Surprised at the Fire TV Stick 4K Max since it has an Apple TV app

[Kendo]

I needed a streaming unit for my bedroom TV (I have an Apple TV in the living room) and didn't want to spend an arm and a leg. The Fire Stick 4K is on sale right now for $33.

To be frank, I would never have considered it if it didn't have the Apple TV app - not Apple TV+ but the actual Apple TV app where I can stream all of my iTunes shows and movies. It works exactly the same way on the Fire Stick as it does on my Apple TV.

The only downside is that the home screen is very busy with Amazon ads blasting in your face. There is a small space on the home screen where you can dock your 6 favorite apps like Apple TV, Netflix, etc. I don't mind the ads mainly because I'm on the home screen for 2 seconds before I launch Netflix, Disney+, etc.

 

[bigjnyc]

I honestly rather spend a few more bucks and get a used apple tv on facebook market or something. These firesticks are cool and cheap at first, but then they start slowing down and get jittery so quickly as soon as you start installing apps. It's extremely frustrating... meanwhile my oldest Apple tv still works smooth as silk a few years later.

 

[Audit13]

Android and Roku streaming devices have had the AppleTV app for a very long time. The app also has access to AppleTV+ originals.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Of course the AppleTV (app) is to the AppleTV (box) what any one app on iPhone is to the iPhone (box). It's ONE app. AppleTV (the box) runs many other apps. I have one on every TV in the house and pretty much never open the AppleTV (app) except for maybe an Apple product announcement event. And yet they get used just about every day.

Lots of non-Apple tech has the AppleTV app to try to make more revenue for the AppleTV+ service offerings and the iTunes Store. But that's substantially different than the AppleTV (box).

 

[JeffPerrin]

FYI, although they have the Apple TV+ app, AFAIK there's still no support for AirPlay on the Firestick. (same with Google dongle-sticks)

IMO, AirPlay is a must-have feature if you have iOS devices in the house.

 

[shakopeemn]

The only downside is that the home screen is very busy with Amazon ads blasting in your face.

Bingo. Horrible interface. The Amazon Firetv device isn't running Apple TVOS.

I for one don't want giant posters and commercials for products on idle.

 

[BMox81]

Bingo. Horrible interface. The Amazon Firetv device isn't running Apple TVOS.

I for one don't want giant posters and commercials for products on idle.

The 2nd gen Max has an ambient mode/screensaver mode similar to that of the Apple TV now.