Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen): Review, Setup, And Tips

Hey guys! Ready to dive into the world of seamless streaming and voice-controlled entertainment? Today, we're unpacking everything you need to know about the Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Generation). This nifty device aims to be the brain of your home entertainment setup, blending the functionalities of a Fire TV Stick with the hands-free convenience of an Echo device. Let's get started!

What is the Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen)?

The Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) is essentially a hybrid device that combines the features of a Fire TV streaming device with an Echo smart speaker. Imagine being able to control your TV, soundbar, and other connected devices just by using your voice! That's the promise of the Fire TV Cube. It allows you to stream content in up to 4K Ultra HD resolution, supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for a vibrant picture, and integrates Amazon's Alexa voice assistant for hands-free control.

With the Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen), gone are the days of fumbling for multiple remotes. You can switch inputs, adjust the volume, and search for your favorite shows simply by speaking commands. The device also boasts far-field voice recognition, meaning it can hear you even when the TV is playing loudly. This makes it a convenient and powerful tool for managing your entertainment experience. Plus, it supports all the major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, ensuring you have endless entertainment options at your fingertips.

Key Features:

4K Ultra HD Streaming: Enjoy crisp and clear visuals with support for 4K resolution.
HDR Support: Experience vibrant colors and enhanced contrast with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
Alexa Integration: Control your TV and other connected devices with just your voice.
Far-Field Voice Recognition: The Cube can hear you from across the room, even with the TV on.
Universal Remote Capabilities: Control your TV, soundbar, and other devices with voice commands.

Setting Up Your Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen)

Setting up the Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to get started and you'll be binge-watching your favorite shows in no time!

Unboxing: First, unpack the box and make sure you have all the components: the Fire TV Cube, a power adapter, an HDMI cable, and the Alexa Voice Remote.
Connecting to Power and TV: Plug the power adapter into the Fire TV Cube and then into a power outlet. Connect the Fire TV Cube to your TV using the included HDMI cable. Make sure to plug it into an HDMI port that supports HDCP 2.2 for 4K content.
Turning on Your TV: Turn on your TV and select the correct HDMI input for the Fire TV Cube.
Pairing the Remote: Insert the batteries into the Alexa Voice Remote. The remote should automatically pair with the Fire TV Cube. If it doesn't, press the Home button on the remote for about 10 seconds until the LED light starts flashing.
Connecting to Wi-Fi: Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your Wi-Fi network. You'll need your Wi-Fi password.
Signing into Your Amazon Account: Sign in to your Amazon account. This will give you access to your Amazon Prime Video library and other Amazon services.
Completing the Setup: Follow the remaining on-screen instructions to complete the setup process. This may include setting up voice control and connecting to other devices.

Tips for a Smooth Setup:

HDMI Port: Ensure you are using an HDMI port that supports HDCP 2.2, especially if you plan to stream 4K content. This is crucial for getting the best picture quality.
Wi-Fi Connection: For the best streaming experience, connect to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network if your router supports it. This will provide a more stable and faster connection.
Voice Training: Take the time to train Alexa to recognize your voice. This will improve the accuracy of voice commands.

Optimizing Your Amazon Fire TV Cube Experience

Now that you're all set up, let's explore some tips and tricks to get the most out of your Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen). Customizing your experience can make a huge difference in how you enjoy your entertainment.

Voice Commands:

One of the biggest advantages of the Fire TV Cube is its voice control capabilities. Here are some useful voice commands to try:

"Alexa, watch [Name of Show/Movie]": Launches the specified content.
"Alexa, play/pause/rewind/fast forward": Controls playback.
"Alexa, turn up/down the volume": Adjusts the volume.
"Alexa, switch to HDMI [Number]": Changes the input source.
"Alexa, open [Name of App]": Opens the specified app.

Customizing the Home Screen:

The home screen of your Fire TV Cube is customizable. You can rearrange the order of apps and channels to put your favorites front and center.

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Highlight the App or Channel: Use the remote to highlight the app or channel you want to move.
Press the Menu Button: Press the menu button (the button with three horizontal lines) on the remote.
Select Move: Choose the "Move" option from the menu.
Move the App: Use the directional buttons on the remote to move the app to your desired location.
Press the Select Button: Press the select button to lock the app in its new position.

