Amazon has alerted some Fire TV and Echo users that one of its smart products, the Fire TV Blaster, will soon be discontinued. The device will cease to function “in the coming weeks.” Initially designed to provide hands-free voice controls for home theaters, the Fire TV Blaster could operate in conjunction with a Fire TV Stick or smart speaker.
The Fire TV Blaster, once installed, enabled users to manage soundbars, adjust volume, and switch channels on set-top boxes using voice commands via Alexa. It was withdrawn from the market a year ago after encountering complex setup issues and receiving unfavorable reviews. Amazon subsequently introduced the Fire TV Cube, which offered similar functionalities in a more user-friendly manner.
According to Amazon, the Fire TV Blaster fulfilled its purpose during a transitional phase in the smart home industry. However, advancements in technology and the development of other Fire TV products rendered the need for a standalone IR blaster obsolete.
Owners of the Fire TV Blaster have been informed that the device will no longer be operational, with U.S. customers given the option to exchange it for a discounted Fire TV Cube. In the UK, purchasers will receive a £34.99 gift card automatically credited to their accounts.
Recipients of an email from Amazon concerning the Fire TV Blaster were notified that support for the device will be discontinued soon, rendering it inoperable. In addition to providing discounts on the Fire TV Cube and gift cards, Amazon will recycle old Fire TV Blasters free of charge, with users only required to print a shipping label and return the device.