Amazon Announces 2nd Generation Fire TV Cube
Over a year ago, Amazon combined the technology for an Echo and Fire TV into one device – the Fire TV Cube. In terms of functionality, the sum is greater than the parts as the device serves as the hub of your entertainment center. Recently, Amazon has announced an update to the Cube, but how is it different?
By Shainur Ahsan
As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchase made through links on this page.
Fire TV Cube Experience
The Fire TV Cube has been my go-to streaming and smart assistant device since I purchased it at the end of last year (read my review here). When released, the Cube was nearly a perfect union of an Echo Dot and Fire TV Stick. To my surprise, the functionality was much better than I expected as I was able to integrate most of the components of my living room into the Cube’s control including Alexa commands.
The Cube is able to achieve seamless integration through HDMI-CEC and a built-in infrared blaster. Being able to power on equipment and directly launch into streaming apps with a single Alexa command saves me time everyday. Hands-free voice control is an underrated feature!
I’ve had little desire to go back to using Roku or Apple TV with how well it has integrated into my smart home. I have in fact committed further to the Amazon ecosystem by purchasing a Fire TV Recast. Alexa hasn’t always interpreted my requests perfectly and there’s been a few hiccups in performance. However, I have valued the convenience in automation over these small gripes.
What is Changing in the Second-Generation?
I was excited to hear that Amazon is updating the device with plans to ship the device internationally. In terms of appearance, both the second-generation Cube and the included Alexa remote appear to be identical to the original Cube. Both generations even include all the same accessories in the box. So what has Amazon changed?
Despite the identical appearance, rest assured that Amazon has made plenty of updates inside the box of the Fire TV Cube. Looking at the hardware, here’s a rundown of the differences between the two units.
Processor
Quad-core up to 1.5 GHz | ARM 4xCA53
Hexa-core (Quad-core at up to 2.2GHz + Dual-core at up to 1.9GHz
GPU
Mali450 MP3
ARM Mali G52-MP6, 800MHz
Bluetooth
BT 4.2 and BLE
Bluetooth 5.0 + LE
Supported Video Content
HDR-10. H.265, H.264
Availability
USA
USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Germany
Source: Amazon
How Will You Notice the Difference?
Photo by Raquel Martínez on Unsplash
The hardware changes to the Fire TV Cube should directly translate into a better user experience. The upgraded processor will make the new Cube model more than twice as powerful than the original. This difference should be most apparent by being able to seamlessly return to the home screen from within an app and switch to other apps.
The Cube will continue to support 4K HDR content in up to 60 frames a second. Additionally, the new model will also support the Dolby Vision and HDR 10+ standards to provide high-dynamic range if your TV supports it.
Another key change is on-device processing Amazon has branded as Local Voice Control. This feature allows the Cube to locally process certain Alexa commands rather than rely on the cloud. The result is a four fold increase in response time for local device commands such as “Alexa, go home” or “Alexa, select”.
Beyond the speed improvements, there’s little reason for most current Cube owners to upgrade to the new model. Personally, I will be holding off on upgrading, but applaud Amazon for improving the product.
Conclusion
Amazon has a great product in the Fire TV Cube. They could have simply continued selling the original but has chosen instead to offer an improvement. The increased on-board power will ensure user’s experience will only improve with the increased content compatibility and the faster response time. The second-generation doesn’t represent enough of a change for current Cube owners to gain value from an upgrade, but it nice to know Amazon will keep improving their product. Here are my key takeaways on the second-generation Fire TV Cube:
- Faster Menu Response Time
- Four-fold Increase in Alexa Response Time For Local Controls
- Support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ Standards
- Not Worth Upgrading for Current Fire TV Cube Owners
The second-generation Fire TV Cube is available for pre-order now in the US and will release on October 10, 2019 except for Japan where it will release on November 5, 2019. The first-generation Cube is still available and is selling at a slight discount.
If you’re looking for a device that lets you easily control your entertainment center as well as your smart home devices, the Fire TV Cube is the perfect device. Head on over to Amazon to purchase the new model here.
If you already own a Cube, consider picking up a Fire TV Recast if you’re a cord cutter to add live broadcast TV and over-the-air DVR functionality. Read my first thoughts here.
Excited about New Amazon Devices?
Read about everything Amazon announced in September 2019 here.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchase made through links on this page.
