The device specifications page on Amazon’s developer portal states that the USB port on the back of the new Fire TV is for “Accessories Only”, while the USB port on the 1st generation Fire TV is listed as being for “Accessories and storage.” Similarly, the specs for external storage for the new device say “MicroSD up to 128GB”, while the old Fire TV says “USB up to 128GB.” This is pretty damning evidence that you will not be able to connect and access a USB drive with the new Fire TV like you can with the existing Fire TV.
It’s possible Amazon made it so that inserting a microSD card into the new Fire TV will completely replace the
Update
Amazon says the “Accessories Only” specification was an error and that the new Fire TV does support external USB drives.
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That’s fine for me, I’ll take that 128gb MicroSD slot any day :-)
I’m debating whether I should sell my 1st Generation Amazon TV or keep it. It’s a rootable firmware that doesn’t require upgrade or downgrade to get things rolling.
I didn’t see that accessories only part but other parts of the description made it look like usb storage wasn’t an option.
Not bad for first time users but lame for anyone upgrading to the new version of the fire tv who already has a usb drive setup.
Agreed. This would be a step backwards for me. I welcome the addition of the MicroSD slot, but I currently have a 300GB external drive hooked up to my gen 1 Fire TV. In order to keep that option, I would have to move away from Fire TV onto an Android box of some kind. Not cool, Amazon.
I’m noticing in the new Kindle tablet specs that some apps/games may not be installable on inserted mSD card. I’m wondering if this is also true of the new FTV box, and whether like FTV gen 1, only apps are moveable, not the app data (which is often larger).
Anyone has a guess on how much a rooted FTV V1 is going for these days? I am considering selling mine as well.
Pretty easy to find current sales on ebay.
WIll microSD support also only recognize FAT formatted cards or will it work with exFAT or NTFS so that files larger than 4GB can be placed on it?
Hum… I don’t see the optical Audio output in the picture ??
That’s because there is none! :-(
Did the original Fire TV have one? Seems like a major oversight and step backwards if you ask me. No external HDD and no Optical out? Not worth owning.
Yes, the 1st gen fireTV had an optical out.
Where can I find a 1st generation AFTV? Nothing on Amazon. eBay they’re all rooted/side loaded and way way overpriced. Same with Craigslist.
staples and best buy still have them in store
And the USB port is 2.0? WHAT?????
Sounds to me like the original Fire TV is still the system to own. Not worth trading in Optical Audio & External HDD use for some 30fps 4K video support. Really weak showing. Too bad the new Game Controller doesn’t support the audio jack on original Fire TV/Stick (why not btw?).
The amazon is waching your posts and your website and they changed the specification .
Now is : USB USB 2.0 Type A (Accessories and media storage)
Nice catch. Looks as though the Fire TV 2 USB port will support Accessories and media storage.
Yup, I just recieved an email from Amazon telling me they fixed the page. I’ve modified the post above with an update.