Amazon will introduce significant accessibility improvements to Fire TV.
Dual audio allows everyone to enjoy the content together.
Amazon has revealed that its Dual Audio feature for Fire TV, which allows users to listen through a hearing aid while others enjoy the standard sound from the TV speakers, will be available in the coming weeks. This new feature will first be implemented on the Fire TV Omni Mini LED, the company's latest model. Dual Audio utilizes the Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) protocol.
In a statement, Amazon expressed that this represents "the first time Fire TV customers with ASHA-enabled hearing aids can listen to streaming content simultaneously along with others, using two different audio outputs," promoting a more shared experience while watching TV. Additionally, the company is expanding support for ASHA to include all Widex Moment Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) hearing aids, ensuring compatibility with various devices such as the Fire TV Omni Mini LED Series, Fire TV Omni QLED Series, Fire TV Cube, Fire TV 4-Series, Fire TV 2-Series, and Fire TV Omni Series.
Regarding accessibility, Amazon is improving the packaging and startup guides for its products. The new QR codes on the latest packaging include tactile and raised UV dots for easier discovery. By scanning the QR code, users will access Amazon.com for more information about the product and steps to set up the device. According to Maiken Moeller-Hansen from Amazon, this is essential for blind or low-vision customers to easily find the code by touch.
Additionally, Amazon is introducing new packaging for Echo, Kindle, and Fire TV devices, which uses 30% more recycled fiber and 60% less ink, on average.
Instructions to enable Dual Audio on the Fire TV Omni Mini LED:
- Press and hold the home button on your remote.
- Go to Settings → Accessibility.
- Turn on the Dual Audio feature to pair a compatible hearing aid with the TV and start streaming.
To set up a hearing aid with Fire TV:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility.
- Select the Hearing Aids section and then choose Add Hearing Aids.
