When I reviewed the Echo Show 15 in April I concluded that it’s disappointing that Amazon Australia didn’t take the opportunity of a delayed launch for the Echo Show 15 to make the device more Australian by adding the full ABC iView, 7, 9, 10, SBS catch-up as well as other Aussie specific video streaming services like STAN and Kayo.
Well most of that is hopefully fixed soon as Amazon Australia has confirmed to Ausdroid that Australian owners of existing and future purchased Echo Show 15 smart displays will get a free Fire TV software upgrade, adding many new apps to the 15.6″ screen playback capability.
The image above shows what the new interface will look like in the USA, we don’t have mockups for Australia yet.
We also don’t have any specific date for when the update will arrive but we’re guessing maybe sooner than later because Amazon Australia is already promoting the new feature on it’s website saying:
When we launched Echo Show 15, our vision was to deliver a device that could also be like a kitchen TV—only much smarter. A majority of households already use Echo Show 15 to watch videos, and soon, we’re offering Fire TV on Echo Show 15.
With this free update, existing Echo Show 15 customers across Australia will be able to access local Fire TV content. For example, this will enable you to find and watch over 200,000 movies and TV episodes from providers like Netflix, Prime Video, and more.
You’ll be able to easily find a show by simply saying, “Alexa, play The Rings of Power.” Or, with the new Fire TV widget, view shortcuts to recently streamed apps, recently watched content, and your personal watchlist. To skim through entertainment options on Fire TV, you can either tap the screen, use the custom-built virtual remote, or pair the Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote with TV Controls.
