New Amazon Fire TV Cube review: The smarter streaming device

New Amazon Fire TV Cube : The smarter streaming device

TOP FEATURES

-Premium design

- Enhanced smart capabilities

- Smooth performance

Amazon Fire TV devices are one of the best streaming devices available in the market. However, the streaming sticks from Amazon are limited only to offering a smart solution for TVs along with some capabilities of Alexa that comes integrated with the device via the remote’s microphone.

Amazon then took a different approach with the Fire TV Cube devices which brought together the Echo, hands-free Alexa and streaming capabilities into one single device. The third-generation Fire TV Cube is here and it is, according to the company, faster than before, more capable with Wi-Fi 6, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby ATMO and a dedicated Ethernet port and also more premium with its slightly refined design

The fact is that it is after all a Fire TV device as per its name and bringing together the capabilities of multiple devices into one always had its quirks. For instance, the 2-in-1 laptops with 360-degree hinges always have the keyboard at the back when in tablet mode. Then they can’t be opened with one hand and so on. 

So, whether Amazon has managed to strike the right balance between all the capabilities of Fire TV Cube in its third iteration. Let’s find out in our review. 

DESIGN

you’ve seen previous Fire TV Cube devices, they were mostly a square box with a light ribbon at the top along with some usual buttons for mute, waking up Alexa, and pairing button along with a handful of ports at the back. The new Fire TV Cube hasn’t changed in terms of silhouette. It is still a square box with buttons, lights, four far-field microphones and ports. However, the corners this time are a little rounded and have a fabric finish all around it. These minor changes make it a more sophisticated device and make it fit most interior designs. 

The third-generation Fire TV Cube even comes with more ports than before. For instance, it comes with a dedicated Ethernet port for high-speed internet connectivity, one HDMI 2.1 out and one HDMI in port for connecting an additional device like DTH or gaming console with it. That gives users more flexibility with the device. Apart from these, the streaming device also comes with an IR extender port and USB-A 2.0 port. 

Amazon has also paired the Fire TV Cube with a new remote. It is, however, similar in terms of design with a curved back and flat front with an Alexa button placed in the top centre. But, it is longer than the usual Alexa remote we get with Fire TV devices including the older Fire TV Cube. The good thing about it is that it comes with a couple of handy new dedicated buttons like Recent apps, Settings, Mute, etc. 

Overall, the Fire TV Cube is a square box with good design elements, offers a flexible port selection and goes well with the interior.