Amazon has issued a significant alert to a segment of its customer base, confirming that a specific smart home accessory is about to be permanently deactivated. The device, known as the Fire TV Blaster, will cease to operate entirely "in the coming weeks," according to official communications from the technology and retail giant.
What is the Fire TV Blaster?
The Fire TV Blaster was launched as an accessory designed to enhance the home entertainment experience. It provided hands-free voice control capabilities for users with home theatre setups, functioning when paired with either a Fire TV Stick or an Amazon Echo smart speaker.
Once properly installed, the device allowed consumers to perform various commands through Alexa voice controls. This included switching soundbars on and off, adjusting volume levels, and changing channels on compatible set-top boxes, all without the need for physical remotes.
Why is it Being Discontinued?
Amazon removed the Fire TV Blaster from sale approximately twelve months ago, following a period of market availability. The decision came after the product received mixed to negative reviews, primarily centred around notably complicated setup procedures that frustrated some users.
Concurrently, Amazon introduced and heavily promoted its Fire TV Cube device. The Cube offers similar, integrated hands-free control features for home entertainment systems but is widely regarded as far more user-friendly and straightforward to configure, effectively making the Blaster accessory redundant.
Official Notification and Compensation
Affected customers who purchased the Fire TV Blaster are now receiving direct email notifications from Amazon. A copy of the communication, obtained by the team at AFTVnews, clearly states the impending end of service.
"We're emailing because you purchased a Fire TV Blaster - an accessory for hands-free control of soundbars and TVs when combined with a Fire TV Stick and Echo device," the email reads. "In the coming weeks, support for the Fire TV Blaster will be discontinued, and the device will stop working."
In light of this discontinuation, Amazon is offering a compensatory pathway for current Blaster owners. The company is providing the opportunity to exchange the obsolete device for a new Fire TV Cube at a specially discounted rate. This offer is designed to migrate users to the more advanced and supported platform.
Recycling Initiative
Alongside the upgrade offer, Amazon has announced an environmentally conscious disposal plan. The company will recycle any returned Fire TV Blaster units free of charge. Owners who wish to utilise this service simply need to print a pre-provided shipping label and send the device back to Amazon, ensuring it does not end up in landfill.
This move highlights a growing trend among major tech firms to manage the end-of-life cycle for electronic products responsibly, while also transitioning customers to newer, supported hardware within their ecosystem.
