Unleash the Power of Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) | A Review
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What's New in the Fire TV Cube 2023
- Unboxing and Design
- Setup and User Interface
- Remote Control and Voice Assistant
- Streaming and Picture Quality
- Audio Support and Home Cinema Setup
- HDMI Pass-through Support
- Comparison with Other Streaming Devices
- Pros and Cons
- Conclusion
Introduction
In this article, we will be taking a detailed look at the latest version of the Fire TV Cube by Amazon. The Fire TV Cube 2023, which is an update to the previous model released in 2019, brings new features and improvements to enhance the streaming experience. We will discuss its design, setup process, user interface, remote control, streaming capabilities, picture quality, audio support, and more. By the end of this article, You will have a comprehensive understanding of the Fire TV Cube 2023 and whether it is worth the upgrade.
1. What's New in the Fire TV Cube 2023
The Fire TV Cube 2023 comes with several updates and improvements compared to its predecessor. One notable enhancement is its performance boost, which ensures smoother streaming and faster app loading times. Additionally, the Fire TV Cube 2023 features smarter Wi-Fi connectivity, supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard. This allows for faster and more stable streaming, even in homes with multiple connected devices.
2. Unboxing and Design
When unboxing the Fire TV Cube 2023, you will find the device itself, a power adapter, a quick start guide, a remote control, and a pair of AAA batteries. The design of the Fire TV Cube remains largely unchanged, with a compact and sleek black box featuring a mesh finish reminiscent of a smart speaker. The device includes essential ports such as HDMI in and out, a power port, an IR extender, a USB port, and an ethernet connection.
3. Setup and User Interface
Setting up the Fire TV Cube 2023 is a quick and simple process. You can connect it directly to your router using an ethernet cable (sold separately) or opt for wireless connectivity via your home Wi-Fi. During the setup, you will be prompted to select your preferred language, sign into your Amazon account, and perform a software update. Once set up, you will Interact with the Fire TV Cube mainly through the remote control or by using voice commands.
The user interface of the Fire TV Cube, however, has its limitations. The "Recently Watched" section primarily displays content streamed from Amazon's own Prime Video service, rather than including content from other popular streaming platforms like Netflix or Disney+. The app shortcuts at the top of the interface cannot be rearranged, and the "My Stuff" section only shows content from Prime Video. Additionally, sponsored content is presented prominently throughout the UI, regardless of your preferences.
4. Remote Control and Voice Assistant
The remote control accompanying the Fire TV Cube 2023 is compact and comprehensive. It can replace your TV remote for most functions and includes buttons for navigating the Fire TV UI, adjusting volume (if supported by your TV), and accessing settings. However, the close proximity of the home button and the pause/play button can lead to accidental app exits. The remote also features app shortcut buttons for Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon's music services.
The standout feature of the Fire TV Cube is its built-in voice assistant, Amazon Alexa. By pressing and holding the dedicated Alexa button on the remote, you can issue voice commands to control the Fire TV Cube, search for content, control smart home devices, and more. The far-field mic on the Fire TV Cube ensures that Alexa can hear your commands from anywhere in the room, even in noisy environments.
5. Streaming and Picture Quality
The Fire TV Cube 2023 supports streaming of Ultra HD content over Wi-Fi, with full support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ video, provided your TV is compatible. The picture quality delivered by the Fire TV Cube is on par with other premium streaming devices, ensuring vibrant colors, sharp details, and accurate contrast. Streaming performance over Wi-Fi is smooth, with no noticeable lag or synchronization issues during testing.
6. Audio Support and Home Cinema Setup
For audio enthusiasts, the Fire TV Cube 2023 offers Dolby Atmos 7.1 support, delivering immersive surround sound when paired with compatible audio systems. External devices connected via HDMI can also provide up to 5.1 surround sound. Setting up a home cinema setup with the Fire TV Cube is straightforward, and the device seamlessly integrates with existing setups.
7. HDMI Pass-through Support
The Fire TV Cube 2023 includes HDMI pass-through support, allowing you to connect other devices, such as gaming consoles, to the Fire TV Cube. During testing, the HDMI pass-through function worked flawlessly, with no noticeable lag or loss of responsiveness. However, it is worth noting that the HDMI pass-through feature is not recommended for the latest generation of gaming consoles due to limitations in refresh rates.
8. Comparison with Other Streaming Devices
When comparing the Fire TV Cube 2023 to other streaming devices, such as Roku and the Fire TV Stick, it offers similar features and excellent picture quality. However, it comes at a higher price point. The Fire TV Cube's unique selling point is its built-in smart speaker assistant, which sets it apart from other devices. If you are looking for a streaming device that doubles as a smart speaker for a specific room, the Fire TV Cube is a suitable choice.
9. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Performance boost and smarter Wi-Fi connectivity for faster and more stable streaming
- Compact and sleek design with essential ports for connectivity
- Quick and simple setup process
- Comprehensive remote control with voice assistant functionality
- Excellent picture quality with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- Dolby Atmos 7.1 support for immersive surround sound
- HDMI pass-through support for connecting external devices
Cons:
- User interface limitations, including the preference for Amazon's own content
- Inability to rearrange app shortcuts
- Prominent presentation of sponsored content
- Close placement of home and pause/play buttons on the remote control
- Higher price compared to other streaming devices
10. Conclusion
In conclusion, the Fire TV Cube 2023 brings notable improvements and new features to enhance the streaming experience. It offers smoother performance, smarter Wi-Fi connectivity, and excellent picture and audio quality. The built-in voice assistant and smart speaker functionality add another layer of convenience. However, the user interface has its limitations, and the device comes at a higher price compared to other streaming devices. If you prioritize the integration of a smart speaker and streaming capabilities in one device, the Fire TV Cube 2023 is worth considering.
Highlights
- The Fire TV Cube 2023 offers a performance boost and smarter Wi-Fi connectivity for faster and more stable streaming.
- The device features a compact and sleek design, with essential ports for connectivity.
- Setup is quick and simple, allowing for direct router connection or wireless connectivity via home Wi-Fi.
- The built-in voice assistant, Amazon Alexa, can be activated through the remote control for convenient control and search.
- The Fire TV Cube 2023 supports Ultra HD streaming with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ video for excellent picture quality.
- Dolby Atmos 7.1 support provides immersive surround sound when paired with compatible audio systems.
- HDMI pass-through support allows for the connection of additional devices, such as gaming consoles.
FAQ
Q: Can I stream content from other platforms like Netflix and Disney+ on the Fire TV Cube?
A: Yes, the Fire TV Cube supports streaming from popular platforms like Netflix and Disney+. However, the "Recently Watched" section primarily displays content from Amazon's own Prime Video service.
Q: Can I customize the app shortcuts on the Fire TV Cube's user interface?
A: No, the app shortcuts on the user interface cannot be rearranged. They are populated by default and cannot be personalized.
Q: Does the Fire TV Cube 2023 have HDMI pass-through support?
A: Yes, the Fire TV Cube 2023 includes HDMI pass-through support, allowing for the connection of external devices such as gaming consoles.
Q: Can I control my smart home devices using the Fire TV Cube's voice assistant?
A: Yes, the Fire TV Cube's built-in voice assistant, Amazon Alexa, can control compatible smart home devices in addition to performing various other tasks.
Q: Does the Fire TV Cube support Dolby Atmos audio?
A: Yes, the Fire TV Cube supports Dolby Atmos 7.1 audio, providing immersive surround sound when paired with compatible audio systems.
