Amazon is integrating its Fire TV platform with Alexa support into select 4K televisions

[midian182]

We’ve already seen several products at CES that support Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa. DVRs, washing machines, and even echo clones that use the retail giant’s AI have all been at the show. Next up will be Alexa-powered 4K televisions: the Amazon Fire TV Edition.

Amazon won’t be building the televisions itself. The company has signed a deal with Seiki, Westinghouse, and Element Electronics – who are all owned by Chinese firm Tongfang Global – to launch the UHD displays.

In addition to that 4K resolution, the TVs feature 3GB of RAM, 16GB of internal memory, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/Ethernet connectivity, and will be available in sizes ranging from 43 inches to 65 inches. Each one will come with the latest Fire TV interface, which means easy access to OTA programming, simple TV input setup, and component switching.

The televisions will also have access to the thousands of apps and games found on other Fire TV devices, along with a remote control that features an embedded microphone so users can speak instructions to Alexa. The voice assistant can launch apps, search content, play music, control smart home devices and more.

"Smart TVs can be cumbersome and difficult to use," said Sung Choi, vice president of marketing, Tongfang Global. "Our new line of 4K Ultra HD Smart TVs – Amazon Fire TV Edition represent an elevated customer experience powered by the highest performance processors in the industry, a unique voice-controlled remote control, and Amazon's cinematic viewing experience. With Amazon Fire TV built in and a voice remote with Alexa, access to movies, videos, music, gaming, and more is simple, easy, and intuitive."

The Fire TV Edition Smart sets will be available later this year on Amazon.com and from authorized retailers nationwide. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/67638-amazon-integrating-fire-tv-platform-alexa-support-select.html

 

[Trillionsin]

Slightly off topic, but it'll come around and make sense (somewhat)
I had some recent experience with the Amazon Echo Dot. Someone stole one, and sold it in a pawn shop. Unopened.

So, got it for like 20 bucks cheaper. This was somehow reported stolen, and the thing locked up the amazon account once attempted to activate. Assuming someone stole it from someone's doorstep.

I know companies think this is helping theft, but lets face it, the theft still happens.... we are just left with a useless device afterwards. I suppose in years to come everyone will know that some electronics can't be resold because someone's iCloud is attached to it, or its been reported lost and stolen. (For example)

I guess... during the transition it's a bad time, because its a crapshoot (almost) in figuring out which electronic devices can be easily resold, or if you have to clear out accounts and check a serial number online or something before considering a selling/buying something like this. I guess, once we all figure out and realize that more and more devices are like this... IT'LL TAKE EVEN LONGER FOR THE THIEFS TO FIGURE IT OUT.... So they steal then, and then have a harder and harder time selling them, and probably ending up with fines and/or jail time


So, this (kinda) relates to the article, because if you try to buy one of these used, you'll likely have to deal with making sure the original owner deactivates it, or removes their account from it, making sure it's not stolen, etc.