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 provided hands-free voice controls for home theatres when paired with a Fire TV Stick or smart speaker, will cease functioning “in the coming weeks.”
Initially designed to enable users to command soundbars, adjust volume, and change channels on set-top boxes through Alexa voice commands, the Fire TV Blaster was taken off the market a year ago due to complex setup issues and replaced by the more user-friendly Fire TV Cube.
Amazon acknowledged the Fire TV Blaster’s role during a transitional phase in the smart home industry but pointed out that advancements in technology and the evolution of other Fire TV products have rendered standalone IR blasters unnecessary.
Current Fire TV Blaster owners have been informed that the device will cease operations permanently. In the US, owners have the option to exchange it for a discounted Fire TV Cube, while UK owners will receive a £34.99 gift card automatically added to their accounts.
Amazon’s email to Fire TV Blaster purchasers stated, “In the coming weeks, support for the Fire TV Blaster will be discontinued, and the device will stop working.” In addition to offering discounts on the Fire TV Cube and gift cards, Amazon will also provide free recycling for old Fire TV Blasters, with users just needing to print a shipping label for return.