Amazon has confirmed it will be discontinuing support for one of its Fire TV devices, with it no longer working for customers within weeks.
The company's Fire TV Blaster was launched just over six years ago, and now the remaining devices are to be switched off from January 31.
It was designed to give hands-free voice control over Fire TV-compatible streaming devices, such as Fire Sticks and Echo smart speakers.
Now, Amazon has said that the device served its purpose, but added that the need for it has diminished.
Amazon to discontinue Fire TV Blaster at the end of January
Amazon first introduced the Fire TV Blaster in 2019 to aid customers who may have older TVs and soundbars by allowing them to control them with their voice.
However, due to newer HDMI-CEC technology and the further evolution of Amazon's Fire TV product lineup, the need for the product has dwindled.
Now, Amazon has confirmed that it is discontinuing support for the Fire TV Blaster, beginning on January 31.
An email to customers seen and shared by AFTV News, reads: "Dear customer, We’re emailing because you purchased a Fire TV Blaster – an accessory allowing for hands-free control of soundbars and TVs when combined with a Fire TV stick and Echo device.
"In the coming weeks, support for Fire TV Blaster will be discontinued and the device will stop working."
Amazon's Fire TV product range includes various streaming sticks, set-top boxes like the Fire TV Cube, and a range of smart televisions with built-in Fire TV.
What to do if you have a Fire TV Blaster as support for device ends
If you have a Fire TV Blaster, you can recycle the device, and you are also entitled to a refund.
Amazon is automatically applying gift card credit for the full amount of the Fire TV Blaster (£34.99) to customer accounts.
This should appear in accounts within 24 hours, with no other actions required.
For those looking to get rid of their Fire TV Blaster, you can recycle it with Amazon.
It will cover shipping and recycling costs through its Amazon Recycling program, with more information online here.
Emails should be sent to customers with Amazon Fire TV Blasters with a link to a free shipping label.
Are fire sticks illegal in the UK?
Amazon Fire TV Sticks are legal in the UK, but become illegal when devices are modified, often called "jailbroken" or "fully loaded".
This means they have access to premium, subscription-only content like live sports or movies without paying the appropriate fees.
Organisation Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) recently issued a warning to anyone using dodgy fire sticks in the UK.
It came after a high-profile case involving Jonathan Edge, from Liverpool, who was jailed for three years and four months for both running and personally using an illegal streaming service.
FACT chairman Kieron Sharp said: “This campaign makes it clear that end users of illegal streaming services are breaking the law.
"The risks are real, from potential criminal liability to exposure to scams, viruses, and harmful content.
"We urge people to protect themselves and their families by only using legitimate providers."
Amazon is also working to block the use of illegal fire sticks, working to block apps that are identified as helping users gain illegal access to pirated content.
A spokesperson said: “Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our Appstore.
"Through an expanded program led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition fighting digital piracy, we’ll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content, including those downloaded from outside our Appstore.
"This builds on our ongoing efforts to support creators and protect customers, as piracy can also expose users to malware, viruses, and fraud.”
Recommended reading:
- Sky issues new 'dodgy' Fire Stick warning as it works on 'significant' crackdown
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- Virgin Media O2 offering £100s for old gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox
What is the penalty if you are caught with an illegal fire stick?
People who use or distribute illicit fire sticks or set-top boxes to access paid-for TV channels or streaming services without a subscription are breaking the law under Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.
Under this legislation, an offence is committed when someone dishonestly accesses services without paying for them at all, or without paying the full amount required.
Anyone convicted of this offence may be issued with a financial penalty or could receive a prison sentence of up to five years.
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