Popular Amazon Fire TV device set to be 'completely unusable' in weeks
Amazon has offered a voucher as compensation
Amazon has revealed to its customers that one of the more popular Fire TV accessories is set to become 'completely unusable' in just a matter of weeks, leaving owners with a choice to make.
It has been over a decade since Amazon released the first version of its impressive Fire TV Stick device, and it's been growing in popularity ever since — perhaps in part due to its use in various illegal streaming services across recent years.
The device itself though offers impressive functionality, allowing people to access all of their favorite streaming services and apps without having to rely on the hardware inside their own smart TV.
It's not just the Fire Stick itself that's proven to be popular though, as there are a number of accessories that have remained essential for certain users due to their current situation, although that might be set to change soon.
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As reported by the Metro, one key accessory for Amazon Fire TV devices will soon become completely unusable, as it's not only going to be removed from sale but disabled for anyone that currently owns it.
The device in question is the Fire TV Blaster, which has become an important gadget for anyone with older TVs or soundbars, as it emits an infrared signal allowing people to use voice commands to control their devices.
Emails have been sent out to anyone who has purchased a Fire TV Blaster through the Amazon website, informing them that the service will be discontinued 'in the coming weeks', pointing towards January 31 as the start point.
An email sent to a customer, obtained by AFTVNews, explains the decision and puts forward the recommended next steps for anyone who currently owns the soon-to-be-discontinued device.
"We're emailing because you purchased a Fire TV Blaster," the email begins. "In the coming weeks, support for Fire TV Blaster will be discontinued and the device will stop working.
"We're offering you an exclusive discount for $60 off the Fire TV Cube — our premium streaming device with a built-in IR blaster and full hands-free Alexa that can control your compatible devices from across the room, just like your Fire TV Blaster does today."
This discount takes the Fire TV Cube down to $79.99, which is 43% lower than its listed price, and the offer is valid until March 31, 2026. Alternatively, you can instead opt to get the Fire TV streaming media player, which boasts hands-free Alexa compatibility, and a 50% discount is available for that.
Amazon is also offering Fire TV Blaster owners the option to recycle their devices for no extra cost, and all you need to do is request a free shipping label and sent it off to complete the process.