Amazon continues to innovate with its streaming devices, yet the recent releases of the Fire TV Stick 4K Select and the Fire TV Stick HD have sparked conversations about an outdated feature: the use of a micro-USB port for power. Despite the growing popularity of USB-C as the universal charging standard, all current Fire TV Stick models still rely on this older technology, which has implications for user convenience and overall performance.
The latest iterations, such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Select released in fall 2024, promise enhanced streaming capabilities, including access to nearly two million movies and television episodes. These devices are marketed as user-friendly solutions for casual streamers, capable of delivering both HD and 4K content with the help of Alexa voice controls. They plug directly into a television’s HDMI port, providing an all-in-one streaming experience.
However, the reliance on micro-USB for power stands out in 2026, when USB-C connectors have become the norm. USB-C ports offer several advantages, including faster data transfer rates and higher power delivery, reaching up to 100W or more. In contrast, micro-USB typically supports only 9-15W, making it less efficient and increasingly rare in modern technology. Today, users are more likely to encounter USB-C ports on newer devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
This issue is not confined to the most recent models. Other devices in the Fire TV lineup, such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus and Fire TV Stick 4K Max, also utilize micro-USB for power. The only notable exception is the Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen), which incorporates a dedicated power port alongside HDMI 2.1 input and output, USB-A 2.0, and an Ethernet port. The Cube is a more advanced device, supporting 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, and Wi-Fi 6E, offering features that distinguish it from the standard Fire TV Sticks.
While the continued use of micro-USB may not directly impact streaming quality or the day-to-day performance of these devices, it raises questions about Amazon’s approach to modernization. In an era where consumers expect cutting-edge technology, the decision to maintain an older charging standard seems out of place.
As streaming technology continues to evolve, the expectation for devices to align with contemporary standards becomes increasingly important. The Fire TV Stick’s outdated micro-USB port might seem like a minor grievance, but for a device marketed as a sophisticated upgrade for home entertainment systems, it highlights a disconnect between innovation and user experience.
