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Amazon has announced the latest addition to its Fire TV range, in the shape of an IR blaster that widens Alexa-based voice control possibilities to 'dumb' gear. The caveat being it needs to be added to an existing Echo/Fire TV paired setup.

Available now for pre-order for £35 and due to ship from December 11, Amazon says the Fire TV Blaster will provide voice control over compatible products, allowing for commands such as 'Alexa, turn of the TV' or 'Alexa, turn up the soundbar volume.' Such products are soundbars, TVs and AV receivers from brands including Sony, Samsung, LG, Sonos, Denon, Yamaha, JBL, Onkyo, Pioneer and Marantz.

To get this useful functionality, your system will need an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, or third-gen Fire TV player. You'll also need (any) Echo smart speaker/display to detect your commands.

'Millions of customers worldwide are already enjoying hands-free voice control with either a paired Fire TV and Echo device or on a Fire TV Cube,' says Amazon. 'We believe that voice is one of the most natural ways for customers to interact with a TV.'

The tech/retail giant also suggests the Fire TV Blaster will eliminate the need to have multiple remotes on your coffee table. For setup, the box-like IR emitter needs to be plugged in to a power socket and placed within line-of-sight of your devices (there's an extender included); configuration is then handled by the Fire TV app.

In addition to its standalone price, Amazon is bundling the Fire TV Blaster with a Fire TV Stick 4K and third-gen Echo Dot speaker for £86.98 – a saving of around £48.