By: Nick Gambino
Unsatisfied with simply selling the devices that allow you to stream through a TV or even selling third-party sets through their massively huge eCommerce platform, Amazon has now launched their own line of Smart TVs.
“We’ve reimagined what a TV can do by building it with two of our most popular experiences at the core – the intelligent, always available power of far-field Alexa, and Fire TV’s content-forward approach to entertainment,” VP of Entertainment Devices and Services for Amazon, Daniel Rausch, said of the new TV.
The Amazon Fire TV Omni Series includes hand-free voice navigation by way of the resident assistant, Alexa. There’s even the ability to conduct two-way video calls with Alexa Communications. The TV is 4K and comes in several size options including 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch.
Now, it’s got Fire TV built right into it, so you won’t need an additional streaming device to watch Netflix, Hulu, or, of course, Prime Video. But if you do, just plug the device right into one of the three HDMI ports.
Audio comes at you full force by way of Dolby Digital Plus which creates a surround sound experience that should rival plenty of other external speakers. Going even further, the 65-inch and 75-inch support Dolby Vision which makes for brighter and more vividly colorful imagery.
I think what’s most impressive about the new Omni Series is the price point. You can pick one of these bad boys up for as low as $409.99.
They’re also releasing the lower-priced Fire TV 4-Series that starts as low as $369.99. While this one is still 4K, it sports large bezels and has limited Alexa capabilities. You can use the “press and ask” Alexa feature, but there’s no hands-free Alexa or two-way video calling.
Another way they are keeping the price down on this cheaper option is by opting out of both Dolby Vision Support and Dolby Digital Plus. And while the Omni Series has a metallic silver option, the 4-Series only comes in black.
Both the lower-end and higher-end Amazon smart TVs have the ability to pair with and use Echo speakers for sound, allowing for a more versatile audio experience.
The smart TVs will be available for purchase next month at both Amazon and Best Buy.
