Been waiting for this to drop in price for a while. Not the lowest according to 3xcamel, but I think it's a pretty good deal considering the period we are spending indoors.
CamelCamelCamel.
What's the difference between a Chromecast?
I believe these have their own visible display menu on your tv input and a physical remote where as a Chromecast is mainly used on your phone/tablet/cast from device.
Chromecast can only take input from phones/tablets/computers. Have things 'cast' to it to display, meaning it sort of ties up a device (you can still use the other device, but if you kill the casting, it stops displaying). There is no control of it except via devices.
The firestick is an Android TV device on a usb sized thing that handles all the streaming and content delivery itself. It's a small PC itself. You install Android apps to it and access them via the TV.
It's a very nice little unit, got one for my ex to 'smartify' a dumb tv over there, and it works great. I think I'll pick up one at this price so I can do the same for a dumbish tv I have.
Wait… it's not "actually" AndroidTV, I am slightly wrong there. It's Android, but Amazon's own version. OK.
It does behave an awful lot like AndroidTV though
Chromecast works pretty differently from Airplay (sounds like what you have described). Yes, you require a device to initiate the cast & control the device. However, the Chromecast device streams directly from the internet.
For example - you initiate a TV show for the kids on your phone, but go out to the shops/phone battery dies. Even when your phone disconnects from wifi/leaves home the Chromecast will keep playing as normal, with the next episode in the series. The Chromecast isn't dependent on the device - just using it as a "remote". In my experience this provides the most logical user interface. You can also keep searching for "what's next" while an episode is already playing.
On top of that, all Android devices on the same Wifi network will display a popup "Bedroom is casting Netflix - Pause/Mute". For example - if the kids aren't listening to you, you can remotely pause or mute their Chromecast (even if your device didn't initiate the connection). Because they don't have a physical remote (unless they have another device and are pretty savvy - they can't unpause it). Very handy.
@dantione: There are just too many issues with chromecast, yes your phone has died but it will continue streaming and half the time, it's difficult or impossible to start/stop the stream or replace the stream, the phone as a remote just isn't great software. I have 3 Orbi RK30 in my small house and I have to get up, move to an area of good wifi signal to stream.
@sunnyc: If you have 3 Orbis in a small house and still have wifi signal problem there are other issues going on. I have 3 cheap and nasty Tenda Nova MW3's in my large two storey house on a double block and I get full wifi strength in every corner of the property and have never had a problem streaming to my 2 Chromecasts and 1 Chromecast Audio.
@aldroid: Sounds like your issue is wifi. I have 4 chromecast, 2 chromecast audio setup with 3x Unifi access points. Never have issues. Chromecast Ultra comes with an ethernet injector (via PSU) if thats a solution for you.
@dantione: No, yeah, I understand the device is doing the streaming itself (I have a number of google home devices around the house) but you have exactly the problem of needing to use a device as the remote. Chromecasts have no control of their own, and no interface to be able to search and select things. You have to do that on another device.
I much prefer Android TVs and these Firesticks for ease of just sitting back and watching any of the streaming services using just my remote.
@spoco2: I guess its preference. I'd much prefer to pick up the phone in my pocket, in any room in the house, and use it on the respective Chromecast. Also playing audio via grouped devices.
I have only used Chromecast, and was considering a Firestick. But all the research I've done doesn't seem to suggest it's worth getting versus a Chromecast (remote doesn't seem necessary to me).
What the main advantages you have it for?
my chromecast is gathering dust since I got this, the main difference that I like about it is the fact you can use VNP on the stick, the interface i find it better also
The remote is a big plus, A user interface where you can go through all your apps. Perfect for guests and older people who would otherwise have to use their phones or laptop to stream. Additionally, no wifi connectivity issues as compared to Chromecast.
It's a definite must for amazon prime members.
I also keep one in my bag so I can use it at hotels etc
I have 3 Chromecasts set up here and working great but pulled the trigger on one of these to give it a go. Been wanting to try a Fire Stick for a while but the Main selling point for me (apart from the remote) is the fact that it supports Apple TV+. Got a year of it free with my iPhone but nothing to watch it on thanks to Apple not supporting Chromecast. Not going to buy a full Apple TV just to use Plus, $54 for this sounds much better, lol.
I wish this was able to use external storage, like USB disk…
You can use a Micro USB OTG cable to connect USB sticks and devices like an ethernet adapter, USB hub, mouse and keyboard etc:
Yup I watched this and learnt. Ordered the cable for a few dollars still waiting for shipping.
Great price, its a shame they haven't rolled out the alexa version yet. Still only sold in the US market.
yah been waiting for the 4k version as well. I got one from the US and I can only use Netflix.
You can run other Apps on the 4K version - you just need to sideload them ;)
I have the 4k version and other than prime every other app works from the amazon au app store! you need to sideload prime
Anyone got a link to the 4K fire stick?
Not sold in Australia at present
Buy from ebay.Just paid $25 although will be shipped towards end of May. If you can wait.
Is it legit?
from Hong Kong and seller rating of 100%. Looks legit to me. Seller name - xia_089
@bargainhunter22g: Seller only has 23 feedback of a non-electronic item and no feedback from buyers of the Fire TV stick because it has been recently introduced. Previous item sold is something to do with Feng Shui. Yeah, dunno.
Looks legit to me
with 23 positives selling lucky ropes?
yeah, that fire stick definitely isnt turning up (or whatever turns up wont be a fire stick)
@bargainhunter22g: Just received notice that this item has been removed due to concerns regarding the seller… time to file an eBay dispute
@JaeTee: I had my refund processed a few minutes after posting.. surprisingly good service from eBay
Second option from Tobysdeals.com.au around $90 and delivered next week.
