Amazon Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote (newest model) with TV controls, requires compatible Fire TV device

This is the newest Alexa Voice FireTV remote, for FireTV, FireTV Cube and FireStick devices. *note- Please check the compatibility list in the description, because while this remote works for most of the newer Amazon FireTV devices, it does NOT work with the older 1st Gen FireTV. * PROS: APP BUTTONS: The biggest change is the inclusion of the “Preset App Buttons” toward the bottom of the remote. These four buttons automatically launch Prime Video, Netflix, Disney Plus, and Hulu. I tested them out and each seemed to work well, launching the apps quickly. CHANNEL GUIDE BUTTON– This remote now has a Guide button (shaped like a little TV) to the right of the Volume buttons. We use a FireTV Recast to occasionally watch live TV, and this button pops up the Channel Guide so you can scroll through the live TV channels. After the recent FireTV homescreen menu change, it is pretty easy already to get to the Channel Guide from the Home page, but still, this makes it even easier. CONS: COST: At $30, this remote isn't exactly cheap. It works well, but might not be worth that price depending on your needs. OVERALL: This is a great remote, but I'm not sure if it is worth it to upgrade from a previous generation remote just for the added App Buttons and the Guide Button. We personally have found these buttons to be a nice touch though, as they might save you a second or two of scrolling. If you have an older remote that you were thinking about replacing anyway, then I would definitely recommend getting this one. (Also, keep in mind you CAN add this as a second remote to your FireTV Cube if you want, without getting rid of the first one, and you can use them both. We are currently doing that with one of our TVs, because we tend to misplace the remote anyway and having two that both work seems to be less of a headache.)

The Firestick remote I received with my Firestick cube worked well for a few years but than the using the buttons became more challenging with sticking and not responding. I have 3 Fires Cubes and this was the first time I have had to replace a remote. After comparing the available remotes, I felt that purchasing new from the Amazon store was best and to avoid remotes that cost less and sold by another seller. Take the time when purchasing this remote to first research the listing for compatibility with the Firestick device you want the remote for. Connecting up the new remote was easy and it work well. I am going to hold onto the old remote, just in case I need a temporary backup for use. I am not a user of Alexa but this remote will provide should I have need of. I am glad I purchased, no longer feeling the frustration from the sticking and I would definitely purchase again and recommend. Again research if this remote is compatible with your Firestick device before purchasing.

***update*** Amazon immediately reached out to see how they could correct the problem. I will receive a new one tomorrow and fingers crossed…. It works! Does not work. Replaced batteries, three times and remote does not even light up. Tried to do an exchange and they make it really complicated so I’m having to just get a refund and re-order. Super annoying as I don’t have a working remote and now I gotta wait for a new one to be shipped.

This remote is almost identical with the one that came with my Alexa Cube--same dimensions, same weight, more sensitive voice recognition, plus instant connections to Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ and Hulu. The directions for set-up are in tiny, busy print. Best to have both your first and this new remote handy during the set-up process and to familiarize yourself with the controls (my first attempt failed because I mistook the new colored (blue) Voice button for the "Home" button. If you can't find your original remote, no problem. Simply follow the 2nd set-up instructions for those without the original remote. And rest assured that any mistake can be erased by removing / reinserting the batteries and starting over. I was surprised--once I'd identified the "Home" button--to see my TV screen go into a mode conforming to the sequence described in the instructions. I saw a list of my "old" remotes and--after depressing the designated buttons and waiting the requisite number of seconds--soon saw an option for introducing my new remote to the previous ones used to access the apps showing on my Sony TV. There actually is electronic circuitry in the new remote that searches, finds and connects. Just don't rush it, but also don't be hesitant about indicating your choice when you're asked to make the selection. On the down-side, the soft, bright acrylic cover that I purchased for the original remote, is a poor fit for the new remote--unless you cut out sufficient material to expose the additional 4 app buttons. Also, if you're satisfied with your original remote, this new one--at a cost almost equal to if not greater than the price of a Fire TV stick or an Echo Dot 3rd Gen--should probably be seen as excessive. Do not expect the instructions to cover more than set-up, even though there are 20 buttons to learn prior to achieving total command of your new Alexa remote. I had planned to take the new remote for a spin and, upon failure, to return it. Fortunately, it instantly heard my instructions--"Alexa, Take me to Midsomer Murders, Season 3, Episode 4"--and translated them into fast, accurate results." It even passed the most critical test--viz., not requiring more time fussing with the gadget than time saved by using the gadget. Gets a qualified recommendation. Again, Alexa is a more compatible partner and better learner--at least in my experience--than Apple's Siri. Apple apparently believes its. buyer should pay 4 X the price (minimally) and spend 10 X the time entering letters (digitally and vocally). BUT Apple has commandeered apps and programs like Spectrum, which is inaccessible to Amazon's remotes and streamers as well as to streaming devices / sets with TCL or Roku. You may be forced to struggle with Apple's painstaking video equipment for entry into Apple's ecosystem.