Amazon Launches Fire TV Cube Combining Echo And Universal Remote Functionality
On the Fire TV side of things, it has all the capabilities you would expect from a modern streamer including 4K Ultra HD (HDR-10) support and app support for all of your favorite streaming services including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Showtime, etc. Since its powered by FireOS, you can also install thousands of other apps from the Appstore.
The Fire TV Cube features far-field voice recognition technology with a total of eight microphones and an internal speaker. You'll find advanced beam forming technology to help suppress noise and enable the device to zero in on your voice even with "competing speech" in the background. As you might have already surmised, Alexa integration is part of the package, meaning that it the Fire TV Cube can function as another Echo-type device in your home.
But that's not the only trick up the Fire TV Cube's sleeve; it incorporates four IR blasters (one in each side) to communicate with all of your A/V equipment. The device can even ower on your television via voice thanks to support for HDMI-CEC.
“We believe voice makes it easier for customers to control their entertainment systems and watch the TV and movies they care about,” said Marc Whitten, Amazon VP of Fire TV. “And, it’s just the beginning. Amazon Fire TV Cube will only get better over time with the Alexa service always getting smarter.”
Amazon has priced the Fire TV Cube at $119.99, but Amazon Prime members can preorder the device right now for just $89.99 (it ships on June 21st). You'll get the Fire TV Cube, a remote, IR extender cable and Amazon ethernet adapter in the box.
