There are many devices that allow us to convert any television into a Smart TV. Here we have already told you about several of them, for example, the latest Google launch with its Chromecast with Google TV. Today I want to tell you about my experience with another of these devices, one that was launched recently by Amazon: the Fire TV Cube. I tell you everything you need to know about Amazon’s most powerful device that combines the benefits of a Fire TV Stick and an Amazon Echo .
Aesthetics and renewed components for the Fire TV Cube
The first thing I want you to know about this team is its aesthetics . Until now, the design of Amazon devices for televisions had a rectangular “stick” design, hence the name of stick , which was connected directly to the HDMI port of any screen.
In this case, the Cube features a rectangular design, finished in piano black. A very nice look as long as we don’t bring any finger close to its surface, since it fills with footprints just by looking at it. In the back we find all the connections of this equipment:
- HDMI
- loading port
- Micro USB to connect external storages, or a HUB included in the box with an adapter for the Ethernet port.
- Connection port for the infrared extender , which also accompanies the TV Cube.
On the top cover, finished in matt black, we have access to the volume control buttons that will activate the LED strip on the front. In addition to the typical buttons to activate or silence Alexa , and some holes where the microphones are located that you will use to listen to voice commands.
Personally, I find the design very beautiful and elegant . Yes, it is true that I would prefer that the edges of this square were not so pointed, since, on a couple of occasions, I have grabbed the TV Cube without thinking much and you can get hurt if we grab it from the corner. Of course, it is not something dramatic but something that depends on the tastes of each user.
Before going on to comment on the details of the operating system of this device, you should know that a remote controller is also included in the box. The typical command that has been accompanying these Amazon Fire for a long time and that, in this model, loses a bit of sense. A little later I will explain why I think this.
Software: identical but different at the same time
Once we connect this Amazon Fire TV Cube to any screen via HDMI, the device startup process will begin. A process identical to that of the rest of Amazon’s sticks and that will end up taking us to the system interface that, without many surprises, is nailed to that of the rest of the family members.
Same menus and options, which let us see different categories such as:
- Home page : full of recommendations adapted to the platforms to which we are subscribed. It will show us series and movies according to our tastes. We will also have access to our installed applications.
- Shop apps: Access the app store where they can download and install hundreds of interesting apps or games for use with the command of the TV Cube itself or with a gamepad connected by Bluetooth.
- Search engine : from this section we can search for information, apps or even movies and series. We can also do them through the virtual assistant using voice commands.
- Configuration : menu where we will find different information about the equipment, in addition to being able to change between different options such as the quality of reproduction among other aspects.
In short, as I was saying a few lines ago, we are facing a system identical to that of the rest of the Amazon stick family equipment. But then where is the difference in this team? That is exactly what I want to tell you in the next section.
The 3 keys to the Fire TV Cube
The details that make this Amazon gadget stand out above the rest are mainly 3:
- Alexa : a key aspect is being able to interact with it through voice commands with the smart assistant. You are probably thinking “with the rest of the sticks you can also talk to Alexa”, and yes, you are absolutely right, but you need to use the remote controller to do it. Thanks to the fact that this model incorporates up to 8 microphones in its body, along with a small speaker, it will perform the functions of any Amazon Echo without the need for external equipment. So, whether you need to open Netflix or know the weather in your city, you just have to say the activation command and ask this assistant.
- Image and sound quality : another fundamental detail is the technologies and capabilities offered by this equipment in the multimedia environment. On the one hand, it is capable of playing content (if the source allows it) up to 4K resolution at 60 fps. On the other hand, it supports HDR 10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos . So, in summary, this gadget is ready to offer us excellent image and sound quality. In addition, within its configuration, we can regulate these characteristics and many others to our liking or need.
- Power : a key detail has been the improvement that Amazon has made with the new processor that incorporates the TV Cube. Far from talking about numbers and percentages of improvement, after having tried several teams of this style I can tell you that power greatly affects the final experience we have day after day. From moving through the menus or playing powerful games, such as Asphalt 8, this team does it without messing up.
As for the price, the usual thing will be to find it for 119.99 euros but, knowing how Amazon is, we can see it with great discounts like the one that is right now for 79.99 euros .
Therefore, and thanks to all these features, the Fire TV Cube is currently the best Amazon device if what you are looking for is a 2-in-1 : turn any TV into a Smart TV and have a smart speaker. After having tried it, I find it difficult not to recommend it , especially considering the price at which it is discounted.
However, if so many features don’t convince you, you can go for a “conventional” Fire TV Stick . The maximum quality and power may not be anything to write home about, but of course, it does its main job: turning any TV into a smart one.