Amazon has alerted certain Fire TV and Echo users that it will be discontinuing one of its smart products, the Fire TV Blaster. The company confirmed that 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 operated in conjunction with a Fire TV Stick or smart speaker.
Upon installation, the Fire TV Blaster enabled users to control soundbars, adjust volume, and change channels on set-top boxes through Alexa voice commands. The product was taken off the market a year ago following unfavorable reviews citing complex setup issues. Amazon introduced the Fire TV Cube as an alternative, offering similar functionalities in a more user-friendly manner.
Amazon stated that the Fire TV Blaster served its purpose during a transitional phase in the smart home industry. However, advancements in technology and the evolution of other Fire TV products rendered the standalone IR blaster unnecessary.
Owners of the Fire TV Blaster have been informed that the device will permanently cease operations, with US 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.
“We’re reaching out because you bought a Fire TV Blaster – a device for hands-free control of soundbars and TVs when paired with a Fire TV Stick and Echo device,” stated an email reviewed by the team at AFTVnews. “Support for the Fire TV Blaster will end soon, and the device will no longer function.”
In addition to providing discounts on the Fire TV Cube and gift cards, Amazon will recycle old Fire TV Blasters at no charge. Users only need to print a shipping label and return the device.