Another connected gadget is facing obsolescence, specifically an Amazon Fire TV accessory designed for voice-activated management of household media equipment—though that capability will soon vanish.
Introduced in 2019, the Amazon Fire TV Blaster is set to cease operations within the next few weeks, as noted in a customer service message from Amazon reported by AFTVnews.
When contacted by TechHive, an Amazon representative verified that support for the Fire TV Blaster will terminate on January 31.
To assist affected users, Amazon provides a special $60 reduction on the Fire TV Cube, an upgraded model featuring integrated Alexa voice assistance and normally priced at $139.99, bringing the cost down to $79.99 for eligible buyers.
Owners of the Fire TV Blaster can alternatively purchase a replacement Fire TV streaming device at 50% off, though this version lacks hands-free Alexa features.
Originally sold for $35, the device now forces users to choose between spending over twice as much on the advanced Fire TV Cube to retain hands-free Alexa or selecting a cheaper Fire TV stick without that option.
The Fire TV Blaster earned its title through its infrared signal transmission to everyday home theater items like televisions, audio bars, audiovisual receivers, and related setups.
Paired with an Echo device, the Blaster enabled commands such as 'Alexa, change to HDMI 1 on the TV,' prompting it to send the corresponding infrared signal to the display.
Priced at only $35, the Fire TV Blaster offered an affordable method to integrate intelligent controls and voice interaction into traditional home cinema gear.
Similar to numerous other internet-enabled products, the Fire TV Blaster will soon serve no purpose, and the Amazon notice includes guidance on proper disposal plus a complimentary mailing label for returns.
The Fire TV Cube stands out as an enhanced iteration of the Blaster, incorporating Alexa functionality with Alexa+ compatibility, HDMI signal routing, and superior processing components.
However, its higher cost comes with the drawback of the Fire TV user interface, which a reviewer described as overly complex due to excessive promotional content, display ads, and unnecessary navigation elements.
This report forms part of TechHive's comprehensive analysis of leading streaming media hardware. The piece was revised soon after initial release to incorporate further information from Amazon.