Amazon Introduces Dual Audio and Enhanced Accessibility Features for Fire TVs
Amazon Enhances Fire TV Accessibility with Dual Audio and Expanded Hearing Aid Support
Amazon is making its Fire TVs more inclusive by rolling out a suite of new accessibility features aimed at improving the viewing experience for all users. On Wednesday, the company unveiled updates that include a new Dual Audio feature, designed to help users with hearing impairments enjoy content alongside their families. This feature, available on select Fire TVs, allows users to pair their hearing aids with the TV and stream audio through both the hearing aids and the TV’s built-in speakers simultaneously, making it easier to watch content in a social setting.
The company also expanded its support for the Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) protocol, enabling compatibility with a wider range of hearing aid devices. The goal is to ensure that people with hearing loss can access content with greater ease, enhancing their overall viewing experience. The new functionality aims to foster inclusivity by making Fire TV devices more accessible to individuals who rely on hearing aids.
Dual Audio: A More Social Experience for Fire TV Users
The newly introduced Dual Audio feature is especially notable for its potential to transform how users engage with content. This feature allows simultaneous audio streaming to both hearing aids and the TV speakers, which ensures that users with hearing aids can still enjoy the full experience while watching movies or TV shows with family and friends. The feature will be exclusive to the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED series, which was launched last month, and it represents a significant step toward inclusivity in home entertainment.
Expanded ASHA Support and New Partnerships
Amazon is also strengthening its accessibility offerings by partnering with leading hearing aid solution providers. Already working with companies like Starkey and Cochlear, Amazon has now teamed up with WS Audiology (WSA) to extend ASHA support to all Widex Moment behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids. This means that users with these devices will now be able to stream content directly from ASHA-enabled Fire TV devices, further expanding the range of hearing aids that can work seamlessly with Fire TV. These partnerships underscore Amazon’s commitment to improving accessibility and ensuring that more people can enjoy a richer, more inclusive media experience.
