Amazon unveiled several products during a conference broadcast on September 28. We note in particular a new television equipped with QLED technology.
Did you know ? Amazon sells its own televisions, which allow it to offer its Alexa-centric ecosystem from a widely used everyday object. For its first generation, the multinational had opted for a modest technical sheet in order to maintain a very low price. For its new model, unveiled during a conference broadcast on September 28, Amazon is stepping up a gear with QLED technology.
With its 4K UHD television called Fire TV Omni QLED, Amazon wants to improve the viewing experience, which makes sense when you know that its Prime Video platform now broadcasts The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power — a very well produced series that deserves a beautiful image. The TV is also available in two very large sizes for increased immersion: 65 inches (165 centimeters) and 75 inches (190 centimeters).
QLED technology invests the new Amazon TV
QLED technology is not at all new to the television market. It is particularly developed by Samsung, which has made it a competitor for OLED references. QLED is an evolution of LCD: it is based on a layer of liquid nanocrystals designed to enhance contrasts, improve colors and offer better viewing angles. For the backlight, the Fire TV Omni QLED relies on independently controlled zones to offer deeper blacks (up to 96, specifies the multinational). Be warned, they won’t be on par with those of any OLED specimen (especially with such a low zone count).
To this base, Amazon adds a light sensor so that the image can adapt, without any adjustment, to the lighting conditions of the room. It’s compatible with Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10 Plus Adaptive formats, for a normally sharper HDR show. There is also a presence sensor, which will automatically turn off the television if no one is nearby.
Alexa is obviously at the heart of this Fire TV Omni QLED, with a portal of complete applications. In addition to the expected streaming platforms, users will have access to widgets (examples: weather, calendar, etc.). And, like Samsung televisions, there will be an Ambient Experience mode responsible for dressing the room by displaying works of art or those famous widgets. Everything will be customizable and controllable by voice, via microphones that can be deactivated.
On the other hand, this Fire TV Omni QLED may not be recommended for sustained gaming use due to its panel being limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. It’s odd in the sense that one of the four HDMI ports is indeed 2.1, and compatible with important technologies for Xbox Series X and PS5 (like VRR). Amazon misses the opportunity to be a little more of a reference.
What about a release in France?
For the moment, Amazon has only announced this Fire TV Omni QLED for the North American markets, at very attractive prices in view of the services announced (800 and 1,100 dollars). The first models not being released in France, one can fear not to be concerned. It will be recalled, however, that Amazon had waited for the second generation of its Echo Buds headphones to market them in France. Hope therefore remains.