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Amazon Fire TV Stick Review (Focus on Miracast.)


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At €39 the Amazon Fire TV Stick is very interesting. For Prime customers it’s a must-buy but for those of us with Miracast-enabled devices it means that the Miracast feature (Screen Mirroring) also brings extra value. Early firmware builds for the Fire TV Stick didn’t support Miracast from Windows 8.1 but I’ve just received a stick here in Germany, upgraded the firmware and tested Miracast on two Windows PCs, a Windows smartphone and an Android tablet. All of them worked but there are still some issues that need sorting out. Read on for a review of the Fire TV Stick, a focus on Miracast and some thoughts about KODI, iConsole Micro and Chromecast.

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Coming soon: Amazon Fire TV Stick + Windows 8.1 Miracast support.


The Amazon Fire TV stick was looking like the best Miracast option for Windows 8 PCs; A real no-brainer.  The problem is that it isn’t working. Owners are reporting that it’s showing up as a remote display on Windows 8.1 but no-one is reporting a successful connection. Does this mean it’s a no-go? Fortunately not because Amazon have recently indicated that Windows 8.1 support is coming soon.

Update: I’ve reviewed the Fire TV Stick now and put a focus on testing Miracast.

Fire TV Miracast for Windows support coming soon

Fire TV Miracast for Windows support coming soon

April 2015 Update: A recent firmware update is helping but big issues exist. Source: Thurrot.com

It seems that a number of owners aren’t happy  with Amazon FireTV sticks they bought for Windows and Miracast use. I’m not happy either as in my eyes, Miracast support is Miracast support and not ‘a subset of Miracast devices support.’

Quite how long we’ll have to wait for Miracast on Windows 8.1 with Amazon FireTV sticks is another question but at least Amazon is on the case and have committed to doing something.  Keep your eyes on the product page, this forum thread and firmware updates.

Note that Miracast isn’t he same as WiDi although a WiDi compatible device works with a Miracast receiver. WiDi has more features than Miracast and is now up to version 5.1 with 4K support.  I’m not aware of any products that have it yet.

Amazon Fire TV Stick does Miracast too for just $39


Every Windows 8 tablet I’ve tried recently supports Miracast but I rarely use it because it’s never plugged into my TV. I’ve thought about getting a cheap stick I can leave in the living room TV but never really got round to it. Now that the $39 Amazon Fire TV stick has been announced though I think the solution will be a no-brainer.

Amazon Fire TV Stick

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