Amazon Fire TV Blaster lets you voice control your cable box and a lot more

If you've been using a Fire TV Stick or a Fire TV, and wished you had the hands-free device controls of the Fire TV Cube, Amazon's got a stocking stuffer ready for you. And only you.

That's the Fire TV Blaster, an infrared-based companion device for existing Fire TV setups that's available for pre-order now for $34.99, shipping on Dec. 11 to the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Germany.

Yes, it's cool to draw up another episode of Amazon Prime's Fleabag with your voice, or ask Alexa to rewind a few minutes when you forgot to pause to answer your door for delivery. But voice controls for your actual entertainment hardware — TV, cable box, soundbar and A/V receiver — takes it to the next level.

At the end of a long day, those tricks can make it easier to slip into a relaxing mood — especially when you can't find the remote.

Henry was a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.