Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Drops to $18

Amazon is planning a significant update to its Fire TV operating system scheduled for February. The forthcoming redesign appears to take inspiration from competing platforms, introducing a more organized layout and quicker performance to address the aging system's sluggishness.

The update will introduce support for Alexa Plus, a more advanced version of Amazon's voice assistant. This enhanced integration promises to make the platform more intuitive and responsive, marking a notable step forward for the user experience.

The forthcoming UI redesign will introduce better organization, support for Alexa Plus, and quicker performance to the aging OS, the latter of which has been a crux of the platform's issues for years.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus sits in the middle of Amazon's lineup of 4K-ready streaming devices. It is important to note that this model was formerly known simply as the "Fire TV Stick 4K," though it is often referred to by its current name in retail listings.

Under the hood, the device packs twice as much RAM as the newer "Select" model, ensuring smoother navigation and app performance. It supports a comprehensive array of HDR and surround sound formats, including:

• HDR10 Plus for enhanced picture quality
• Dolby Vision for cinematic visuals
• DTS and Dolby Atmos for immersive audio

Beyond standard streaming, the device supports cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass, allowing subscribers to stream select titles directly. Users can access content from major services like Prime Video, HBO Max, and Netflix, as well as dozens of Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST) channels in HD or 4K resolution.

Hardware for the latest Fire TV Stick 4K includes the Alexa Voice Remote. This accessory allows users to quickly access favorite streaming apps and control Amazon's voice assistant with a simple button press.

Currently, Alexa can adjust Fire TV settings like volume and input. However, with the upcoming Alexa Plus update, users will soon be able to perform more advanced actions using voice commands. These will include retrieving stats for favorite sports teams and jumping directly to iconic scenes within movies and shows.

The device is designed to be a versatile hub for entertainment, consolidating various streaming services and gaming capabilities into a single, compact stick. Its ability to handle multiple high-fidelity formats makes it a strong contender for home theater setups.

Alongside the streaming device sale, several other notable tech products are currently discounted. The Instant Pot Duo, a versatile six-quart countertop appliance, is on sale for $69.99. This multi-cooker can pressure cook, sauté, and steam, eliminating the need for multiple kitchen tools.

For Apple users, the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery has dropped to $79, its lowest price to date. Despite its premium cost, this thin battery pack provides an additional 65 percent charge and supports 25W charging when connected to a compatible adapter.

Samsung's first-generation Galaxy Ring is also available at a discount, starting at $299.99. While Android-only and not as feature-rich as some competitors, it offers long battery life and deep integration with the Samsung ecosystem without requiring a monthly subscription.

The current sale on the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a capable streaming device at a fraction of its usual cost. With the promise of a major OS update just weeks away, the value proposition is stronger than ever.

Prospective buyers should act quickly, as the Woot sale is set to expire on January 23rd. The combination of robust hardware specifications and an impending software improvement makes this an ideal time to upgrade a home entertainment system.