AmazonFire TV Alexa Voice Remote Pro (newest model) with remote finder, TV controls, and backlit buttons

So one of my crazy cats knocked my remote off the counter and was throwing it all over the place playing with it. Somehow the internal microphone must have broken as it no longer responded to voice commands (everything else worked fine). I picked up one of those super cheap ($6) no name remotes that supposedly works with my fire cube (the pop-up message stated that it works with all my fire devices). It did technically work for simple commands but none of the multi-button press shortcuts worked. I use “voice view” amazons built in screen reader for the blind. There are many times when that feature needs to be toggled on or off and the easiest way is by pressing and holding down the “back” and “menu” buttons simultaneously for a few seconds. Anyway, it seems that only the legit Amazon branded remotes can perform these tasks. So I had to order up this one as it was n sale for less than the basic version at the time (still pricy considering that for a few dollars more you can get a fire stick and remote).This remote pairs instantly, much faster and easier than with the no name remotes. As soon as it paired, it immediately asked to update the remotes software so I did. It also immediately generated an Alexa app message on my phone that a new device was found. I’ve never had that happen with a remote before. Ends up that’s part of the “find remote” feature that this remote has. It’s also backlit which is nice. With an Amazon branded remote everything, including the multi-button shortcuts work flawlessly. The only thing that I miss (having low vision) was the colored app buttons as those were easily identifiable. These buttons have the app name printed over a standard black button. At least the microphone button is still colored blue so I know which way is up at a glance.

Ok, I have had this remote now for a good few months and I gotta say, I haven’t ran across any issues what so ever. The voice function works good. The (find my remote) alarm works great. And that function alone is worth buying this thing. These little fire remotes always seem to get lost. They can slide down in couch cushions, get wrapped up in blankets, fall behind beds, or just misplaced in general. So having the ability to ask Alexa where the remote is and she turns on an alarm on the remote itself so you can track it down is perfect. This remote also has back lit keys so you won’t be fumbling around in a dark room trying to make sure you’re hitting the correct buttons. Now the lighted keys only turn on when your fingers brush over the keys. So I’m sure that helps out with battery life, however, this is the only issue I have came across that does put a damper on the remote, is that this thing will drink up batteries very quickly. Not sure how often you will be using your remote, but I can drain a set of triple AAAs in a couple weeks in this remote. Now I shouldn’t have to tell you that batteries in remotes can last for many many months. I have even had some that last for over a year. So when I blow through a set in 2 weeks, you know it’s gonna start costing you. I decided to order a couple sets of rechargeable batteries so I always have a good set to toss in. One thing to note here is if you just leave your remote sitting on your couch or in your bed, some items coming into contact by brushing up against the keys, can cause the lighted keys to turn on. Now this is another reason the batteries can die out more quickly. All in all, looking past these personal things, I still think this remote deserves a 5 star rating. It is definitely better than the old stock remotes that came with the old sticks and cubes. And the added blank buttons that allow you to program in what apps you want to open for personalization is a game changer. Do I think this remote is a bit overpriced? Yes. But like most things, if you really want it, you pay the price. Would i suggest this to others? Yes. And I already have gotten a few of my friends to upgrade to this remote. They dig it also. Just make sure that if you buy a cover for this, that it is the correct cover to fit this remote specifically. Covers for the other fire remotes will not fit this one as they are about a half inch different in length, and the button layouts are different. I do hope this review helps some of you out trying to decide if this is worth buying.

This remote is even better than I expected! Even though I already have perfectly fine Fire Stick remotes as soon as it popped up on my TV screen I immediately ordered one (not something I usually do!) for the backlit feature alone. While waiting for delivery I started reading more about it and got more and more excited because of other features, a couple of which I already had on my previous remote but still worth mentioning.Can turn on TV AND/OR receiver when you press power! This is easily set up during the simple remote setup process. You just have to select the brand of each; you do not even have to fool with model number or other info. Keep in mind that when using these buttons you need to have the remote pointed toward the system because these controls us IR like a regular remote, while most controls between the Fire Stick and remote are WIFI so not directional.There is a caveat about this feature if you have a little more involved "theater" system and also use a multifunction remote like a Logitech Harmony that automatically changes source and input ports depending on what you are doing. For example, if you press "Watch a Movie" on the Logitech to watch a blu-ray disc the Logitech changes the HDMI ports as necessary. The next time you press the power button on the Fire Stick remote the system input and source will still be set for watching a DVD. The Fire Stick remote will turn on the TV and receiver, but the TV will say not connected because ports are wrong. You have to then use the Logitech remote to turn the system All Off then press Watch TV to get the ports set properly. This is a minor nuisance. A more common issue is that sometimes when you turn the system off with the Fire Stick remote and maybe do not have the remote pointed correctly the receiver may not turn off, which you may not realize if the receiver is behind a fabric door like mine. The next time you try to power on the system you actually toggle the receiver off so you will again get a not connected message. Again you have to grab the Logitech to All Off then Watch TV to get everything in sync. There may be a fix for some of this. I recently realized that in Settings for either the Fire Stick or the remote there are a number of settings you can change to modify how the devices interact such as the length of the signal the remote sends, the kind of thing more advanced users might want to explore.TV channel and volume controls are now located and look more like most remotes which, to me, also makes them more convenient to use.Two programmable streaming service buttons are great and pretty simple to set up. We watch a lot of stuff on Paramount+ so it is nice to just be able to jump to that service after watching a different one. I wish more of them were programmable.The backlighting is great! When you pick up the remote the backlight automatically comes on.So I am super happy with this new remote!