The software that runs on Amazon’s Fire TV streaming devices is set to undergo a significant overhaul in the coming weeks, and the rollout of the “new Fire TV experience” begins today on some devices. After the update is installed, you’ll have access to new features like multiuser support and a streamlined interface that makes it faster to reach your favorite entertainment apps.
When you’re in the mood to watch something but you’re not sure what, there’s also a new “Find” tab that brings together movies, TV shows, free ad-supported content, and sports from various services.
The most obvious UI change is simply in the way it looks. For example, there is now a new “Home” destination page, with a Main Menu navigation bar in the center of the screen plus various show recommendations arranged underneath it.
That aforementioned navigation bar includes a scrolling list of your favorite streaming apps, as well as separate tabs for your Library, the aforementioned Home screen, a page for Live programming and, last but not least, a new Find page. The latter offers up a whole new way to search for content, across recommended categories as well as content types.
Another new feature is the ability to have up to six User Profiles for different members of your household. This way, you can customize the experience and exactly which channels you want, depending on whose profile it is.
The new Fire TV UI will roll out to the Fire TV Stick (third-gen) and Fire TV Stick Lite over the coming weeks. Only a small subset of eligible devices will get it right away; Amazon doesn’t revamp the Fire TV interface often, so the company is taking its time to make sure everything goes smoothly.
