FIRE TV users are set to receive a huge upgrade to a much-loved remote control feature.
Aside from the physical remote, viewers can also zap their TV using a virtual remote on their phone.
This is particularly ideal if you lose the main remote.
At the moment, the app only really serves a purpose as a pretty basic alternative remote control with buttons.
But next month a major update is coming that will add more useful features so you can find what you want to watch easily.
Amazon says this will include the ability to browse content, manage your watchlist and play titles on your TV.
STICK WITH IT
Huge Fire Stick upgrades unlock TV treasure trove & extra remote tricks
PLAY WITH FIRE
Amazon confirms new ban in fresh warning to thousands of Fire Stick owners
“Now you can use your phone as a second screen to discover what to watch next or add a friend’s show recommendation to your watchlist when you’re away from home,” the firm explained.
A whole new look will also be coming to match the wider Fire TV design.
Sign up for The Sun Tech newsletter for gadgets, games & more
Hello! I’m Sean Keach, The Sun’s Head of Technology and Science
I’ve been writing about gadgets, games and the future of technology for more than a decade.
During that time I’ve penned thousands of articles, filmed hundreds of videos, talked tech on TV and radio, and travelled around the world to bring you the latest on Apple, Meta, Google, Amazon, Netflix and more.
And I’ve got a weekly newsletter called The Sun Tech that you can read for free every Thursday.
I bring you the latest from the world of tech, including behind-the-scenes action, exclusive content, expert analysis, and plenty of help advice – so please follow along!
And once you find something you want to watch you can set it to start playing right away on your TV.
The move comes as Amazon prepares to roll out a refresh to Fire TV and Fire Stick devices in February.
One of the changes should make it easier than ever to find exactly what you want, so if you’re looking for a movie it’ll show you all titles from all of the apps that you’re using in one place.
And users should notice that the refinements improve performance too, with up to 20-30% gains in speed.
A new feature will also allow users to pin up to 20 apps to their home screen – a major increase on the six you can pin currently.
But the revamp won’t be coming to all Fire Stick devices.
Only the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus and Fire TV Stick 4K Max 2nd generation will receive it.
The new remote control app will remain free to download.
