Amazon has decided to make a major change to the interface of your Fire TV devicesThis coincides with the boost it is giving to its multimedia ecosystem in Europe and Spain. Following the launch of new Fire TV Stick 4K In our country, the company has announced a deep redesign of Fire TV OS that affects aesthetics, menu organization, performance, and integration with Alexa.
This change is not limited to a simple facelift: The system has been restructured to be clearer, faster, and easier to use., with an approach that is very reminiscent of what we already see in Google TV, Apple TV or even in some proprietary systems from manufacturers like Panasonic, Hisense or TCL that use Fire TV OS in their televisions.
A cleaner, more modern interface, similar to Google TV
The first change that jumps out is the overall look of the home screen. Fire TV OS now adopts Cards with rounded edges for apps, movies, series and programsLeaving behind the classic rectangles with hard corners that were still present on many devices in Spain, this aesthetic, with softer icons and a more careful use of typography and gradients, brings it much closer to what Google TV and Apple's tvOS offer.
The content layout has also been thoroughly revised. The home screen no longer haphazardly mixes recommendations, apps, and categories, but is instead structured into tabs located at the top of the interfaceFrom there you can access search, homepage and different thematic sections such as movies, series, sports, news and live broadcasts, which helps a lot in not getting lost among so much available content.
One of the most interesting points is that These tabs group the content of all the user's active subscriptions (Prime Video, other streaming platforms, channel services, etc.), instead of forcing you to open each app individually. In practice, this means that a section like "Movies" will display titles from various services, making it easier to find something to watch without having to jump between applications.
Visually, the whole thing turns out more attractive and modernwith a clearer hierarchy of on-screen elements. For those coming from the previous interface, which was somewhat cluttered and less organized, the improvement can be significant, especially on large-screen televisions where the new design is more noticeable.
More control over apps and shortcuts
Another area where Amazon has done its homework is application management. Until now, many users criticized that Only six apps could be pinned to the main part of Fire TV OSThis is somewhat lacking for those who combine various video, music, gaming, or IPTV services. Furthermore, this approach comes alongside initiatives to ban pirate appsThis has influenced recent platform policy decisions. With the new version, the limit increases to 20 pinned apps on the home screen.
These apps are now integrated into a row of its own, like a small carouselseparate from the content recommendations carousel. From there, the user can navigate more easily, organize the applications according to their preferences, and have the ones they actually use daily readily available, without having to search through secondary menus.
This increased control is complemented by changes to the remote control. By pressing the menu button, A quick access menu is displayed to sections such as games, art, and photos. And there's Amazon's so-called Ambient Mode, which turns the TV into a kind of digital canvas when nothing is playing. This is useful for leaving the TV displaying background images, information, or other visual content.
If instead of a short press the home button is held down, a shortcut panel with key settingsFrom that menu you can modify the audio and screen settings, take a look at connected devices (such as compatible security cameras, for example Ring) and manage other options without having to delve into the complete settings.
A faster and smoother Fire TV OS for everyday use
The redesign isn't just about the visual aspect. Amazon assures that has rewritten a large part of the system's code with the aim of offering a smoother experience. According to data provided by the company itself regarding the Fire TV Stick update, the overall response speed would have improved by up to 30%.
In practice, this should be noticeable when navigating menus, switching tabs, loading content lists, or opening certain sections. Fire TV OS had a reputation for being "sluggish" on some TVs and dongles, especially when compared to Google TV or integrated systems from high-end manufacturers; with this update, Navigation should feel lighter.Something that those with older models will appreciate.
Amazon's implicit acknowledgment that its interface had fallen behind rivals like Google TV, Roku, and Apple TV is significant. Fire TV OS had been due for this update for some time, and this move points to... to regain the same level in usability and performanceespecially in markets where it competes directly with platforms that are well established on living room televisions.
Alexa Plus gains prominence within the new interface
One of the key features of the update is the integration of Alexa Plus (Alexa+). This assistant, an evolution of the classic Alexa experience, It is more deeply integrated into the new Fire TV OS to become more than just a simple voice search engine.
Among the new possibilities, the user will be able to search more precisely within its contentFor example, you can request a specific scene from a series or ask to resume a movie without having to navigate manually. Alexa Plus will also allow you to quickly add titles to your watchlist or future playback queue.
The connected home area is also being strengthened. Through the updated interface, it will be possible consult real-time information (such as recent sports results)Adjust smart lights, modify the thermostat temperature, or check compatible cameras, all using the TV as a visual control center. The experience will vary depending on the number and type of smart home devices integrated into each user's account.
This enhancement of the assistant fits with Amazon's strategy to promote the use of Alexa as the core of the home ecosystem, and makes Fire TV more than just a platform for watching series and movies, especially in homes where smart speakers and other linked devices are already in use.
The Fire TV mobile app is also getting a makeover
The update isn't limited to the TV. Amazon has also announced a Fire TV mobile app redesign, available for phones, which until now many only used as an alternative controller when the physical controller was not available.
With the new version, the app gains prominence as a tool for discovering and managing content. From your mobile device, you'll be able to Search for series, movies and shows, and add them to lists to watch later. and view the playlist associated with our account. All of this syncs with the Fire TV so you barely need to interact with the menus from the couch if you don't want to.
Another relevant function is the possibility of choose from your smartphone what content you want to send to the TVeven if we're not directly in front of the screen at that moment. This can be useful when we receive recommendations while commuting or at work and want to have them ready to play when we get home.
Phased rollout: which devices will receive the new interface
Regarding the launch schedule, Amazon has confirmed that The new Fire TV OS interface will begin rolling out in February to the most powerful and recent models. The first group includes the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, the second-generation Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED TVs.
Following that first wave, the company plans to extend the redesign to Other versions of Fire TV 4K are available for more televisions with Fire TV OS built-in. throughout the spring. Among the models mentioned are the Fire TV 2-Series, Fire TV 4-Series, and the Fire TV Omni QLED family.
In addition, Amazon indicates that Partner TVs that run Fire TV OS —such as European market brands like TCL, Panasonic or Hisense, among others— will also be able to receive the update, provided that the hardware allows it and that each manufacturer enables it in their respective support schedules.
The rollout is expected to be phased in by region, so in Spain and the rest of Europe There may be slight differences in the exact datesIn any case, the designated time frame is between February and spring, with priority given to the newest and most powerful devices.
With this move, Amazon updates the Fire TV experience At a key moment, reinforcing design, speed, app control, and smart features through Alexa Plus. For the users in Spain and other European countriesThe change should translate into more comfortable use of the living room television, with a more direct access to its entire content catalog and a system that, at last, is approaching the organization and performance of its main competitors.
