Amazon Fire TV Cube, Hands-free streaming with Alexa, Wi-Fi 6E, 4K Ultra HD

Amazon Fire TV Cube

The Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd generation) offers an impressive mix of hands-free Alexa voice control, smart home capabilities, and a powerful streaming experience.

Pros:

• Seamless Voice Control: Alexa integration is excellent, from launching apps to complete TV control (power, volume, input switching on compatible devices). Far-field microphones are highly responsive.
• Snappy Performance: The device is blazing fast, making navigation and app launching quick and enjoyable. Wi-Fi 6E support further enhances the streaming experience.
• Premium streaming features: Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos support ensure top-notch picture and sound quality.
• Smart Hub Functionality: Controls a range of compatible smart home devices.
• HDMI In: Unique among streamers, this allows voice control of your cable box or compatible A/V equipment.

Cons:

• Expense: It’s significantly more expensive than capable streaming sticks like the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
• Alexa Quirks: Alexa remains a capable but sometimes less reliable assistant than Google Assistant. This can occasionally lead to misunderstandings.
• Fire TV Interface: The interface pushes Amazon content heavily, which might not be to everyone’s taste.

Should You Buy It?

The Fire TV Cube is a premium device with a premium price tag. Consider whether these points apply to you:

• You love hands-free control: If the idea of controlling your whole entertainment setup with your voice is extremely appealing, the Fire TV Cube delivers.
• You value maximum performance: The speed and features of the Cube are unmatched in Amazon’s lineup, justifying the cost for those wanting the best.
• You have a complex setup: The HDMI input, control of compatible A/V equipment, and broad smart home integration make it appealing if you have a lot of devices in your entertainment system.

Alternatives:

• Fire TV Stick 4K Max: Much cheaper, similar power and features, but lacks hands-free Alexa and HDMI in.
• Apple TV 4K: A smoother interface and better privacy but costs as much as the Cube.
• Roku Ultra: A more neutral interface but lacks the smart home potential of the Cube.

The Verdict

The Amazon Fire TV Cube is a truly powerful streaming device and smart home hub. If you’re fully invested in the Alexa ecosystem, enjoy the convenience of hands-free control, and want the absolute best performance Amazon offers, then it’s a worthwhile – albeit expensive – investment.