updated Fire TV Stick HD that's slimmer and doesn't require a wall adapter

Amazon just announced an update to its popular Fire TV Stick HD with a new version that changes a few things. For starters, unlike with many other recent devices, the refreshed Stick is keeping the same $35 price tag.

The ecommerce giant has already opened up preorders for the updated Fire TV Stick HD which starts shipping on April 29.

What's new?

Amazon Fire TV Stick HD with USB power adapter — (Image credit: Amazon)

There are two big physical changes to the streaming stick. Firstly, Amazon claims the new model is 30% slimmer than the previous generation.

Article continues below

Per the specs on the product page, the new model measures in at 3.6 x 0.8 x 0.5 inches. By comparison, the first generation measures in at 3.4 x 1.2 x 0.5 inches. So it's slightly longer and skinnier than its predecessor.

The bigger change is in how you power the stick. So long wall adapter. Now, the Stick can be plugged directly into your TV's USB port for power. That said, if your TV lacks a USB port, a standard USB-C charger should also work.

Amazon also says the new Stick is 30% faster than the older model and comes with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The processor is listed as a quad-core 1.7 GHz, the same as the previous generation, but the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips appear to be new.

Software updates

Amazon Adaptive Display feature — (Image credit: Amazon)

It will also come with the redesigned Fire TV interface that launched in February of this year. This is a long overdue change, plus Alexa+ is now built in for owners in the US, Canada and UK. This means you can ask it for show recommendations, to look up actors in movies or TV shows and to control your smart home devices.

Amazon promises an adaptive display accessibility feature will launch in the next few months which will enlarge text, menus and on-screen elements. Multiple size options will be available to help customize the interface as needed too.

The new stick ships on April 20 to customers in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico and New Zealand with more regions to come later this year.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom's Guide on YouTube and follow us on TikTok.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.