Exploring the Smart and Speedy Features of the 3rd Generation Amazon Fire TV Cube: A Comprehensive Review

If you're in search of a streaming device that offers more than just the basics, the Amazon Fire TV Cube could be the one for you. In addition to being a top-of-the-line 4K media streamer, this device also functions as a hands-free Alexa speaker that can take command of your TV, soundbar, and other smart home devices. Keep reading for a comprehensive review of the smart and speedy features of the 3rd Generation Amazon Fire TV Cube.

Highlights

Amazon Fire TV Cube is the fastest streaming media player from Amazon yet, with an octa-core processor that makes app starts lightning-fast.

Enjoy hands-free Alexa control with built-in microphone and speakers that work even from a distance.

Seamlessly switch between streaming and other devices, thanks to compatibility with set-top boxes and webcams.

Get ready for a true cinematic experience with 4K picture quality and support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos audio.

The next-gen Wi-Fi 6 routers offer smoother 4K streaming across multiple compatible devices.

Access over a million movies and TV shows, as well as popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and Apple TV.

Through Alexa, the Amazon Fire TV Cube lets you control your smart home directly on the screen. Whether it's making video calls, checking the weather, or viewing your security cameras in real-time, it's all easily accessible with just your voice.

For added privacy, the Amazon Fire TV Cube comes equipped with features that include privacy protections and controls. These include an off button that allows you to electronically disconnect the microphones when not in use.

Amazon Fire TV Cube is the 3rd generation and latest 2022 model of the Fire TV Cube. Let's look into its design and feature and understand what it brings, and how it compares to other streaming options.

Design and Features

The Fire TV Cube has a unique design that combines a cube-shaped media hub with a fabric-covered speaker. The device measures 3.0 by 3.4 by 3.4 inches and weighs 465 grams. It has four buttons on the top for action, mic mute, and volume up and down, as well as a light ring that indicates when Alexa is listening or speaking. The back of the device has several ports, including an HDMI output, an HDMI input, a power adapter port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm jack for an optional infrared extender.

The HDMI output connects to your TV and supports 4K resolution, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos formats. The HDMI input allows you to connect another device, such as a game console or a cable box, to your TV through the Fire TV Cube. This way, you can use Alexa to switch between inputs and control both devices with your voice. The Fire TV Cube also has an HDMI pass-through feature that lets you overlay Alexa on top of whatever is playing on the connected device.

The USB port can be used to connect external storage devices or accessories, such as keyboards or game controllers. The Ethernet port provides a wired internet connection for faster and more reliable streaming. The 3.5mm jack can be used to connect the infrared extender, which helps the Fire TV Cube control devices that are not in direct line of sight.

The Fire TV Cube has a Octa-core 4x 2.2GHz 4x 2.0GHz, GPU 800MHz processor, 2 GB of memory, and 16 GB of internal storage. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E, which is a new standard that offers faster speeds and less interference on the 6 GHz band. However, Wi-Fi 6E doesn't necessarily offer any video benefits, as most streaming services don't require more than 25 Mbps of bandwidth.

Performance and Content

The Fire TV Cube runs on Amazon's Fire OS platform, which offers access to thousands of apps and channels for streaming video, music, games, and more. You can watch popular services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and many more. You can also rent or buy movies and shows from Amazon's own library.

The Fire TV Cube delivers smooth and responsive performance, thanks to its powerful processor and fast Wi-Fi connection. It can stream 4K content with HDR and Dolby Atmos without any lag or buffering issues. The picture quality is crisp and vibrant, and the sound quality is immersive and dynamic.

The Fire TV Cube also has some unique features that enhance your viewing experience. For example, you can use Alexa to search for content by genre, actor, director, or mood. You can also ask Alexa to show you movie trailers, IMDb ratings, sports scores, weather updates, news headlines, and more on your TV screen. You can also use Alexa to control playback functions like pause, resume, skip forward or backward, or adjust volume.

Another feature that sets the Fire TV Cube apart from other streaming devices is its ability to control your TV and other devices with your voice. You can use Alexa to turn on or off your TV or soundbar, change inputs or channels, adjust volume or brightness levels, or switch between different sound modes or picture modes. You can also use Alexa to control other smart home devices that are compatible with Alexa Skills Kit (ASK), such as lights, thermostats, cameras, door locks, and more.

The Fire TV Cube has four far-field microphones that can pick up your voice commands from across the room. You don't need to use a remote or press any buttons to activate Alexa; you just need to say "Alexa" followed by your request. The Fire TV Cube also comes with a voice remote that has a microphone button for times when you don't want to use hands-free mode. The voice recognition of the Fire TV Cube is generally accurate and reliable.

Specifications

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Device: Amazon Fire TV Cube 3rd Generation

Function: Streaming device with voice control for TV and smart home

Picture and Sound Quality: 4K Ultra HD, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos

Processor: Octa-core 4x 2.2GHz 4x 2.0GHz, GPU 800MHz

Storage: 16 GB internal

RAM: 2 GB

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 compatible for smoother 4K streaming across multiple devices,  Ethernet port

Compatible Streaming Services: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and more

Alexa Integration: Control streaming and smart home devices, switch inputs, adjust volume, turn off lights, and check weather

Remote: Redesigned Alexa Voice Remote with power, volume, mute buttons, and app shortcuts

Compatibility: Works with cable and satellite boxes, soundbars, A/V receivers, and more

Setup: Easy to set up and use

Additional Features: Compatible with thousands of Alexa skills and smart home devices.

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Verdict

The new Amazon Fire TV Cube is a powerful and convenient device for entertainment lovers who want to enjoy cinematic 4K streaming and hands-free voice control. It is priced at INR 13,999, which is reasonable for all the features that it offers. With hands-free Alexa control, Wi-Fi 6, 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Vision support, ability to access thousands of movies and TV shows from various apps and services, as well as listen to music with Amazon Prime Music, it is a perfect device to bring home.