TV entertainment systems were a godsend, keeping viewers entertained and involved in the comfort of their own homes while COVID-19 raged. Although a variety of app and device users were able to enjoy binge viewing with the Amazon Fire TV Stick, not all reviews are positive.
Within the box
A Fire TV Cube, a power cord, a Cube adapter, a Fire TV remote control, batteries, and device documentation were all included in the package. An HDMI cable, which is needed to connect the Cube to the TV, was missing from the delivery.
Design
The Fire TV Cube’s svelte shape and compact size allow it to mix in seamlessly with the current home theatre setup.
Alexa activation, volume up and down, and a microphone mute button for privacy are the device’s four buttons. When the volume is changed or Alexa is turned on, a thin light-up bar along the top edge lights. The Fire TV Cube looks like a speaker because of its fine mesh surface.
The HDMI cable and power wire of the gadget must be handled by the majority of users. When these things are taken into account, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick becomes an obvious choice because it is less expensive, lighter, and more simplistic.
Consumer Experience
Allowing for some system updates, configuring the Fire TV Cube is a rather simple process that takes about 20 minutes.
Using the provided remote or voice commands, users can activate Alexa once it has been set up. Note to buyers: The Fire TV Cube is limited to controlling TV functions and chatting with Alexa. No external soundbar or standalone speaker may be connected to it. Alexa can be instructed by users without using their hands, but they will need to speak up for it to work.
Not only did the Fire TV Cube make app switching much more convenient, but it also made it possible to search for specific movie, TV, or song titles. However, it is important to pronounce non-English names clearly and accurately. Voice commands were also available for the Fire TV Cube to play and pause media.
But we found it annoying because we had to use the remote to change the volume levels. The gadget is not a radio substitute, but it can respond to a few simple queries and offer news updates similarly to the Echo Dot.
There is a USB port on the rear of the Fire TV Cube. It started charging the smartphone when it was connected, but it didn’t give any further alternatives.
Another puzzling thing was that the TV set and the Fire TV Cube received the Alexa-enabled responses at separate times. Brightness and muted sound were produced by the Fire TV Cube.
There is not much of a speed or quality difference between the Fire TV Cube and the Fire TV Stick, despite Amazon’s claims that the former offers a better streaming experience. However, when pressing the remote buttons rapidly, there are various system bugs and problems with audio-visual synchronisation.
Conclusion
Essentially, the less expensive streaming gadgets in its own lineup outperform Amazon’s Fire TV Cube. On Amazon India, the Fire TV Cube retails for ₹13,999.