Connecting Other Devices:

The Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) can control other devices in your home entertainment setup, such as your TV, soundbar, and AV receiver. To set this up:

Go to Settings: Navigate to the settings menu on your Fire TV Cube.
Select Equipment Control: Choose the "Equipment Control" option.
Add Equipment: Follow the on-screen instructions to add your devices. You may need to enter the brand and model number of your devices.

Using Alexa Routines:

Alexa Routines allow you to automate a series of actions with a single voice command. For example, you can create a routine that turns on your TV, dims the lights, and starts playing your favorite playlist.

Open the Alexa App: Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
Go to Routines: Tap the menu button and select "Routines."
Create a New Routine: Tap the plus button to create a new routine.
Give Your Routine a Name: Give your routine a descriptive name, such as "Movie Night."
Set a Voice Command: Choose the voice command that will trigger the routine, such as "Alexa, start movie night."
Add Actions: Add the actions you want the routine to perform, such as turning on the TV, dimming the lights, and playing a playlist.
Save Your Routine: Save the routine.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best tech can sometimes hit a snag. Here are some common issues you might encounter with your Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) and how to troubleshoot them:

No Picture:
- Check the HDMI Connection: Make sure the HDMI cable is securely plugged into both the Fire TV Cube and your TV.
- Verify the HDMI Input: Ensure your TV is set to the correct HDMI input.
- Test with Another HDMI Cable: Try using a different HDMI cable to rule out a faulty cable.
No Sound:
- Check the Volume: Make sure the volume is turned up on both your TV and the Fire TV Cube.
- Verify the Audio Output: Ensure your TV is set to the correct audio output.
- Check the Soundbar Connection: If you're using a soundbar, make sure it's properly connected and turned on.
Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues:
- Restart Your Router: Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.
- Move the Fire TV Cube Closer to the Router: If possible, move the Fire TV Cube closer to your router to improve the Wi-Fi signal.
- Check Your Wi-Fi Password: Make sure you're entering the correct Wi-Fi password.
Voice Command Issues:
- Check the Microphone: Ensure the microphone on the Fire TV Cube is not muted. The LED light on the front of the Cube should be blue.
- Speak Clearly: Speak clearly and directly to the Fire TV Cube.
- Retrain Your Voice: Retrain Alexa to recognize your voice in the Alexa app.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Want to take your Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) experience to the next level? Here are some advanced tips and tricks to explore:

Sideloading Apps:
- Sideloading allows you to install apps that are not available in the Amazon Appstore. To do this, you'll need to enable "Apps from Unknown Sources" in the settings menu.
- Use a VPN:
- A VPN can help you protect your privacy and access content that is not available in your region. There are many VPN apps available in the Amazon Appstore.
Connecting Bluetooth Devices:
- You can connect Bluetooth headphones, speakers, and game controllers to your Fire TV Cube. Go to the settings menu and select "Controllers & Bluetooth Devices" to pair your devices.

Is the Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) Worth It?

So, is the Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) worth the investment? The answer depends on your needs and preferences. If you're looking for a device that offers seamless streaming, voice control, and universal remote capabilities, then the Fire TV Cube is definitely worth considering. However, if you're on a tight budget or don't need voice control, a Fire TV Stick might be a better option.

Pros:

Hands-Free Voice Control: Control your TV and other devices with just your voice.
4K Ultra HD Streaming: Enjoy stunning picture quality with support for 4K resolution and HDR.
Universal Remote Capabilities: Control your TV, soundbar, and other devices with one device.
Alexa Integration: Access a wide range of Alexa skills and services.

Cons:

Price: The Fire TV Cube is more expensive than other streaming devices.
Voice Recognition Issues: Voice recognition can be hit or miss, especially in noisy environments.
Occasional Glitches: Some users have reported occasional software glitches.

Overall, the Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) is a powerful and versatile streaming device that offers a lot of features for the price. If you're willing to invest in a premium streaming experience, then the Fire TV Cube is a great choice. Happy streaming, folks!