Are you a proud owner of an Amazon Fire TV Stick, but unsure about its generation? You’re not alone. With multiple generations of Fire TV Sticks available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which one you have. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Fire TV Sticks and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to identify your device’s generation.
Understanding The Importance Of Knowing Your Fire TV Stick Generation
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of identifying your Fire TV Stick generation, let’s understand why it’s essential to know this information. Here are a few reasons:
- Compatibility: Certain apps and features might only be compatible with specific Fire TV Stick generations. Knowing your device’s generation ensures you can take advantage of the latest features and apps.
- Performance: Newer generations of Fire TV Sticks often come with improved performance, faster processing speeds, and enhanced graphics capabilities. Understanding your device’s generation helps you set realistic expectations about its performance.
- Troubleshooting: When troubleshooting issues with your Fire TV Stick, knowing its generation can help you identify potential problems and find solutions more efficiently.
A Brief History Of Fire TV Stick Generations
To better understand how to identify your Fire TV Stick generation, let’s take a brief look at the history of Fire TV Stick generations:
- 1st Generation (2014): The first Fire TV Stick was released in 2014, featuring a dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage.
- 2nd Generation (2016): The 2nd generation Fire TV Stick was released in 2016, boasting a quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage.
- 3rd Generation (2018): The 3rd generation Fire TV Stick, also known as the Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, was released in 2018. It features a quad-core processor, 1.5GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage.
- 4th Generation (2020): The latest 4th generation Fire TV Stick, also known as the Fire TV Stick Lite, was released in 2020. It comes with a quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage.
Visual Inspection: Identifying Your Fire TV Stick Generation
One of the easiest ways to identify your Fire TV Stick generation is through visual inspection. Here are some key differences to look out for:
Fire TV Stick 1st Generation
- The 1st generation Fire TV Stick has a rectangular shape with a flat top and a rounded bottom.
- It features a single micro-USB port and a single HDMI port.
- The device measures 3.3 inches (84.9 mm) in length, 1.0 inch (25.9 mm) in width, and 0.5 inch (12.6 mm) in height.
Fire TV Stick 2nd Generation
- The 2nd generation Fire TV Stick has a similar rectangular shape to the 1st generation, but with a slightly curved top.
- It features a single micro-USB port and a single HDMI port.
- The device measures 3.3 inches (84.9 mm) in length, 1.0 inch (25.9 mm) in width, and 0.5 inch (12.6 mm) in height.
Fire TV Stick 3rd Generation
- The 3rd generation Fire TV Stick has a more rounded shape than the previous generations.
- It features a single micro-USB port and a single HDMI port.
- The device measures 3.4 inches (86.1 mm) in length, 1.2 inches (30.5 mm) in width, and 0.5 inch (12.6 mm) in height.
Fire TV Stick 4th Generation
- The 4th generation Fire TV Stick has a similar rounded shape to the 3rd generation.
- It features a single micro-USB port and a single HDMI port.
- The device measures 3.4 inches (86.1 mm) in length, 1.2 inches (30.5 mm) in width, and 0.5 inch (12.6 mm) in height.
Checking The Device’s Settings
If visual inspection doesn’t help, you can check the device’s settings to identify its generation. Here’s how:
- Go to the Fire TV Stick’s home screen and navigate to Settings.
- Scroll down to System and select it.
- Look for the “About” or “Device” option and select it.
- Check the device’s model number, which should be listed as one of the following:
- 1st generation: LY73PR
- 2nd generation: LY72PR
- 3rd generation: LY73PR or LY72PR (with Alexa Voice Remote)
- 4th generation: LY62PR or LY63PR
Using The Amazon Fire TV App
Another way to identify your Fire TV Stick generation is by using the Amazon Fire TV app. Here’s how:
- Download and install the Amazon Fire TV app on your mobile device.
- Launch the app and sign in with your Amazon account.
- Select your Fire TV Stick device from the list of available devices.
- Go to the device’s settings and look for the “Device Info” or “About” option.
