3 ms·

I don't understand the niche for this product, especially against their own Fire TV (which FD I have and like a fair bit). From the catalog page details, besid

I don't understand the niche for this product, especially against their own Fire TV (which FD I have and like a fair bit). From the catalog page details, besides the portability of the stick model (use USB with some TVs so no need for AC power) it seems there are some games that will not play on the stick. That seems a bit crunchy and weird for customers and developers. Any one see or know any other differentiators that make this worth an additional SKU, support costs?

Pxtl 12y ago
As somebody owns two stick devices, the form-factor does make a difference. With a stick you don't have to decide where to put it, you don't need an entertainment unit or anything, your TV remains completely self-contained. I keep thinking about upgrading to a gaming-ready device and moving away from the stick form-factor is actually a stumbling block for me. That said, I get what you're saying about running two SKUs. Hopefully in their next gen they can consolidate both devices into a stick.
- bengali3 12y ago
  Agreed, form factor got me to try the Roku stick, but I went back to box with the Fire TV after getting fed up with performance and terrible wifi signal (dongle basically touched the mount) I did get a great signal on unmounted tv upstairs but the slow UI & stream starting persisted (5-8 seconds between screens). I'm going to hold off on sticks for a while, but $19 does sound pretty compelling. I'm sure this reflects a recent pricing lesson regarding the Fire phone.
- vidarh 12y ago
  The form factor of the Fire TV is still small enough to easily hide, though, but I agree. One thing I noticed with the Fire TV is that it very much feels "expensive". Very sleek and polished shiny black box and heavy for the size. They may very well be trying to hit different niches that way.
seanflyon 12y ago
Cost seems like the biggest reason to me.

Pxtl 12y ago

As somebody owns two stick devices, the form-factor does make a difference. With a stick you don't have to decide where to put it, you don't need an entertainment unit or anything, your TV remains completely self-contained. I keep thinking about upgrading to a gaming-ready device and moving away from the stick form-factor is actually a stumbling block for me. That said, I get what you're saying about running two SKUs. Hopefully in their next gen they can consolidate both devices into a stick.

bengali3 12y ago
Agreed, form factor got me to try the Roku stick, but I went back to box with the Fire TV after getting fed up with performance and terrible wifi signal (dongle basically touched the mount) I did get a great signal on unmounted tv upstairs but the slow UI & stream starting persisted (5-8 seconds between screens). I'm going to hold off on sticks for a while, but $19 does sound pretty compelling. I'm sure this reflects a recent pricing lesson regarding the Fire phone.
vidarh 12y ago
The form factor of the Fire TV is still small enough to easily hide, though, but I agree. One thing I noticed with the Fire TV is that it very much feels "expensive". Very sleek and polished shiny black box and heavy for the size. They may very well be trying to hit different niches that way.

seanflyon 12y ago

Cost seems like the biggest reason to me.