Amazon has notified certain Fire TV and Echo users that one of its smart devices, the Fire TV Blaster, will soon be discontinued. The Fire TV Blaster, which provided hands-free voice controls for home theaters when paired with a Fire TV Stick or smart speaker, will cease functioning in the upcoming weeks.
Initially designed to enable users to control soundbars, adjust volume, and change channels on set-top boxes using 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 stated that the Fire TV Blaster served its purpose in the transitional phase of smart home technology but has become obsolete with the advancement and widespread adoption of newer technologies and other Fire TV products incorporating similar features.
Affected Fire TV Blaster owners in the US have been offered the opportunity to exchange their device for a discounted Fire TV Cube. Meanwhile, UK customers who purchased the Fire TV Blaster will receive a £34.99 gift card automatically credited to their accounts.
In an email communication, Amazon informed customers of the impending discontinuation of support for the Fire TV Blaster, leading to the device’s functionality coming to an end in the near future. Additionally, Amazon is providing discounts on the Fire TV Cube, issuing gift cards, and offering free recycling services for old Fire TV Blasters.
To return the Fire TV Blaster for recycling, users simply need to print a shipping label and send the device back to Amazon.