10 points to know about Amazon Fire TV

Amazon's Fire TV is a set -top box full of functions.Here are some of the features that are particularly notable.

Amazon is willing to compete with the CHROMECAST of Apple TV, Roku, and Google on the new streaming device "Fire TV".

The Fire TV has a lot of standard Internet video functions, which will naturally be installed in the latest settop boxes, and adds new and attractive features.For example, predictive streaming.It is a function that automatically incorporates users to predict what the user wants to see next.In addition, other devices have already been tried, but not perfect.For example, a "second screen" function using a voice search, smartphone or tablet.

Amazon claims that this technology has succeeded.If it is true, the retail price of $ 99 may be legitimate.This is a surprisingly important problem.In a market where affordable competitive products are crowded, Fire TV is considered a top -class product.

Let's briefly introduce the main features of this device so that Fire TV is a product that is worth the cost.

ASAP predictive streaming

Amazon's ASAP (alleged streaming and prediction, ADVANCE STREAMING and PREDICTION) function is not only for users to predict what they want to see next, but also automatically start incorporating them and streaming immediately.do.In other words, you can play it as soon as you want to see it.

What you need to know: Even if the function is not so accurate, it seems that you will gradually learn the user's taste.This can be a really easy -to -use and convenient function, accelerating streaming experiences.However, those who care about privacy should be careful.You may not like the idea that a technical company tracks your entertainment preferences.

game

Fire TV aims to exceed the Germany and Angry Birds.FPS and scroll -type games are provided along with multi -player mode.In addition to the Fire TV remote control, you can use another Bluetooth controller (available for $ 40) as an option.

What you need to know: Mojang's "MINECRAFT Pocket Edition", Gameloft's "ASPHALT 8", and Telltale Games's "The Walking Dead" are planned for Fire TV.Amazon is also calling for cooperation in Disney, Gameloft, EA, SEGA, Ubisoft, and Double Fine to further expand the range of games.

Amazon Game Studios has also built "SEV ZERO", the first game for Fire TV.It is said that this game is a game that protects the tower with a quick three -person shooting.$ 6.It is available at 99 (free for Fire game controller purchasers).

With multi-player mode, you can play with your friends via a mobile device on Wi-Fi.He will use a Bluetooth controller to operate more directly for a full -fledged user who plays on TV.

X-ray (also known as karaoke)

Who is this actor?What a song that is taking now?Leave such questions to X-ray.The "Second Screen" function works on a mobile device, drawing out the data of the current flowing programs and songs, credit, cast information, song names, and detailed information from IMDB.is.You can prepare lyrics while the song is applied.

What you need to know: At the moment, it works only in Kindle Fire HDX, but in the latter half of this year, services on iPhone and iPad will begin.

Voice search

At the Fire TV's presentation, Amazon's Vice President Peter Larsen declared that this is a practical voice search.Since a microphone is built in the remote control, the user can search the title without being bothered by the operation button.

Searching movies and television programs on the operation pad is one of the most frustrating things about the current streaming.If Amazon could use this feature properly, it would be possible to accelerate the success of Fire TV.And the streaming experience will be much more comfortable for the couch potatoes.

What you need to know: Sure, what Larsen says is reasonable.Voice search can be used to search for movie titles based on keywords and actors.The remote control has a dedicated button.Unfortunately, not all apps can be used.Netflix and Hulu did not rise in the initial test we went to.You can see what the unusual typing search function still means.But I hope it will get better.It is welcome that there is no trouble.

Password protected "FREETIME" for kids

The media has many adult content.The Freetime app has been renewed as a safe zone for children, and you need to enter a password to end the FreeTime.In other words, you can enter, but you can't get out without knowing a spell like "open sesame" to escape.Parents create their own children's profiles and set how many hours they can see depending on the content and time of day.With Freetime, children can get an easy -to -use environment, and parents can only see the children selected.

