Amazon’s latest 4K Fire TV Stick draws power from a TV’s USB port
Developing story first seen 1 hour ago
Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick 4K can draw power directly from a television’s USB port, removing the need for a separate power adapter and simplifying setup. Available from today for $59.99, it runs Amazon’s refreshed TV OS and includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 and Bluetooth Low Energy.
The launch reduces Amazon’s streaming range to four devices: the Fire TV Stick HD, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Cube; the new 4K model replaces the earlier Select and Plus sticks. A redesigned remote costs $14.99 and ships from late October, while a premium version with backlit buttons and a “Find My Remote” feature is planned for early next year. Amazon also announced Alexa Plus updates for Fire TV and its mobile app, alongside a new Amazon Music app with AI-powered recommendations due later this autumn.
- The new $59.99 4K stick powers from a TV’s USB port.
- Amazon has simplified its streaming-device line-up to four products.
- A redesigned remote and Alexa Plus features are also on the way.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
USB power integration represents genuine progress in consumer convenience and accessibility. Eliminating the need for a separate power adapter reduces cable clutter, simplifies setup for less technically inclined users, and lowers the environmental cost of production and shipping. At $59.99, the device remains competitively priced whilst retaining current-generation specifications like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. The streamlined product range also benefits consumers by reducing decision paralysis and making it easier to select an appropriate device.
The case against
Television USB ports are typically designed to supply minimal power for lightweight peripherals, not to sustain a streaming device's continuous operation. This design choice risks inadequate power delivery for reliable performance, potential overheating, or strain on television hardware, whilst creating a false promise of simplicity for users whose TV's USB specifications prove insufficient. The modest price reduction may mask genuine technical compromises in stability and durability, and manufacturers' liability for issues arising from undersized power supplies remains ambiguous.
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Originally published by The Verge as “Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick 4K can pull power directly from your TV”.