Amazon officially announced new accessibility upgrades for its Fire TV lineup this Wednesday, headlined by a groundbreaking “Dual Audio” feature. Exclusively debuting on the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series, this capability allows users to stream audio directly to their hearing aids while simultaneously playing sound through the television’s built-in speakers.
Bridging the Gap in Shared Viewing
The Dual Audio functionality marks a significant milestone for inclusivity in home entertainment. By enabling simultaneous audio output, the feature allows individuals who are hard of hearing to enjoy content alongside friends and family without compromising volume preferences. While various Fire TV devices have previously supported Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA), the Omni Mini-LED Series is the first model capable of splitting audio between two distinct sources.
Expanded Compatibility with WS Audiology
Beyond the new hardware feature, Amazon has strengthened its partnership with WS Audiology (WSA) to broaden device compatibility. Users of Widex Moment BTE and RIC hearing aids can now stream audio directly from an array of ASHA-enabled devices, including:
- Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series
- Fire TV Omni QLED Series
- Fire TV Cube
- Fire TV 4-Series and 2-Series
- Fire TV Omni Series
Tactile Innovations in Packaging
Amazon is also addressing accessibility outside of the digital interface by redesigning its product packaging for blind and low-vision customers. The company has introduced tactile-marked QR codes featuring raised UV dots. These indicators are strategically located on the top-left corner of the back panel inside the box, guiding users directly to the Quick Start Guide.
These inclusive packaging updates are currently rolling out across several Amazon product lines, including select Fire TVs, Echo Show models, and Kindle devices such as the Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Colorsoft, and Kindle Scribe. More information regarding these accessibility initiatives can be found on the official Amazon accessibility announcement page.