Last Updated on July 22, 2022
The FireStick, one of the latest technological innovations for viewing, offers easy access to our favorite movies, music, and sporting games.
It is widely available to all who want to be free from the pressure of being in front of the television at specific times to watch an unmissable show.
It is also great when you want to watch a show that is not available on your television channels.
But its popularity gives rise to the question, do you really need a FireStick, or are its users suffering from so-called shiny object syndrome?
Contents
Reasons for Getting a Firestick
1. You’re a binge-watcher
You are one of those people who like to spend their free time watching movies, Youtube channels, or have a favorite Youtuber. Or if Netflix or one of the many streaming services is your go-to for entertainment.
2. You hate when there’s nothing to watch
You are one of those people who complain loudly and regularly that there is nothing on the box or that the worst part of winter is being confined to the house with nothing to watch.
3. You want entertainment for your kids
You are one of those parents who like to spend their Saturday mornings in bed if the children would only stop entreating you to get up and play with them.
4. You love TV and movies
You are a lover of sports, music, TV series or big movies.
If you are one of those people, then you need a FireStick. Even you can stream local channels on firestick to watch local news or entertainments shows etc.
But let’s admit it, that list seems to include the vast majority of us, so perhaps we should all queue up at the virtual shop, credit card in hand, prepared to purchase a FireStick.
Why Not Just Get a Smart TV?
Why not?
Because as well as being smart, they are expensive. Especially if you are looking for a high resolution, high definition one.
You can expect to fork out anywhere in the region of hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the model of choice.
However, a FireStick should set you back no more than $30-$55, and in addition, you get the Alexa remote voice control thrown in. So for a smaller payout, you are getting the equivalent of a smart television.
And yes, FireSticks do upgrade regularly but replacing a device that costs less than $55 is much more doable than replacing your smart TV when new TV features come on stream. So its always good idea to choose amazon firestick TV over Smart TV.
Where Can I Get a Firestick?
When purchasing your FireStick, you are spoilt for choice.
Amazon is the retailer that comes most readily to mind, but you can also purchase at Walmart, Best Buy, Staples, and a range of other stores.
And you can purchase in-store or online, which makes buying your FireStick as convenient as watching television with a FireStick installed is going to be.
What Can I Watch With My Firestick?
To use your FireStick, you will have to download your preferred apps.
These apps work like normal TV channels, but with the added benefit that you can watch them at any time that suits you. Not alone are you watching shows you have chosen for yourself, but you are watching them at your own convenience.
A range of TV and music channels, as well as movie and sports channels, all offer you content you can stream with your FireStick. Some of these channels are free to use, while others require a subscription. But the choice is yours.
And given the plethora of streaming services out there, you might find yourself turning your back on your regular channels and relying on a FireStick to provide your entertainment.
Suddenly you find yourself going from a “Nothing to watch” situation to being spoilt for choice.
Subscribe To…
You can subscribe to:
- Hulu
- YouTube TV
- Sling
- And many more
You can listen to your favorite music on:
- Amazon Music
- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Pandoro
It allows you to indulge in your favorite tunes or to broaden your horizons with a more eclectic choice of performers.
Any digital music or video you purchased from Amazon can be played on your TV with your FireStick, or you can view any photos you have uploaded to Amazon Cloud Drive on your television.
And as the market for new types of entertainment grows, you can only expect the range of viewing options to grow with it.
Something for the Little Ones
FireSticks do not cater merely to adult users. The little ones are catered for as well. The FireStick and the channels it gives you access to might well have been designed for them.
We all know how difficult it is to keep the little ones entertained, especially at those critical moments when you have guests round or quite simply need a feet-up evening.
But with a FireStick, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Quickly you will come to see the new device as a best friend, or at least an ally, when amusing the little ones becomes a challenge.
With your FireStick, you have control over what they watch. You decide what content is available when it is the kids’ turn. You may find yourself turning to PBS and GoNoodle, two of the hugely popular children’s channels. A quick search will reveal many more channels specializing in providing children’s entertainment.
And modern-day children being well versed in technology, will be able to manage the technical aspects of streaming their favorite shows.
When your overdue lie-in comes round, you can be assured that with a little training, they may be better able to manage the FireStick than you are.
Are Firesticks Difficult to Install?
Like all modern devices, FireSticks are designed with the user in mind.
In fact, the teenager, who will probably be making extensive use of the device, could probably do the installation for you.
Simply insert the FireStick into your HDTV, plug the device into the wall socket and connect to the internet. Thanks to your FireStick, you are now streaming video content to your television via the internet and your television is showing the material you really want to watch
Think of the now outdated DVD player but without the hassle of loading and changing DVDs or the post-weekend tidying up of DVD tapes.
And when using the Amazon FireStick, you will have the ever-helpful Alexa to do your bidding. Your most demanding chore will be to sit and tell her what you want to watch and what you want saved.
Unfortunately, you will have to fetch your own coffee, but that is a small price to pay!
Living With a Firestick
With your FireStick installed and your apps downloaded, you can expect…
- No more driving home with the prospect of “Nothing to watch” annoying you
- No more inner debates as to whether you should change television providers
- No more trying to decide how to spend the dreary winter weekends
- No more regretting having missed a crucial point in a show
- No more trying to decide how you are going to get to see that game you missed
But instead, you can…
- Look forward to the children’s party you were dreading hosting
- Know that you do not have to do battle for the opportunity to watch your favorite show
- Plan on keeping up with the latest developments in entertainment, sports, music, and world events
And most importantly, know that a lie-in is finally on the horizon.
Enjoy!