I'm guessing you'll actually have to use the remote and an onscreen keyboard since there won't be a shared wifi connection to use the phone as a keyboard. Another alternative to a hotspot (as video would consume A LOT of data) would be a travel router if there's a wired connection in the room.

It supports a variety of Bluetooth protocols - so either a small Bluetooth keyboard, or the app will communicate using Bluetooth, freeing up the WiFi.

My vote is for Bluetooth, as well.

"qualifying product" ???
 

Maybe I can't follow the thread right. I looked at the terms and conditions for the $19 buy. There is this phrase: "If you do not purchase a qualifying product while the promotion is in effect, the offer will not apply. Offer does not apply to digital content."

I could not find anyplace that told me what the "qualifying product" was. Does it mean the $19 is only good until 10/29 or does it mean that I have to purchase something specific in addition to the Stick?

The Fire Stick is the qualifying product. Add it to your card and it will drop to $19 at checkout.

Thanks. I thought I was missing something. It's worth dropping that money for it in anticipation of it's future travel use!!!

Ordered one earlier today. Don't really need another one, but for $20 bucks, why not. :D

a gizmodo review vs the roku stick and chromecast

http://gizmodo.com/fire-tv-stick-vs-...-do-1651295833

Another comparison http://kindleworld.blogspot.com/2014...tick-like.html

I've not seen any of the comparissons mention it, so I'll ask... has anyone said for sure if it can download apps from the FireTV section of the Amazon App Store? I'm still assuming so since it shows up in your Compatible Devices list in the App Store but, if not, it will likely become purely a travel stick for me once captive portal login becomes available.

I own 2 TVs, but now also have 2 Chromecasts, 1 Roku3 and 1 Fire Stick on order. I think the Roku exponentially better than the Chromecasts. If the Fire Stick is as good (or better) than the Roku, then my Chromecasts will almost certainly be given away.

Received my FireTV stick today and setting it up now. Nice, simple packaging all the way down to the included Amazon Basics batteries for the remote. Initial download of updates started immediately after connecting to Wi-Fi. It has been about 10 minutes and it shows about 30 % progress.

Two moderate annoyances right off the bat: the USB port placement on both the stick and the included AC adapter is far from optimal, in both cases potentially blocking access to adjacent power or HDMI ports, respectively.

There is a short HDMI extension cable in the box that could help with the latter.

Can you confirm it has access to the Fire TV section of the Amazon App Store?

Wow, there must have been a real run on these. I ordered mine on 10/27 and I show an expected delivery date of 12/23.

I ordered one on 10/28 about 9am Pacific time. My delivery date was and remains January 5. Have a friend with a January 8 date, who ordered a couple of hours later.

Me thinks Amazon was overwhelmed by the demand. At that price a lot of people bought one just for the heck of it, on the assumption that even if it was a dud, it was a disposable purchase.