Amazon has alerted certain Fire TV and Echo users that one of its smart products, the Fire TV Blaster, will soon be discontinued permanently. The company stated that the Blaster will cease functioning “in the coming weeks.” Initially designed to provide hands-free voice controls for home theaters, the Blaster operated when paired 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 using Alexa voice commands. It was taken off the market a year ago due to complex setup issues and unfavorable reviews. Amazon subsequently introduced the Fire TV Cube, a more user-friendly device with similar functionalities.
Amazon acknowledged that the Fire TV Blaster played a role during a transitional phase in the smart home industry. However, advancements in technology and the development of other Fire TV products rendered the standalone IR blaster unnecessary. Owners of the Blaster have been informed that it will permanently cease operation, with U.S. customers offered 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. Amazon is reaching out to buyers with the message, “We’re contacting you because you bought a Fire TV Blaster – a tool for hands-free control of soundbars and TVs when used in conjunction with a Fire TV Stick and Echo device.” The company plans to discontinue support for the Fire TV Blaster in the near future.
Aside from providing discounts on the Fire TV Cube and gift cards, Amazon will recycle old Fire TV Blasters at no cost. Users only need to print a shipping label and return the device for recycling.