Amazon’s smart TVs with Alexa are coming to Germany

In Germany, Amazon has been offering Smart TVs with Fire TV for several years, which are produced by hardware partners. The group is now also selling the Fire TV models presented in September 2022 in Europe. They are already the second generation.

Amazon covers price ranges from 280 to 1,000 euros for smart TVs with Fire TV and Alexa.

Amazon’s top models of the Omni-QLED series are offered with display diagonals of 43, 50, 55 and 65 inches and all have quantum dot displays (QLED) with 4K resolution. Hands-free Alexa voice control similar to the Echo speakers is also on board, so a remote control is not absolutely necessary for operation.

According to Amazon, the 4K TVs support full array local dimming of up to 80 areas (depending on the model size). They also offer support for HDR10 Plus, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10 Plus Adaptive, the company says.

Using an integrated ambient light sensor, the devices are able to automatically adjust the screen brightness “to create optimal contrast for all content sources, formats and lighting conditions,” according to Amazon.

The smart TV also borrows a function from Samsung’s The Frame series: When not streaming, the ambient TV function can be used to display works of art or your own photos on the big screen. This can also be activated by sensors when a person enters the room.

With the optional display of Alexa widgets, the televisions can also be converted into an oversized Echo Show – without the touch function, of course. According to Amazon, the Alexa widgets are optimized for the TV and “provide up-to-date and helpful information at a glance”. For example, appointments can be displayed in the “Calendar and Reminders” widget, leave sticky notes for family members, control smart thermostats or a ring doorbell via the “Smart Home Favorites” widget, according to Amazon.

TV Tips also has a “What should I watch?” widget. According to the company, the widgets can be adjusted, reduced or enlarged according to personal needs.

As for the artworks, Amazon’s Ambient TV offers free access to over 1,700 photos and curated artworks “with a wide array of styles for the whole household to enjoy.” According to Amazon, the art collection also includes works from local institutions such as the Pinakothek der Moderne, the Galerie Neue Meister, the Berlinische Galerie and the Nationalgalerie.

Practical: Customers can display additional information about the artworks displayed by asking, for example: “Alexa, who painted that?” or “Alexa, tell me more about this picture.”

If you don’t want to display artwork but still want to bring the screen to life, you can choose from “dozens of moving backgrounds or your personal photos”.

Dynamic art will also be added to Ambient TV later this year, displaying content based on factors such as temperature, time of day and weather.

Like an Echo Show, the models in the Fire TV Omni-QLED series also support Alexa routines: These can be used to control the smart home or the entertainment experience, according to Amazon.

If you don’t want Alexa to listen in, the integrated far-field microphones can be electronically switched off at the touch of a button. It is also possible to adapt other functions to your own preferences. For example, motion detection can be deactivated or quiet hours can be set during which no information should be displayed on the screen.

In addition to the smart TV top models, Amazon is also introducing the Fire TV 4 and TV 2 series. The 4-series has 4K UHD resolution screens with HDR10 and HLG for “cinema-like picture quality in 4K series and movies”.

Instead of hands-free Alexa voice control, Alexa can be controlled by voice remote and find, launch and control content. Weather reports, sports results and much more can also be called up, according to Amazon.

The 4 Series includes TV models with 43-, 50- and 55-inch displays and offers “a fully integrated Fire TV experience that is constantly being expanded with new features, smart home functions and more,” explains the company.

The Fire TV 2 series is available in diagonals of 32 and 40 inches. The 32-inch Fire TV 2 only has HD (720p) resolution, while the 40-inch model has Full HD resolution (1080p). Both models support HDR10, HLG and Dolby Digital audio.

According to Amazon, all smart TVs have connections for HD antenna (DVB-T2 HD), cable (DVB-C) and satellite services (DVB-S2). Streaming apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, Youtube and more can also be used.

According to Amazon, the Fire TV Omni-QLED Series be available from 600 euros. The Fire TV 4 series is offered from 500 euros. The Fire TV 2 series starts from 280 euros.

All devices can be pre-ordered from Amazon. Fire TV 4 Series, Fire TV 2 Series and 65-inch Fire TV Omni-QLED TVs will begin shipping April 12, with all other Omni-QLED sizes to follow June 1 2023, according to the manufacturer. During the introductory phase, all models are up to 250 euros cheaper.

Fire TV: models, prices, market launch

From April 12, 2023:

• Fire TV Omni QLED Series – 65 inch – 999.99 euros
• Fire TV 4-Series – 43 inch – 499.99 euros
• Fire TV 4-Series – 50 inch – 599.99 euros
• Fire TV 4-Series – 55 inch – 699.99 euros
• Fire TV 2-Series – 32 inch – 279.99 euros
• Fire TV 2-Series – 40 inch – 349.99 euros

From June 1, 2023:

• Fire TV Omni QLED Series – 43 inch – 599.99 euros
• Fire TV Omni QLED Series – 50 inch – 699.99 euros
• Fire TV Omni QLED Series – 55 inch – 799.99 euros