Amazon Fire TV Cube Review (3rd gen): Your Smart Entertainment Companion

The long-awaited update of the Amazon Fire TV Cube has finally arrived, signaling a significant advancement in its development trajectory after a period of relative stagnation spanning over three years. Boasting an upgraded design, a swifter processor, and Wi-Fi 6E support, the 3rd Generation Cube appears to be a noteworthy addition to Amazon’s arsenal of media streaming devices. However, a more thorough examination of the device’s visual and auditory performance suggests that it may fall short of delivering the comprehensive Amazon experience that users may expect.

Amazon Fire TV Cube 3rd Gen Unboxing

The Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) package is more or less the same as its predecessor. Alongside the Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) and power adapter, you’ll find a comprehensive Quick Start Guide and a helpful marketing guide. The package also includes 2 AAA batteries. This time Amazon is not bundling infrared (IR) extender cable, and the Amazon Ethernet Adapter (10/100) for seamless connectivity. Please note that the HDMI cable is sold separately to ensure flexibility based on your specific requirements. You may also buy IR extender and ethernet cables separately.

Amazon Fire TV Cube Review: Design

The Fire TV Cube, true to its name, features a cubic shape; although technically speaking, it is a cuboid, measuring 86 x 86 x 77mm. This latest iteration has undergone a slight redesign, featuring a fabric mesh that envelops the front, back, and sides of the device, replacing the previous generation’s black plastic casing.

A cutout panel provides access to the Cube’s generous array of ports, including both HDMI in and out connections (in HDMI 2.1 variety), a power socket, an IR extender port, a USB-A socket, and an Ethernet connector. This distinguishes it from its Apple TV competitor, as it lacks an ethernet connection on the base model and HDMI passthrough on either configuration.

On the top of the Fire Cube, users will find buttons for volume control, as well as buttons for summoning and disabling the Alexa voice assistant. The presence of Alexa controls on the streamer’s casing is due to the Fire TV Cube’s function as an Alexa smart speaker, which can be used even when the TV is turned off. Four pinholes on the device’s top house the far-field microphones, while an LED strip runs along the top edge, illuminating when the assistant is active.

The Fire TV Cube’s design is simple yet chic, blending effortlessly into most entertainment setups. However, it is taller than the Apple TV and cannot be concealed like a streaming stick, as unobstructed access to the microphones is necessary. Nevertheless, the woven fabric design lends the Cube an attractive appearance, making it a tasteful addition to any entertainment arrangement.

Amazon Fire TV Cube 3rd Gen Review: Remote

The Fire TV Cube provides users with a remote that closely resembles Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max, offering a familiar and intuitive navigation experience. This remote includes six dedicated buttons for seamless menu exploration, content playback control, and quick navigation through different sections. Volume and channel controls, an input switch, a mute button, and a dedicated settings button are also conveniently placed for easy access.

Located at the bottom of the remote are four themed buttons, allowing users to launch popular streaming services such as Prime Video, Netflix, Amazon Music, and App+ with a single press. While these buttons cannot be customized, it would be preferable to have the ability to personalize them, as well as other buttons on the remote. Additionally, having at least one or two illuminated buttons would enhance usability in dimly lit environments, eliminating the inconvenience of fumbling for the right button.

Amazon Fire TV Cube 3rd Gen Review: Hardware and Software

The Fire TV Cube is the most powerful device in the Fire TV range, featuring an Octa-core processor that is reportedly twice as fast as the Quad-core design found in the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. With a 2.2GHz Octa-core CPU, 2GB of memory, and 16GB of storage, the Fire TV Cube performs well and operates smoothly through the Fire OS interface.

One of the notable features of the Fire TV Cube is its support for user profiles, not just for specific streaming services, but for the entire interface. This allows multiple users in a household to have their own personalized recommendations, watchlists, and watch history that aligns with their individual preferences.

The new FireTV Cube user interface features an intuitive and streamlined design, including a carousel of posters at the top, a strip of tabs for Input, Find, Home, and Live, and a variety of popular apps.

