Amazon has launched new versions of its Fire TV sets, with a focus on practicality rather than fancy features. The 4K-capable Fire TV Omni QLED line now offers smaller models in 43-, 50- and 55-inch sizes, starting at a lower price of $450. These sets feature up to 96-zone local dimming, HDR using Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive, as well as far-field microphones for Alexa control. The Ambient Experience has also been upgraded with “dynamic” art pieces that respond to time and weather, but this will not be available until later in the year.
In addition, Amazon has introduced the Fire TV 2-Series, designed for viewers in search of a smaller bedroom set. These sets come in 32-inch 720p and 40-inch 1080p variants and are not based on QLED. They require the use of a remote for Alexa control and have limited HDR capabilities based on HDR10 and HLG. However, the price point of the 32-inch panel is attractive at $200.
The Fire TV Omni QLED series is available for pre-order now and will be available through Best Buy’s website starting May 11th. The Fire TV 2-Series is available for purchase on Amazon’s website as of now. Amazon’s new release is well-timed, as Roku has recently launched its own in-house TVs, with prices ranging from $149 to below $500. While the two companies’ offerings do not directly compete, Amazon’s revised lineup is better suited to compete against Roku’s. Ultimately, the goal for both companies is to get their platform and services into consumers’ living rooms, as opposed to just selling hardware.
