In the era of streaming, Amazon’s Fire TV has been a household name, providing an effortless way to access a vast library of entertainment content. Since its inception in 2014, the Fire TV has undergone significant transformations, with each new generation bringing about exciting improvements and features. But, what gen is the latest Firestick? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Fire TV, explore the key differences between each generation, and answer the question on everyone’s mind.
The Birth of Fire TV: The First Generation
Released in 2014, the first-generation Fire TV was a compact, set-top box designed to provide an intuitive streaming experience. This initial offering was met with moderate success, with users appreciating its simplicity and ease of use. The Fire TV (1st gen) came with a remote control, dual-band Wi-Fi, and support for popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
Key Features of the 1st Gen Fire TV
- Quad-core processor
- 2GB of RAM
- 8GB of internal storage
- Support for 1080p video streaming
- Voice control through the remote control
The Next Step: The Second Generation
In 2015, Amazon released the second-generation Fire TV, which addressed some of the limitations of its predecessor. The new design was more compact, with a significantly smaller footprint, and introduced several notable enhancements.
Key Upgrades in the 2nd Gen Fire TV
- 64-bit quad-core processor
- 1GB of RAM
- 8GB or 16GB of internal storage options
- Support for 4K video streaming at 30fps
- Additional features like Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant and a more comprehensive app library
Fire TV Takes a Leap: The Third Generation
The third-generation Fire TV, released in 2017, marked a significant departure from its predecessors. This time, Amazon introduced a dongle form factor, making the device even more compact and portable.
Key Features of the 3rd Gen Fire TV
- 1.5GHz quad-core processor
- 2GB of RAM
- 8GB or 16GB of internal storage options
- Support for 4K video streaming at 60fps
- HDR10 and Dolby Atmos audio support
- Alexa Voice Remote with TV controls
The Arrival of Fire TV Stick 4K: The Fourth Generation
In 2018, Amazon launched the Fire TV Stick 4K, which built upon the success of its predecessors. This iteration focused on providing a more immersive viewing experience, with enhanced audio and visual capabilities.
Key Upgrades in the 4th Gen Fire TV Stick 4K
- 1.7GHz quad-core processor
- 1.5GB of RAM
- 8GB of internal storage
- Support for 4K video streaming at 60fps
- HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support
- Dolby Atmos and surround sound capabilities
- Alexa Voice Remote with TV controls and volume buttons
Luxury Meets Performance: The Fifth Generation
The latest addition to the Fire TV family is the fifth-generation device, released in 2020. This iteration offers a premium viewing experience, with a focus on high-end features and performance.
Key Features of the 5th Gen Fire TV Stick
- 1.9GHz hexa-core processor
- 2GB of RAM
- 16GB of internal storage
- Support for 4K video streaming at 60fps
- HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support
- Dolby Atmos and surround sound capabilities
- Alexa Voice Remote with TV controls, volume buttons, and live TV integration
- Improved Wi-Fi connectivity and reduced latency
What Gen is the Latest Firestick?
So, what gen is the latest Firestick? As of 2023, the latest generation of Fire TV is the fifth generation, which includes the Fire TV Stick 5th Gen and the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. These devices offer the most advanced features, fastest performance, and best overall viewing experience.
Comparison of the Latest Fire TV Sticks
| Feature | Fire TV Stick 5th Gen | Fire TV Stick 4K Max |
| — | — | — |
| Processor | 1.9GHz hexa-core | 1.9GHz hexa-core |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
| Storage | 16GB | 16GB |
| 4K Streaming | Up to 60fps | Up to 60fps |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, surround sound | Dolby Atmos, surround sound |
| Remote Control | Alexa Voice Remote with TV controls, volume buttons, and live TV integration | Alexa Voice Remote with TV controls, volume buttons, and live TV integration |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi | Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi 6 support |
| Price | $49.99 | $54.99 |
In conclusion, the latest generation of Fire TV is the fifth generation, which offers a range of impressive features, including improved performance, enhanced audio and visual capabilities, and a more comprehensive app library. Whether you opt for the Fire TV Stick 5th Gen or the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, you can be sure of an exceptional streaming experience.
What is the latest generation of Fire TV?
The latest generation of Fire TV is the 3rd generation, which includes the Fire TV Stick 3rd Generation, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and Fire TV Cube 3rd Generation. These devices offer improved performance, enhanced features, and support for the latest streaming technologies.
The 3rd generation Fire TV devices come with a faster processor, more storage, and improved Wi-Fi connectivity. They also support Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+, providing a better streaming experience. Additionally, these devices come with a new Alexa Voice Remote, which offers improved voice control and navigation.
What are the differences between Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick 4K?
The main difference between the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick 4K is the resolution and streaming capabilities. The Fire TV Stick supports up to 1080p (HD) resolution, while the Fire TV Stick 4K supports up to 2160p (4K) resolution. The Fire TV Stick 4K also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+, which are not available on the standard Fire TV Stick.
Another key difference is the Wi-Fi connectivity. The Fire TV Stick 4K has dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi, which provides a more stable and faster connection. The Fire TV Stick has single-band Wi-Fi. Additionally, the Fire TV Stick 4K has more storage and a faster processor, making it a better option for those who want a smoother streaming experience.
Can I use my old Fire TV remote with the latest generation Fire TV?
No, you cannot use your old Fire TV remote with the latest generation Fire TV. The latest generation Fire TV devices come with a new Alexa Voice Remote, which has a different design and features. The new remote has improved voice control, dedicated buttons for streaming services, and a more compact design.
If you’re upgrading from an older Fire TV device, you’ll need to use the new remote that comes with your latest generation Fire TV. However, you can pair multiple remotes to a single Fire TV device, so if you have an old remote, you can still use it with your older Fire TV device.
Is the Fire TV Cube 3rd Generation worth the extra cost?
The Fire TV Cube 3rd Generation is worth the extra cost if you’re looking for a more powerful and feature-rich streaming device. The Fire TV Cube has a faster processor, more storage, and improved Wi-Fi connectivity compared to the Fire TV Stick. It also has a built-in speaker and supports Dolby Atmos, making it a better option for those who want a more immersive streaming experience.
Additionally, the Fire TV Cube has more advanced features, such as the ability to control other smart devices in your home. It also has a more compact design and a dedicated button for Alexa, making it a great option for those who want a more premium streaming experience.
Can I jailbreak my Fire TV device?
Yes, it is possible to jailbreak your Fire TV device, but it’s not recommended. Jailbreaking can void your warranty and potentially cause problems with your device. Additionally, Amazon regularly updates its Fire TV software, which can patch any vulnerabilities that jailbreakers might use.
If you’re looking to install third-party apps or modify your Fire TV device, there are safer and more legal ways to do so. You can sideload apps using the “Apps from Unknown Sources” option, or use a virtual private network (VPN) to access geo-restricted content.
How do I reset my Fire TV device?
To reset your Fire TV device, go to the Settings menu, select “System,” and then select “Reset to Factory Defaults.” This will erase all of your data and settings, and restore your Fire TV device to its original factory settings.
Before you reset your device, make sure to deregister it from your Amazon account and remove any external devices, such as USB drives or game controllers. After the reset, you’ll need to set up your device again, including registering it with your Amazon account and re-pairing any external devices.
Can I use my Fire TV device with a VPN?
Yes, you can use your Fire TV device with a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN can help you access geo-restricted content, protect your privacy, and improve your streaming experience. There are several VPN apps available on the Fire TV app store, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and IPVanish.
To set up a VPN on your Fire TV device, simply download and install the VPN app, launch it, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to a VPN server. Once connected, you can start streaming your favorite content with the added security and privacy of a VPN.