Notably, you might be curious about the presence of the Input tab. This addition comes as a result of Amazon’s introduction of HDMI IN and USB A ports on the FireTV Cube 3rd generation. Through this dedicated input menu, users can now conveniently engage in plug-and-play activities, directly connecting various devices to their FireTV Cube. This valuable enhancement significantly enhances the versatility and accessibility of the device.

As you navigate down the screen, you will find horizontal carousels displaying recently viewed or recommended content from different apps, although Prime Video takes precedence. Additionally, the Live tab displays all available channels based on your subscriptions, although certain services like Disney+ Hotstar may not be included.

Overall, the new user experience on the FireTV Cube is highly satisfactory. However, it’s worth noting that Amazon’s own content is given excessive promotion, with advertisements appearing not only in the top carousel but also in screensavers. It seems somewhat inappropriate for a device that costs over Rs 10,000. Moreover, the layout below the Main Menu can be a bit perplexing, with an eclectic mix of content recommendations, Prime Video and Amazon Mini TV promotions, and advertisement banners that can be easily noticed.

FireTV Cube Review (3rd gen): Content Performance

When it comes to the quality of both picture and sound, the overall assessment is highly positive. The performance of 4K HDR content is truly impressive, especially when it includes support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The 4K resolution brings forth vibrant colors and sharp details, showcasing bright highlights and excellent visibility in darker areas. There are no indications of blurring, smudging, or motion issues.

Streaming shows and movies on platforms like Disney+Hotstar exhibit exceptional brilliance, while 4K Dolby Vision content on Amazon Prime can also deliver superb results. Whether watching through the Fire TV Cube or the built-in apps on my LG SmartTV, titles like Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, The Peripheral, and Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness appeared equally sharp and vibrant on both platforms, sometimes even better on the Fire TV Cube.

Moreover, the Fire TV Cube offers an upscaling and sharpening feature called Super Resolution, enhancing the visual quality of 720p and 1080p content. This feature proves effective when streaming 1080p movies and shows through services like Now TV and Netflix, providing a slightly sharper image with improved clarity and detail when activated. While it may not surpass the native app processing of my LG TV with the same content, it can be considered an upgrade for owners of older, more affordable televisions.

One of the standout features of the Fire TV Cube is its dual functionality as both a Fire TV and an Echo speaker. This unique combination grants users access to Alexa through either the Voice Remote’s prominent blue button or through hands-free commands. Personally, I greatly appreciate the hands-free option as it adds convenience to my TV viewing experience. What’s even more impressive is that the hands-free commands continue to work even when the TV is turned off, thanks to the built-in speakers. Additionally, the Fire TV Cube allows you to effortlessly control other Alexa-enabled devices using voice commands, effectively transforming it into a practical central hub for your smart home, should you require such functionality.

The microphones and speakers of the Fire TV Cube are of sufficient quality that you may find yourself relying on them more frequently than anticipated. I found that even when I asked Alexa to play Big Bang Theory on Netflix from 10 feet away and it instant played it on Netflix for me. I also tried asking Alexa to turn on My Bedroom AC or Turn Off TV and it happily obliged. This showcases the device’s capability to deliver reliable performance in both voice recognition and audio output.

Review Verdict: Should You Buy FireTV Cube (3rd Gen)?

The Fire TV Cube stands as Amazon’s premier and most efficient 4K streaming device, boasting a sleek interface and an impressive array of features. While the inclusion of voice controls may not be a critical factor for everyone, their integration is undoubtedly a valuable asset, particularly when the remote is out of reach. However, it is worth noting that the Fire TV Cube carries a higher price tag, and for many individuals, their TV’s built-in apps or a more affordable streaming stick may suffice, offering comparable performance at a lower cost.

Nevertheless, the Fire TV Cube presents a compelling argument for those seeking a certain level of future-proofing. With Amazon’s consistent updates and the powerful octa-core CPU, it ensures a level of longevity and compatibility. If you happen to own a reliable yet aging 4K television, the Fire TV Cube may very well meet your requirements and provide the necessary upgrade you seek.