The Amazon Fire Stick is $20 for Prime Folks Until Tomorrow
The Fire Stick is a device that plugs into the HDMI port on your tv (no word on whether the Fire Stick is haunted but I hope to hell not). The device comes with a remote that allows you to view Amazon Prime content (streaming video, games, etc) on that tv. So if you travel, you take your Prime content with you using this device.
It also includes other streaming services, like Netflix, PBS Kids, Pandora and HuluPlus.
I asked Hubby why he wanted to buy one since he already has a Google Chromecast, and he said:
We already have a Chromecast, but the Fire Stick seems like a better option for streaming, primarily because it does not need to be paired with another device in order to use it. It comes with its own remote that you use to control everything. So it should be easier to use, especially for the kids.
Also, based on Amazon's descriptions, there appear to be more apps that are compatible with the Fire Stick than there currently are with Chromecast. Specifically for me, the MLB.com app is supported, which means next baseball season I can subscribe to the online streaming service, which is a lot cheaper than the cable television "Extra Innings" package, and it should come with more games in HD.
Lastly, it was on sale for $20 for Prime members. Even if it sucks, it should still be useful enough to justify $20.
Details from Amazon on the limited time sale:
Terms and Conditions: Offer expires at 6:00 a.m. (PT) October 29, 2014. Offer limited to one per customer and account while supplies last. Offer only applies to new Fire TV Sticks sold and shipped by Amazon Digital Services. If you do not purchase a qualifying product while the promotion is in effect, the offer will not apply. Offer does not apply to digital content. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping charges may apply to discounted and free promotional items. Offer may not be combined with other offers. Amazon reserves the right to modify or cancel the offer at any time. Offer is non-transferable and may not be resold. Offer discount will be allocated proportionally among all promotional items in your order. Offer valid for customers located and with billing addresses in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. Does not apply to orders placed with 1-Click. If any of the products related to this offer are returned, we will subtract the value of your promotional discount from your return credit, and returns are subject to applicable refund policies. If you violate any of these terms, the offer will be invalid.
I can't recommend this as a holiday gift because demand has been so high, those who order today may not receive theirs until January - but it sounds like a good option to have for travel, which is certainly what we'll use the Fire Stick. What about you? Are you interested at all in portable streaming options like this?
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