Amazon has alerted certain Fire TV and Echo users that one of its smart products, the Fire TV Blaster, will soon be discontinued. The device, which facilitated hands-free voice controls for home theaters when paired with a Fire TV Stick or smart speaker, is set to cease operations in the upcoming weeks.
Initially designed to enable users to control soundbars, adjust volume, and change channels on set-top boxes through Alexa voice commands, the Fire TV Blaster faced negative feedback and was removed from sale a year ago due to complex setup issues. Amazon subsequently introduced the Fire TV Cube, a more user-friendly alternative with comparable features.
Acknowledging the Fire TV Blaster’s contribution during a transitional phase in the smart home sector, Amazon stated that advancements in technology and the evolution of other Fire TV products rendered the standalone IR blaster unnecessary.
Affected Fire TV Blaster owners have been informed that their devices will permanently cease functioning, with U.S. users given the option to exchange it for a discounted Fire TV Cube. In the UK, purchasers will receive a £34.99 gift card credited automatically to their accounts.
Notifying customers via email, Amazon mentioned, “In the coming weeks, support for the Fire TV Blaster will be discontinued, and the device will stop working.” Additionally, Amazon announced the offer of discounts on Fire TV Cubes, gift cards, and complimentary recycling services for old Fire TV Blasters, with users only required to print a shipping label and return the device.