If you do not have a TV with Smart TV, but it does have HDMI connectivity, there is no doubt that devices such as Chromecast , developed by Google, or Amazon Fire TV are two simple and easy solutions to avoid having to invest more than 20 to 30 euros , instead of having to buy a new TV if we want to use some of the most popular streaming applications at the moment, such as Netflix , HBO or Filmin , among many others.
But it is true that there are some differences between the two devices. Chromecast, for example, could be conceived more as a service than as an independent product, since in order to transmit the content that we want to see on the TV through the device, it is necessary to have a compatible application on our Android mobile phone or digital tablet. or iOS, which sends it to the TV.
However, Amazon Fire TV is, if possible, a little more useful and interesting, since it stands out for being a device in itself, which brings many of the advantages offered by a real Smart TV to our TV: it is possible to install in its internal memory hundreds of applications, in the same way that we would in the most advanced television.
Whether you have this Amazon device today, or if you plan to buy it on the next Amazon Prime Day , here are some simple tips and tricks that will offer you the possibility of configuring it to the maximum.
Customizing the screensaver
Sometimes when you’re not actively using your Fire TV device, the screen saver will kick in. Although you may not realize it, it is perfectly possible to personalize it, so that it shows something that we like more.
To do this, you must access Settings , Screen and sound and then select Screensavers . The next screen will allow us to choose which images to use (for example, ours or from the selected Amazon library), and customize how fast they will scroll and when they will appear.
Use our mobile phone as a remote control
In some moments, especially when we must enter the username and password in a new downloaded application, the remote included with the device can end up being a bit cumbersome, so you have to have some patience, especially if your email address electronic is relatively long.
To solve this, Amazon gives you the option of using your mobile phone as a remote control , which will allow you to run searches or complete login forms directly through the device’s keyboard, or access applications and games more quickly.
How? You just have to download the official Amazon Fire TV application for iOS or Android and the connection through the local WiFi network will take just a few seconds.
Using Alexa
If you don’t have an Echo Show at home, you can use Alexa directly from your Fire TV device, giving you the ability to check the weather, access content from your favorite music and movie apps, check a specific schedule, or call day with the latest news.
You only have to use the Alexa application for iOS or Android to be able to connect our Fire TV with third-party accounts in which we have a subscription or a contracted monthly plan (such as Spotify).
Listening over Bluetooth
Just because other people are sleeping in the same room where we use Amazon Fire TV doesn’t mean we should stop watching our favorite movie. We just have to have headphones with Bluetooth connectivity and activate this functionality on our device.
How can we do it? We will only have to add a Bluetooth audio device. To do this, we must go to Settings , access Remotes and Bluetooth devices and click on Other Bluetooth devices . From that moment on, the wireless pairing process will start.
