Amazon’s Fire TV products already support Alexa voice search features if you use a voice-enabled remote control or the Fire TV app on your smartphone to control your TV box.
But Amazon has announced that it’s rolling out new Alexa features for the Fire TV platform, allowing you to do more things using just your voice.
For example, you can now launch apps by saying things like “Launch Hulu” or “Open Netflix.” You can also play videos from Amazon Video or any add-on subscription services such as Starz or Showtime with a “Play” or “Watch” command.
Other new features include:
- Ask for local showtimes for movies playing in nearby theaters.
- Search for local businesses using Alexa (and get information like what time those businesses close).
- Have your Fire TV read Kindle eBooks aloud to you.
In addition to the new Alexa features, the latest software update enables support for 4K video streaming from the Amazon Fire TV YouTube app if you’re using a 4K-compatible Fire TV and an Ultra HD display.
Amazon says the software update should roll out to users “in the coming weeks.”