Amazon’s Fire TV stick is on fire, figuratively speaking.
These devices were used for over 100 billion hours last year for a variety of entertainment purposes like streaming, gaming, and more.1 They have become a staple in many households, providing endless entertainment possibilities.
But beyond streaming your favorite shows, this powerful device has some lesser-known capabilities that can truly elevate your viewing experience.
You can unlock the full potential of your Fire TV Stick with these 10 hidden features.
1. Control Your Smart Home with Alexa
Your Fire TV Stick doubles as a smart home hub. With Alexa integration, you can control compatible smart devices like lights, cameras, and thermostats directly from your remote.
Imagine dimming the lights and adjusting the temperature without leaving the couch during movie night.
2. Mirror Your Phone’s Screen
Want to share photos or videos from your phone on the big screen? The Fire TV Stick allows you to mirror your Android or iOS device’s screen wirelessly.
Simply enable screen mirroring on your phone and connect to your Fire TV Stick to enjoy your content on a larger display.
3. Expand Storage with a USB Drive
Running out of space for your apps and games? Connect a USB drive to your Fire TV Stick 4K Max using an OTG cable to instantly expand its storage capacity.
This way, you can install more apps and download more content without worrying about limited internal storage.
4. Customize the Fire TV Ambient Experience
The Fire TV Ambient Experience transforms your TV into a beautiful display when not in use. Personalize it by choosing from a wide selection of artwork or even create your own masterpieces using generative AI with the new AI Art feature.
Your TV becomes a stunning centerpiece even when you’re not watching.
5. Unlock the Power of Alexa Voice Commands
Alexa on your Fire TV Stick goes beyond basic playback controls. You can ask Alexa to find specific content, provide movie recommendations, control smart home devices, and even order a pizza.
Explore the “Things to Try” section in the Alexa settings to discover the full range of voice commands available.
6. Sideload Apps for Endless Possibilities
While the Amazon App Store offers a wide selection of apps, you can expand your options by sideloading Android apps onto your Fire TV Stick. (ref)
This opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to install apps that aren’t officially available. Just be cautious and only download from trusted sources.
7. Use Your Fire TV Stick on the Go
Going on a trip? Pack your Fire TV Stick and enjoy your favorite content wherever you have a TV with an HDMI port.
Connect to the hotel or rental’s Wi-Fi, log in to your accounts, and you’ll have access to all your streaming services and preferences in no time.
8. Customize Your Home Screen
Make your Fire TV Stick truly yours by customizing the home screen layout. Rearrange apps, add or remove rows, and create folders to organize your content.
You can even set a custom background to give your interface a personal touch.
9. Take Advantage of Parental Controls
Keep your kids safe and limit their screen time with the Fire TV Stick’s parental control features. Set up a PIN to restrict access to certain apps, manage viewing times, and create child profiles with age-appropriate content.
Enjoy peace of mind while your little ones explore the world of streaming.
10. Discover New Content with AI-Powered Search
Fire TV’s latest update introduces an AI-powered search (ref) that makes finding your next binge-watch a breeze. Simply ask Alexa to find personalized recommendations using natural language.
For example, say, “Alexa, find me a sci-fi movie with a twist ending,” and let the AI work its magic.
Your Amazon Fire TV Stick is more than just a streaming device; it’s a gateway to endless entertainment and convenience. Happy streaming!
Source:
1. Amazon
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