- Check the device’s model number, which should be listed as one of the following:
- 1st generation: LY73PR
- 2nd generation: LY72PR
- 3rd generation: LY73PR or LY72PR (with Alexa Voice Remote)
- 4th generation: LY62PR or LY63PR
Conclusion
Identifying your Fire TV Stick generation can be a bit challenging, but by following the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to determine which generation your device belongs to. Whether you’re looking to troubleshoot issues, check compatibility with apps, or simply want to know more about your device, knowing your Fire TV Stick generation is essential. By using visual inspection, checking the device’s settings, or using the Amazon Fire TV app, you can easily identify your Fire TV Stick generation and make the most out of your streaming experience.
| Generation | Model Number | Release Year | Processor | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Generation | LY73PR | 2014 | Dual-core | 1GB | 8GB |
| 2nd Generation | LY72PR | 2016 | Quad-core | 1GB | 8GB |
| 3rd Generation | LY73PR or LY72PR | 2018 | Quad-core | 1.5GB | 8GB |
| 4th Generation | LY62PR or LY63PR | 2020 | Quad-core | 1GB | 8GB |
What Is The Importance Of Identifying My Fire TV Stick Generation?
Identifying your Fire TV Stick generation is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you determine the device’s capabilities and limitations. Different generations of Fire TV Sticks have varying levels of processing power, memory, and features, which can impact the overall viewing experience. By knowing your device’s generation, you can better understand what to expect from it.
Moreover, identifying your Fire TV Stick generation can also help you troubleshoot issues and find compatible accessories. For instance, if you’re experiencing performance issues, knowing your device’s generation can help you determine if it’s due to hardware limitations or software problems. Additionally, some accessories, such as remotes or cases, may only be compatible with specific generations of Fire TV Sticks.
How Can I Physically Identify My Fire TV Stick Generation?
You can physically identify your Fire TV Stick generation by checking the device’s packaging, labels, or the device itself. The packaging and labels usually have the device’s model number and generation printed on them. You can also check the device’s back or bottom for a label with the model number. For example, the 1st generation Fire TV Stick has the model number “LY73PR,” while the 2nd generation has the model number “LY72PR.”
If you no longer have the packaging or labels, you can also check the device’s shape and design. Different generations of Fire TV Sticks have distinct designs and shapes. For instance, the 3rd generation Fire TV Stick has a more rounded shape and a matte finish, while the 4th generation has a more angular shape and a glossy finish.
What Are The Different Generations Of Fire TV Sticks?
There are currently four generations of Fire TV Sticks available in the market. The 1st generation Fire TV Stick was released in 2014, followed by the 2nd generation in 2016. The 3rd generation Fire TV Stick was released in 2018, and the 4th generation was released in 2020. Each generation has brought significant improvements in terms of processing power, memory, and features.
The 1st and 2nd generations of Fire TV Sticks are relatively basic, with limited processing power and features. The 3rd generation Fire TV Stick introduced significant improvements, including 4K Ultra HD support and a more powerful processor. The 4th generation Fire TV Stick further improved upon these features, adding support for Dolby Vision and a more powerful processor.
How Can I Check My Fire TV Stick Generation Using The Device’s Settings?
You can check your Fire TV Stick generation using the device’s settings. To do this, go to the Settings menu on your Fire TV Stick and select “System” or “My Fire TV.” Then, select “About” or “Device Info.” This will display information about your device, including the model number and software version.
By checking the model number, you can determine your Fire TV Stick generation. You can also check the software version to see if your device is running the latest software. Additionally, you can check the device’s specifications, such as the processor and memory, to get an idea of its capabilities.
Can I Upgrade My Fire TV Stick To A Newer Generation?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to upgrade your Fire TV Stick to a newer generation. Fire TV Sticks are designed to be self-contained devices, and their hardware and software are tightly integrated. While you can update your device’s software to the latest version, you cannot upgrade the hardware or change the device’s generation.
If you want to take advantage of the features and improvements offered by a newer generation of Fire TV Sticks, you will need to purchase a new device. However, you can continue to use your existing Fire TV Stick, and it will still receive software updates and support from Amazon.
How Long Will My Fire TV Stick Be Supported By Amazon?
Amazon typically supports Fire TV Sticks for several years after their release. During this time, the devices receive regular software updates, security patches, and feature enhancements. However, the length of time that a Fire TV Stick is supported can vary depending on the device’s generation and Amazon’s policies.
Generally, Amazon supports Fire TV Sticks for at least 2-3 years after their release. After this period, the devices may still receive security updates and critical bug fixes, but they may not receive new feature enhancements or major software updates. If you’re concerned about the support lifespan of your Fire TV Stick, you can check Amazon’s website for more information.