Similar to Google Assistant on Chromecast, Android TV, and Android Box, Amazon has integrated the company’s AI voice assistant – Alexa, on the Fire TV line of devices. That includes Alexa integration in Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, and TVs with built-in FireOS. And mind you, Alexa isn’t a novelty feature or a gimmick on Fire TV.
It’s a useful add-on to improve your streaming experience. Here are the best Alexa tips and tricks for Fire TV. To make it better for Fire TV users, Amazon has integrated a dedicated Alexa assistant button on new remotes. You can separately purchase one for your Fire TV as well. Without further ado, check Alexa’s capabilities for Fire TV.
If you have other Amazon devices, such as the Echo Dot, placed in the same room, you’ll need to say ‘on Fire TV’ at the end of every command.
1. Play a Movie or TV Show Using Alexa
Apps of popular third-party streaming services such as YouTube TV, Netflix, Disney+, Peacock TV, and more, appear in the Amazon’s App Store. When you are dealing with dozens of such services, it can become difficult to switch between them to watch your favorite movie or TV show.
After all, it is highly unlikely for a single service to carry all your preferred TV shows and movies. Here’s where you can summon Alexa and play a movie or TV show with a single click.
Use Alexa commands such as ‘Play (title)’ or ‘Watch (title)’ and you can be more specific with ‘Play title in an app.’ The command only works with Alexa-supported apps such as Prime Video and Netflix. So, don’t get surprised when your commands don’t work in certain apps.
2. Switch Between TV Channels
If you still have a cable connection to watch live TV channels at home, you can also switch between them using Alexa. Press and hold the Alexa button and ask it to tune to the channel number on TV. You’ll need to switch the input type (source) to the antenna though.
3. Get Your Answers
Besides navigating the FireOS, the Alexa assistant is useful for answering general questions. For example, you can ask Alexa to show outside weather, open a To-Do list, check songs by an artist on Prime Music, and more.
You can also ask Alexa to show one of the connected webcams. For example, say ‘show me the backyard camera’ and tune it in on the TV.
4. Navigate Through Search Results
With Alexa, you can go through the search results without using the remote. When you have search results lined up on Fire TV, ask Alexa to select #5, play #7, and open it.
5. Find Movies Based on Actor and Genre
Are you a Will Smith fan or do you prefer the war documentaries on Fire TV? Instead of finding your favorite actor’s movies across streaming services, you can trigger Alexa and ask it to ‘find (title/genre)’ or ‘show me (tv shows/movies) with (actor) name.’ Quite convenient, isn’t it?
6. Navigate FireOS
Although the Fire TV remote comes with a dedicated Home, more, and back buttons, you can use Alexa to navigate between menus and options with voice commands.
7. Browse Content on Video Details Page
Alexa quickly allows you to play the title, watch the trailer, add the current show to your watchlist, or show episodes or a specific season.
8. Control Video Playback Using Alexa
While Alexa isn’t the most convenient method to control video playback, it can be useful in certain scenarios. You can ask Alexa to play, pause, stop, and resume the movie.
Find a dance number in a movie boring? Tell Alexa to fast-forward it. You can even ask the assistant to watch the show or movie from the beginning.
Do note that video playback via Alexa only works in Amazon Prime Video and other supported apps.
9. Live TV Channels Controls
Apps like Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and fuboTV, come with live TV channels for a seamless cord-cutting experience. Alexa will let you switch between offered TV channels, open a channel guide, and even control playback.
Master Alexa on Fire TV
Alexa is also quite useful when specific buttons on your remote stop working. Instead of buying a new remote or using Fire TV mobile app, you can summon Alexa and perform tasks for you. Which Alexa tricks did you find most useful on Fire TV? Share them in the comments below.
Last updated on 11 April, 2022
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DID YOU KNOW
The Fire TV Stick and the Fire TV are two different products.
I had Amazon Fire and it sucked . I tried to record programs and never found where they went. My library was always empty. I asked for CBS weekend news and always got a in progress from NOVEMBER !!!!. I unpluged and re-booted so many times the chrome finish on the various devices wore out. After 4 months of utter frustration….yes, it took me that long, I quit. I don’t watch much TV in the first place because so much of it is pure bullshit for morons. I,m 77 and yet to ever see a commercial that applies to me. I would pay extra for no commercials ever. I believe I write for the silent many out there.