Amazon has alerted certain Fire TV and Echo users that one of its smart products, the Fire TV Blaster, will soon be discontinued permanently. The Blaster, which provided hands-free voice controls for home theatres when paired with a Fire TV Stick or smart speaker, will cease operations “in the coming weeks.”
Initially designed to enable users to control soundbars, adjust volume, and change channels on set-top boxes using Alexa voice commands, the Fire TV Blaster was removed from sale a year ago due to complex setup issues and received mixed reviews. Amazon later introduced the Fire TV Cube, a more user-friendly alternative with similar functionalities.
Amazon acknowledged that the Fire TV Blaster served a purpose during a transitional period in smart home technology but stated that advancements in new technologies and the evolution of other Fire TV products rendered the standalone IR blaster obsolete.
Current Fire TV Blaster owners have been informed that the device will soon become obsolete, with U.S. users offered the opportunity to exchange it for a discounted Fire TV Cube. In the UK, purchasers will receive a £34.99 gift card automatically credited to their accounts.
In an email communication, Amazon stated, “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 message also mentioned that support for the Fire TV Blaster will be discontinued, rendering the device inoperable in the near future.
In addition to providing discounts on Fire TV Cube purchases and gift cards, Amazon announced a free recycling program for old Fire TV Blasters. Users can print a shipping label and return the device for recycling.