Amazon’s Echo Present 15 versatile sensible show now has a extra mainstream objective: streaming TV and flicks. Amazon pushed a free software program replace right this moment that grants the Echo Present 15 with Fireplace TV capabilities, and newly bought units will be capable to stream content material from the likes of Disney+, Peacock, and different Fireplace TV apps.

Amazon initially introduced plans to Fireplace TV-ify the Echo Present 15 in September. On the time, it mentioned 70 % of people that used the 15.6-inch sensible show within the prior month did so to observe movies.

Upon launch, the Echo Present 15 supported Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu; (although you could possibly solely summon them by asking Alexa). However right this moment’s information places these apps beneath one umbrella whereas including further streaming providers, together with HBO Max and Discovery+ (quickly to merge into Max?) and Paramount+.

The replace additionally permits you to use Alexa to play content material throughout streaming providers by voice, and Amazon is even pushing a bundle of the Echo Present 15 and its Alexa Voice Distant (third Gen) to coincide with the brand new function.

The introduction of Fireplace TV brings a newfound objective to the Echo Present 15. The system might already do greater than any of Amazon’s different Echo merchandise, but, as a sensible show, it is confronted obstacles as an rising know-how since many individuals battle to discover a objective for it.

As we mentioned in our Echo Present 15 overview, one of many shows’ greatest options is that its massive measurement beats its competitors and boosts experiences like photograph viewing. Naturally, watching TV and flicks is one other place the place having these additional inches might assist.

Whereas I struggled to navigate the Echo Present 15’s interface to know all of the issues I might do with it—regardless of the product continuously suggesting new options to strive—the worth of watching TV no wants no clarification right here. The Echo Present 15 Fireplace TV is not going to interchange the big-screen TV in the lounge, however it might now function a small sensible TV that is a lot simpler to maneuver round and mount than common.

The Echo Present 15’s new function comes as Amazon’s Alexa struggles to seek out monetary success and is reportedly mentioned to lose $10 billion this yr. Then again, Amazon reportedly offered greater than 150 million Fireplace TV units as of January and may use the service to become profitable in good old style methods, like by means of advertisements and pushing different subscription providers.

The Echo Present 15 doubling as a Fireplace TV is one other instance of how corporations are nonetheless exploring how you can promote sensible shows to customers. Earlier this yr, Meta gave its related video conferencing show a further, extra widespread performance when it up to date the Portal to function a wi-fi monitor.