Amazon has released software version 5.2 to its Fire TV lineup. The updated software will bring a number of new features and improvements.
Amazon Fire TV is one of the most popular media streaming devices in the United States. On May 17, the company confirmed that it will introduce new functionality to Fire TV and now the company has updated the Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV (second generation), Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote and Fire TV Stick with software version 5.2.
One of the most important features that software version 5.2 brings is improved support for Alexa.
"Customers have told us they love having the convenience of Alexa on their Amazon Fire TV," said Tim Twerdahl, the general manager for Amazon Fire TV. "We're excited to add new Alexa features to Fire TV, making it easier than ever to enjoy their favorite TV shows, movies, and apps."
Fire TV users can now launch the app by giving voice instructions to Alexa.
"You can now ask Alexa for information about nearby restaurants, shops, and other businesses with the Local Search feature. Alexa can also read Kindle books in your library through your Fire TV," says Amazon.
Software version 5.2 also brings in improved parental controls to the streaming devices. The new Viewing Restrictions setting allows users to block TV shows and movies from third-party apps and Amazon Video based on the ratings category.
Customers who want to turn on the new settings can do so by going to Settings > Parental Controls > Viewing Restrictions.
The latest update brings the capability of streaming live TV broadcasts from channels that users have subscribed to, such as Starz. This feature allows Fire TV users to watch TV content when they are aired.
Amazon Fire TV (second generation) also gets 4K content support. Customers who view videos via YouTube and have a 4K TV can use the YouTube app to stream 4K video content on the TV.
Amazon suggests that software updates are automatically downloaded and installed to an Amazon Fire TV device when it is wirelessly connected. However, users can manually check the software version of their device and update if the new software has not installed automatically.
To check the current software version of a Fire TV, go to Settings from the Home Screen. Select System and then tap on About. The software version will be visible next to Amazon Fire TV.
To manually check for the latest software update, customers should go to About as mentioned earlier and then select Check for System Update. If new software is available then the system will automatically starts downloading.
When the download process is complete, customers should select Install System Update for installing the update immediately, else the software update installation process will automatically start when the Fire TV is restarted, or if the device is idle for 30 minutes.