I bought a 4k for $21.26 on 3 April. Due between now and 9 June. And yes - who knows what it will actually end up being :)
But you can't watch Amazon Prime on the 4k stick for some reason. I could never get it working.
You can. You need to install the Australian Amazon Prime app (apk) manually on the firestick. 4k stick is snappier, but yeh apps need to be installed via other means
any reason they wouldnt work here though??? not geo-blocked or something stupid?
look like great alternative to chromecast for my kids.
I've got a Fire TV and a Fire TV stick from Amazon US years ago - these worked perfectly up until Amazon entered the AU market, but now won't play Amazon Prime video content any more. This is really stupid since they could just show the AU content that I am entitled to with my AU Prime account, but won't even do that.
great to know thanks.
so you cant just load the AU app?
Bought my Alexa nodel here a few years ago, shipping was more reasonable back then.
Anyone have severe audio and video issues in Kodi with one of these? I have disabled Dolby Digital etc. but still have issues. Plex and Jellyfin work fine however.
I have not had any issues, other than one of the builds i used was choppy at times, just adding what i want to the standard build sees no issues this end
Any one know if you can stream from network storage using VLC or PLEX?
Confirming you can stream from network storage using the VLC app on the device. Unsure about Plex.
Thanks
Why wouldn't it? As long as you map your network correctly either of those should work.
Have 3 of them with Plex and all work great.
I set up my Dad's one with VLC and Kodi - both work just fine, streaming from a USB drive attached to his wifi router.
What’s the plex client like?
It's the Plex Android client.
Oh cool. Does it get all the latest updates? Btw that’s good to know. Thanks mate
$54 @ JB as well (although awaiting stock)
They must have been in a rush to advertise it as it still shows "Buy 2 for $119" :)
Is this the simpelest/best option to upgrade parents TV to 'smart'?
they don't want to buy a new TV
VodaTV for $72 - has all the Aussie apps
How do you mean Aussie apps? free to air?
Stan, ABC iView etc
@TheAccountant: You don't need to sideload any of them onto the Firestick, it's basically an AndroidTV device, so you just install them from the Google App store.
Wait, hang on, don't quote me on that, it's not 'Android TV' per se, but Amazon's own version, ok, so I've used one a bit and installed all the streaming apps I cared about, and they all worked, and so assumed it was just Android TV with an Amazon wrapper, but it seems it's slightly different.
(Behaves pretty much the same though)
@spoco2: No need to sideload, you can download an app to your phone called "apps2fire" which will load any app from your android phone onto your Firestick for you! So grab whatever you need from the Playstore via your phone (or you have side loaded to your phone) and send it to the Firestick.
@Ezekiel2320: yep, only thing missing is Amazon prime video app on Voda TV …else the voda would do verything I want.
@garage sale: Prime App can be side loaded (I have Prime Video, Hulu and Pluto all side loaded on mine)
Yep, like Ezekiel2320 said… apps like Stan, iView, SBS on Demand and most of the other Australian TV station apps. Maybe I should have said MOST of the Aussie apps (if it's missing Kayo for example). It's hard to find a device that has everything though.
You can sideload onto the VodaTV to add American stuff if you want (mine's running Amazon Prime, Hulu and Pluto TV)
It really depends on what kind of apps your parents use - if it's just Netflix, then both are suitable :)
9Now, 7Plus too
Except for Kayo
Can be sideloaded, if one is so inclined :)
@Wheresmyspaceship: Did they fix the comparability ? When I tried sideloading a few weeks ago the USB I used couldn't be used regardless of what format
Thanks - sold me on the voafone, especially with the TV turner for the parents save the multiple remotes
I bought a VodaTV recently and noticed Netflix and Prime quality were terrible compared to inbuild app on my TV.Have you noticed this or am i doing something wrong??
Any idea how to load prime video?
firestick. VodaTV is good but vodafone isn't a tech or software company.
Depends on use case. For basic users a firestick at this price is better value i'd say. But if you're dabbling further, 4k, IPTV etc i'd argue the VodaTV is better.
Voda TV at 15 bucks more is way better, more local apps without sideloading, proper ports for Ethernet, USB, included 4k chromecast, relatively stock Android and Google play rather than Amazon's version, built in TV tuner and recording (with external media). Seriously people, the VTV monsters this device and only 15 bucks more. How cheap are we?
@Jackson: +1 Jackson.
I have one of these, a mibox and 2 x vodatv.
Preference of vodatv over mibox, and I put the firestick in the cupboard as spare.
One downside is, I haven't sideloaded prime onto voda, so we just Chromecast that when needed.
Definitely the best option to get the older folks that want to watch all the streaming services… chromecast is a bit much unless they have a good phone. The remote is what seals the deal.
They have reasonable phones just want it nice and simple
yea. same with my folks… and this is as easy aas it gets at a good price
I’ll ask again because the consensus wasn’t great. Is the TV USB input enough power for the stick, or does it require power from a wall outlet also?
It's powered by USB
Thanks mate. Didn’t fancy another cord hanging behind the TV!
Certain TVs yes. I bought one for my mum and the USB port didn't work as a power source in the el cheapo brand 32inch bedroom TV, but it did work in the living room 55inch LG B6. Someone much smarter than me might be able to confirm why this is, but I assume it's something to do with the power output capabilities of specific models' USB port.
Some USB ports are 'powered', some are not. Powered Ports have a Lightning Bolt symbol next to them.
Thank you kindly for the assist.
I bought this for $69 last week :(
From Amazon? Start a chat with them and they might refund you the difference!
Yeah, I did thanks for the advice, I arranged a refund of difference, it wasn't easy but got there in the end. They offered it this once as a goodwill gesture.
Thanks OP, will get one
Best affordable device. Definitely beats having a Chromecast. Whilst my house has 5 Chromecast, I mainly use the firestick.