Amazon is releasing an update for the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick streaming devices that expands the universal search feature to add the likes of Netflix and HBO GO and beefs up voice assistant Alexa.
At first glance, they are pretty simple changes, but they're more or less a necessary. In a word, it's a safe bet to assume that viewers would welcome them with open arms.
Fire TV Universal Search
As mentioned earlier, familiar names such as Netflix and HBO GO are now part of the universal search feature, but they're not alone. Thanks to the update, there are now more than 75 compatible apps and channels to rummage through.
That's just the beginning too, as Amazon says that there are more in tow, including HBO NOW. That means everyone can expect more services in the foreseeable future.
Also, with the changes implemented, users will now get better search results. For instance, when they look for a movie or TV show, they will get info regarding all the places that the title is available and if it's available for streaming, purchase or rent.
Alexa
Alexa is getting improvements here and there, allowing users to simply utter voice commands to go back or forward while watching an Amazon Prime Instant video. For example, they can now say "skip ahead two minutes" or "rewind 30 seconds" or any amount of time, for that matter.
What's more, the Amazon voice assistant can now offer a quick look at the latest scores and info of users' favorite sports teams. To bring up the results, they just have to say "give me my sports update," and to choose the teams they want updates on, they just have to go to Settings on the Alexa app via a browser, Fire tablet or iOS and Android devices.
"Now, we're making it easier than ever for customers to find their favorite content with universal voice search across 75 apps and channels, and a new, simple way to see recommendations from Netflix, HBO GO, and HBO NOW right on the home screen," Marc Whitten, vice president of Amazon Fire TV, says.
How To Update Fire TV
To make sure every Fire TV or Fire TV Stick owner out there are up to speed, here's a short guide on how to manually update the streaming devices:
Step 1: From the Home screen, go to Settings.
Step 2: Look for and tap on System.
Step 3: Select About.
Step 4: Choose Check for System Update, and it should download automatically.
Step 5: Once the download is finished, select Install System Update. If you don't, the device will install the update when you start it up again next time or after it has been idle for 30 minutes.
To sum things up, everybody will now get a better viewing experience with big names such as Netflix and HBO GO on board the universal search feature, and because of Alexa's improvements, they can now conveniently issue more voice commands without picking up the remote.
Are you glad to see Fire TV and Fire TV Stick getting some much needed upgrades across the board? If so, drop by our comments section below and let us know.
