There’s a change coming to Sky devices later this month that will merge two movie channels into one. Sky has confirmed to Express.co.uk that its current Cinema Animation service (channel 312) is being merged into Sky Cinema Family. The update, scheduled for April 30, aims to streamline operations and make the new platform (which will be available on channel 304) a one-stop destination for family movies.

Once the change comes into force, it will feature films like the Shrek franchise, Secret Life of Pets, Smurfs, How To Train Your Dragon, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse and Wicked all in one place.

Sky has also confirmed that everything customers previously enjoyed on Sky Cinema Animation will be available on Sky Cinema Family. Although this update is permanent, it’s not all bad news for those who currently enjoy the standalone Cinema Animation service.

It’s been confirmed that it will be back for the school holidays.

“To give families even more choice when it matters most, the standalone Sky Cinema Animation channel will be back for the school holidays – from 24 July – 30 August, 23 October – 1 November and 1 December – 5 January,” Sky said.

This isn’t the only update from Sky this week.

The firm has announced something a little different from its usual TV services: the launch of home security devices. Customers can grab a Sky Smart Doorbell and Chime for £5 per month with a £15 upfront fee. This camera system can record in full HD, send instant alerts to phones, offers customisable activity zones, two-way talk and 30-day cloud video recording.

Those wanting some added peace of mind can switch to the Smart Home Bundle with Smart Home Plan+ option.

This costs £8 per month with a £20 upfront fee and features an additional indoor camera plus additional features via the app such as scheduled and auto-arm device modes.

Speaking about the update, Paul Sweeney, Managing Director of Sky Smart Home, said, “Sky Smart Home is about making high‑quality smart tech more accessible. We’ve taken the features customers value most and made them easy to use, simple to manage and affordable, so staying connected to home feels effortless rather than complicated.”

If your current Fire TV Stick feels like it’s running out of steam, there’s good news. Amazon has confirmed that it is expanding its streaming device lineup with the launch of a brand-new device that offers features older models can’t compete with. It’s called the Fire TV Stick HD (2026) and is the technology company’s latest budget-friendly option.

It will cost £39.99, and despite being cheaper than the firm’s 4K and 4K Max devices, it comes with several exclusive upgrades, including a slimmer and more stylish design. In fact, the new HD model is 30% narrower than the previous version, making it easier to squeeze into HDMI ports behind TVs and more convenient to carry while travelling. It also draws power directly from a TV’s USB port, removing the need for a separate mains plug.

Amazon said: “The new Fire TV Stick HD is our slimmest streaming device yet – smaller in both volume and width than earlier models – and designed for Direct Power through the TV’s USB port, so it sits more neatly behind a TV without needing a separate power adapter.”

Like other Fire TV Stick models, it provides quick access to major streaming platforms including Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Netflix. It also includes a remote control with Alexa voice search and shortcut buttons for launching apps instantly.

While it does not support 4K resolution, the Fire TV Stick HD streams content in Full HD, which will be more than enough for many households.

Amazon also says the new model is significantly faster than previous HD versions. It is reportedly over 30% quicker on average than the last-generation HD stick, meaning faster start-up times and smoother app loading.

The device also runs the latest Fire OS software, offering a cleaner interface, smarter recommendations and a less cluttered browsing experience.

The Fire TV Stick HD will be available in stores from April 29 and will cost £39.99.

This isn’t the only update from Amazon. A smart new TV range is also coming soon. Amazon’s Ember Artline tellies are very similar to Samsung’s The Frame TVs, which look more like pictures hanging on the wall than ugly black screens.

Just like The Frame models, Amazon’s Artline come with changeable frames to match interior decors, along with access to around 2,000 free works of art that can be displayed on the screen.

There’s even a matte coating which makes it feel even more like painted pictures have been added to homes. If any of that sounds enticing, the Ember Artline TV is available to pre-order now and starts from £949.99.