The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select is the latest 4K streaming stick in Amazon’s Fire TV lineup. What distinguishes the 4K Select from previous Fire TV models is the new Vega OS, which Amazon built from scratch to power its next generation of streaming devices. The Linux-based system replaces the older Android-based Fire OS, so apps launch faster than they did under the previous platform. Although the 4K Select keeps the familiar Fire TV interface and Alexa Voice Remote, the switch to Vega OS makes it a leaner, more responsive version of Amazon’s affordable streamer.
A simple and affordable streaming stick that can do everything you need
The 4K Select is the first Fire TV device to launch with Amazon’s new Vega OS. Vega OS uses less memory and runs more efficiently than the older Fire OS, as it is built on Linux instead of Android. Most major streaming apps already run natively on the new system, and apps that have not yet been ported will stream from the cloud. You will still be able to access cloud-streamed apps while their developers continue building native versions for Vega OS.
The 4K Select streams content in 4K UHD resolution with support for HDR10 and HDR10+. HDR10+ adjusts the brightness and color on a scene-by-scene basis to maintain detail across both dark and bright areas of the picture. The stick also supports HDMI audio pass-through, which sends Dolby Atmos and other surround sound formats to your TV or receiver. Built-in Wi-Fi 5 handles the streaming bandwidth on the device, while Bluetooth allows you to pair wireless headphones for private listening.
The Alexa Voice Remote handles all of the navigation on the 4K Select and pairs with the device over Bluetooth. A dedicated voice button on the remote allows you to search for content and launch apps by speaking to Alexa instead of clicking through menus. The 4K Select also supports Alexa+, the upgraded version of the assistant that handles more conversational questions and remembers context across follow-ups. An HDMI extender cable is included in the box for use with TVs where the HDMI port placement is tight.
Native app support on Vega OS is still expanding, so some streaming services run from the cloud while their developers work on native versions. Those cloud-based apps may take longer to load if your internet drops in speed, as the device has to pull the interface from a remote server. If you want Wi-Fi 6 and Dolby Vision support, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the model in Amazon’s lineup that includes both.
At $18, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select is a major discount on Amazon’s newest entry-level streaming stick. Pick one up on Amazon while the discount holds for the first Fire TV device running the new Vega OS.
