There are many details that you should know about each and every one of the devices that you use every day, but between the number of options that they offer individually and the ones that you can get using them together with others, it makes it difficult to memorize so many things. Therefore, what would be advisable is to know the key aspects. If you have an Amazon Fire TV , these are its basic and essential functions.
Basic features of Amazon Fire TV Stick
A small HDMI stick that you connect directly to the TV to transform it into a Smart TV and access services such as Amazon Pr-ime Video, You-tube, Net-flix and a wide variety of additional applications. That would be the way in which many would define this Amazon device so that many would feel attracted to it, but once you have it, what the basic thing you should know.
If you have an Amazon Fire TV Stick there are a number of essential features and functions that you should know. Once you do, you can continue researching for new tricks or more advanced options that require the use of other more specific devices or integration with third-party services and applications. But the basic and essential that you should know is what we tell you below.
Use your smartphone as a remote control and keyboard
Both if you use Android and iOS you can download the official Amazon Fire TV application , this allows remote control of each and every one of its functions. Like, for example, changing the volume, scrolling through the interface, and even using Alexa by taking advantage of the phone’s built-in microphone.
Of course, the most interesting thing may be the use of the virtual keyboard to enter text in the apps and fields that require it while using the Fire TV. It is much more comfortable than scrolling letter by letter with the default command.
Connect USB devices via OTG
It is one of the lesser-known options of Fire TV Sticks, but a USB A to micro USB OTG cable will allow you to connect other devices with a USB cable such as a keyboard or even an external drive with which to increase the capacity by defect they include.
What’s more, you would even have the option of connecting an adapted ethernet network via USB to improve possible transfer problems due to a congested or inefficient Wi-Fi signal.
Connect Bluetooth devices
The Fire TV Stick offers Bluetooth connectivity as standard, so you can connect different accessories to improve the experience. So, for example, you could pair some type of keyboard with an integrated trackpad and improve the experience such as a Smart TV or a Bluetooth headset to enjoy all its content without disturbing others.
HDMI CEC Support
Like many other devices, if you connect the Amazon Fire TV Stick to the HDMI CEC port of your television, you can control its functions from the Amazon device and also to this with the control of your television. An extra option in case you lose or don’t want to go changing controls every two by three.
Browse the internet with Firefox
Among its wide catalog of applications, one that you might be interested in installing and having controlled from the first moment is Firefox. The Mozilla Foundation browser can be used quietly and will allow you to visit any page, such as The Output page (ahem, ahem).
So now you know, install it and take advantage of the data entry and control methods that we mentioned before, such as the app for smartphones or USB and Bluetooth devices, to turn this little stick into a mini PC with which you can consult news, the mail etc.
Mirror video
If you have a smartphone or any other device compatible with Miracast technology, you can send mirrored video to the Fire TV Stick. An interesting option to display photos, videos or other content on a larger diagonal screen.
In the case of using other devices that by default do not include support, you can always choose to use third-party applications such as Air Screen for Android or Screen Mirroring for iOS devices.
Close apps
The Fire TV operating system is based on Android and like any other system, its applications can also be forced to be closed. With this you can gain an extra in performance and fluidity in those moments when you see that it is not running with the usual ease.
To force close applications on the Fire TV Stick go to Settings> Applications> Manage installed applications. There you just have to select the one that interests you and force the closure, that easy.
Access the quick menus of Fire TV
If you press and hold the Home button on the controller for a few seconds, you will access a menu for quick or direct access to functions such as putting the device to sleep, accessing the settings or viewing all the installed apps. Simple and effective.
Adjust parental controls
In the event that you have children at home who can use the Fire TV Stick, you should know that you can configure parental controls to prevent them from accessing certain apps or content, as well as that they can carry out some “destruction” of previously removed apps or settings. .
Done, these are the basic functions that you should know about the Amazon Fire TV Stick to take advantage of it from the first day. Although there is much more like applications and other hidden tricks that make it an almost essential device in the home. Especially if you do not have a Smart TV or are thinking of giving a new life to what your TV offered in that section when you bought it.
