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 that should be fixed now as Amazon Australia has confirmed to Ausdroid that Australian owners of existing Echo Show 15 smart displays can now update to get a free Fire TV software upgrade, adding many new apps to the 15.6″ screen playback capability.
Amazon Australia says:
“Customers will now be able to easily stream global streaming services including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Paramount+, YouTube and more. Local streaming services on the device will also include 9Now, 7Plus, 10 Play, SBS On Demand, ABC iView and more”.
“The Fire TV update for Echo Show 15 is available now via your device’s latest software update. Just say, “Alexa, go to Device Settings”, select Device Options, then Check for Software Updates on the touchscreen. The Fire TV widget will then be available on your home screen.”
Amazon is keen to push the Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) with TV Controls as convenient $20 extra bundle with Echo Show 15 purchases but if you mainly use it via voice and chat on the kitchen benchtop as I do then you won’t need a remote.
I’d love to show you how the new streaming apps work but the update seems to have bricked my Echo Show 15, it’s showing a black screen and is unresponsive to voice, touch or button use.
Once Amazon lets me know how to fix it, or they replace it, I’ll report back with info about how it plays Disney+, Youtube, 9Now, 7Plus, 10 Play, SBS On Demand, ABC iView etc.
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