Amazon has announced the end of support for one of its lesser-known smart home devices, marking another step in the company’s ongoing streamlining of its Fire TV product lineup. The move affects users of the Fire TV Blaster, an accessory designed to bring voice control to older home entertainment equipment.
As more advanced and integrated devices gain popularity, legacy tools like the Blaster are increasingly being phased out. The decision highlights the fast pace of change in smart home technology, and raises questions about the lifespan of connected devices as manufacturers refine their product strategies.
Device Support Ends as Amazon Simplifies Fire TV Ecosystem
Amazon has confirmed that it will discontinue support for the Fire TV Blaster accessory from 31 January. First introduced in 2019, the Blaster was designed to offer hands-free control over TVs, soundbars and set-top boxes when paired with a Fire TV Stick and an Echo speaker. Its main feature was enabling voice commands through Alexa to perform tasks like adjusting volume or switching inputs on home entertainment systems.
However, Amazon has acknowledged that the product’s relevance has declined significantly in recent years. The company cited the rise of HDMI-CEC technology and a shift in its own product lineup as primary reasons for the change. According to reports, the Fire TV Cube, an all-in-one device combining streaming and voice control, now offers similar functionality with a more user-friendly setup, making the Blaster effectively redundant.
Customer feedback also played a role in the decision to withdraw the device. The Blaster had faced criticism due to its complex configuration requirements, which reportedly caused frustration among users. While the product was pulled from sale last year, Amazon has now taken the final step by confirming it will no longer function from the end of this month. According to a report by AFTV News, customers received direct emails outlining the shutdown timeline and informing them of the refund procedure.
Refund and Recycling Options Now in Place for UK Customers
To compensate for the loss of functionality, Amazon has implemented a refund scheme for affected users in the United Kingdom. The company is crediting customer accounts with a gift card worth £34.99, which represents the full retail price of the Fire TV Blaster. The refund is being applied automatically within 24 hours of the announcement, with no further action required from customers.
In addition to the refund, Amazon is encouraging customers to recycle their devices through its in-house programme. The company will cover all associated shipping and recycling costs. Users simply need to print a prepaid shipping label, available through links provided in the notification emails. This step aligns with Amazon’s broader efforts to manage electronic waste responsibly, especially as it phases out legacy hardware in favour of integrated smart solutions.
In the United States, customers are being offered a different form of compensation, namely, a discount on the Fire TV Cube rather than a refund. This distinction highlights a regional variation in Amazon’s approach to product discontinuation.
As of now, the Fire TV Blaster remains operational, but will become non-functional from 31 January. Amazon has clarified that there will be no extended grace period beyond this date. The move marks a continued shift in strategy as the company narrows its focus to fewer, more advanced devices across its Fire TV range.
This development also comes amid increased scrutiny on how tech companies manage their product life cycles and support commitments. While the refund offer has been welcomed by most customers, the Blaster’s short lifespan (just over four years) has raised questions about the longevity and reliability of some smart home accessories.