What you need to know: If you have already set it on the Kindle Fire tablet, you can synchronize with Fire TV.The password function is also interesting, but the timer may be more interested.Parents do not need to manage their time watching the children's TVs, as they automatically turn off the power and inform them that they are time to sleep or do their homework.Amazon says that this feature will be available next month, but you need to keep in mind that you need to apply.FREETIME UNLIMITED covers all of these features and can be accessed without restrictions on movies and television programs.Prime members have a discount.Normally, the membership fee is $ 5 per child (or $ 10 per family), and prime members are $ 3 (or $ 7 per family).

Select streaming

As expected, Amazon, shopping is a hand.If you call a movie or program on Fire TV, you can select the cheapest one, as all available streaming options are displayed on the screen.

What you need to know: The only services that are currently available from Fire TV are Prime Instant Video and Hulu Plus, which require a separate regular contract, apart from the Amazon Instant Video.And members of these services can watch all programs and movies for free.Amazon says that this feature will be expanded to other providers, but in the meantime, if you rent or buy a movie, you have to use Amazon.

cast

In this era, streaming devices do not hold without casts (thank you, Chromecast. Thanks to Dial, it is a protocol that allows you to exchange multiple devices with each other).Thanks to this feature, Fire TV users can import Amazon streaming media from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets on TV, and use mobile devices as remote controls and second screens.

What you need to know: Only Kindle Fire HDX can be used, but iPhone and iPad will be supported in the second half of this year (but Samsung, HTC, Motorola and other Android devices are not supported.)The Kindle tablet can also mirror the screen to a TV.In the latter half of this year, other Miracast devices will be able to mirror.

photograph

Photo support has also begun on Fire TV.You can display the saved images and photos taken on the spot on the TV.If you take a picture with a smartphone camera and synchronize with the Amazon Cloud Drive, a photo will be automatically displayed on a large screen.

What you need to know: The photo function provided by Amazon is simple.Amazon Cloud Drive users simply synchronize images from mobile phones to services.Even if you are not a user, you may be able to download a third -party app from the services used in Fire TV (of course, may not be possible.

interface

To put it simply, it is very clean, has no messy feeling, and is well organized.If anything, there is a left sidebar for operation similar to ROKU, and you can quickly call for search, movie, TV, watchlist, video library, games, apps, photos, and setting sections.

What you need to know: Specific people will be happy because they are relatively easy and faster to move to another screen and turn on pages.

performance

Above all, Fire TV is said to be easy to use and very fast.This is thanks to the (above) ASAP function, but the device itself has sufficient horsepower.

What you need to know: Enthusiasm fans of hardware enthusiasts and AV devices will surely like the specifications of Fire TV.Quad-core processor, dedicated GPU, 2GB memory, 1080P video support, dual antenna Wi-Fi equipped with Dolby Digital Plus Sound Sound, dual band, and MIMO ("multiple input/multiple output" is possible.Meaning, it is basically provided with a higher -speed wireless connection).

Even those who are not enthusiasts will think like this.The Fire TV is different from the minimum hardware and the basic casting function at a low price of $ 35.Rather, it is close to the opposite of Chromecast.The specifications and functions are more powerful, and the price is almost tripled.

In other words, the buyer seems to have the option of Fire TV, Apple TV, or RAKU 3.In short, it means to be patient with conventional products, or to choose a new set -top box with its own functions with the hope of future growth.

Fire TV is available on Amazon or Staples.The app contains Netflix, Prime Instant Video, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Watchespn, Showtime, Amazon MP3, and Pandora.There are also fans' favorite, such as Plex, RealPlayer Cloud, and Bloomberg TV.

In other words, Amazon's set -top box has already supported more streaming sources than Apple TV.Apple TV may also announce new partnerships and new models within a few months.

Roku, on the other hand, just renewed the lineup last fall, and added a new product, Roku Streaming Stick last month.

Recently, there is no shortage of TV streaming options.Amazon seems to be trying to draw everything in that small box and draw users.Watch together to see if they succeed in attracting people or whether they will burn out and disappear as the name suggests.

Top Image: Adriana Lee Other Images: Dave Smith

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