PROS
- New Octa-Core 2.0 GHz processor
- Features Wi-Fi 6E support
- Built-in HDMI input
- Added USB port
- Dedicated eithernet port
CONS
- Only has 16GB of internal storage
- Fire OS 7 not Fire OS 8
- Ethernet only supports 10/100Mb
- Standard USB 2.0 port
The all-new 3rd-Gen Fire TV Cube is here, and Amazon seems to be listening to its users, adding many new improvements. This post will look at what to expect from this brand new streaming device from Amazon.
Table of Contents
All-New 3rd-Gen Fire TV Cube - Design
Firstly the new Fire TV Cube has a new exterior design. Gone is the high gloss finish, replaced with a black fabric wrap. The new Fire TV Cube keeps its built-in speaker, so you can still communicate with Alexa. On the top, you have the same four buttons, Volume, microphone, mute and an action button.
The significant change comes to the rear of the new Fire TV Cube. You still have power and HDMI in, and an IR extender port. However, Amazon has removed the micro USB port, replacing it with a full-sized USB port. Although it is only a standard USB 2.0 port, it would have been nice to see a USB 3.0 port. Amazon has also added a dedicated Ethernet port which many of us have wanted for a long time. However, as before, this only supports 10/100 Mbps, leaving a lot of users unhappy as they would have expected an upgraded 100/1000 Mbps port for gigabit capabilities.
An excellent addition is an HDMI through port, allowing users to connect other video sources such as game consoles and cable boxes for better hands-free control.
The new Fire TV Cube still has an array of 4 microphones for hands-free control if you do not want to use a remote. In addition, there is still an IR extender port on the back for when the built-in blasters can’t see a device or you put the Cube in a cabinet. But the external IR Blaster is no longer included and is sold separately for $14.99.
Firstly the new Fire TV Cube has a new exterior design. Gone is the high gloss finish, replaced with a black fabric wrap. The new Fire TV Cube keeps its built-in speaker, so you can still communicate with Alexa. On the top, you have the same four buttons, Volume, microphone, mute and an action button.
The significant change comes to the rear of the new Fire TV Cube. You still have power and HDMI in, and an IR extender port. However, Amazon has removed the micro USB port, replacing it with a full-sized USB port. Although it is only a standard USB 2.0 port, it would have been nice to see a USB 3.0 port. Amazon has also added a dedicated Ethernet port which many of us have wanted for a long time. However, as before, this only supports 10/100 Mbps, leaving a lot of users unhappy as they would have expected an upgraded 100/1000 Mbps port for gigabit capabilities.
An excellent addition is an HDMI through port, allowing users to connect other video sources such as game consoles and cable boxes for better hands-free control.
The new Fire TV Cube still has an array of 4 microphones for hands-free control if you do not want to use a remote. In addition, there is still an IR extender port on the back for when the built-in blasters can’t see a device or you put the Cube in a cabinet. But the external IR Blaster is no longer included and is sold separately for $14.99.
All-New 3rd-Gen Fire TV Cube - Specifications
Amazon has also brought some excellent additions to the new Fire TV Cube. The older Fire TV Cube already supported 4K UHD video at 60 fps. With support for all the popular high dynamic range formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, the new Fire TV Cube also supports AV1 video decoding.
The new Fire TV Cube is now powered by an Amlogic POP1-G octa-core CPU with 4x 2.2 GHz CA73 cores and 4x 2.0 GHz CA53 cores, along with an ARM G52 MP8 800 MHz GPU. Amazon has said the new Fire TV Cube is 20% more powerful than the current Fire TV Cube and two times as powerful as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
There’s no upgrade however to the RAM, which remains the same as the previous Fire TV Cube, 2GB. Also, there’s no upgrade to the internal storage, which is still only 16GB. Recently, with the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, we were introduced to Wi-Fi 6, and Amazon has gone a step further with the new Fire TV Cube, which has Wi-Fi 6E. However, the new Fire TV Cube is still compatible with the usual 802.11ac and older Wi-Fi 5 routers.
Amazon has also brought some excellent additions to the new Fire TV Cube. The older Fire TV Cube already supported 4K UHD video at 60 fps. With support for all the popular high dynamic range formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, the new Fire TV Cube also supports AV1 video decoding.
The new Fire TV Cube is now powered by an Amlogic POP1-G octa-core CPU with 4x 2.2 GHz CA73 cores and 4x 2.0 GHz CA53 cores, along with an ARM G52 MP8 800 MHz GPU. Amazon has said the new Fire TV Cube is 20% more powerful than the current Fire TV Cube and two times as powerful as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
There’s no upgrade however to the RAM, which remains the same as the previous Fire TV Cube, 2GB. Also, there’s no upgrade to the internal storage, which is still only 16GB. Recently, with the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, we were introduced to Wi-Fi 6, and Amazon has gone a step further with the new Fire TV Cube, which has Wi-Fi 6E. However, the new Fire TV Cube is still compatible with the usual 802.11ac and older Wi-Fi 5 routers.
What's In The Box?
The new Fire TV Cube comes with two aaa batteries, a power adapter and Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote – not the Alexa Voice Remote (3rd generation). The Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote is the same remote sold with Smart Fire TV ranges, with additional buttons for settings, recent apps and channel up/down.
However, Amazon is also releasing The new Fire TV Cube with a new Alexa voice remote pro. This new remote offers additional features, including a motion-activated backlight for use in the dark and a set of programmable buttons for opening specific apps or executing Alexa commands.
Unfortunately, you will have to pay more for this, as the new Fire TV Cube will cost $139.99 with the Fire TV Alexa Voice remote and $174.98 with the new Alexa voice remote pro.
The new Fire TV Cube comes with two aaa batteries, a power adapter and Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote – not the Alexa Voice Remote (3rd generation). The Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote is the same remote sold with Smart Fire TV ranges, with additional buttons for settings, recent apps and channel up/down.
However, Amazon is also releasing The new Fire TV Cube with a new Alexa voice remote pro. This new remote offers additional features, including a motion-activated backlight for use in the dark and a set of programmable buttons for opening specific apps or executing Alexa commands.
Unfortunately, you will have to pay more for this, as the new Fire TV Cube will cost $139.99 with the Fire TV Alexa Voice remote and $174.98 with the new Alexa voice remote pro.
Wrapping Up
If you already own a Fire TV Cube and use it just for your day-to-day streaming, I’m not convinced the new Fire TV Cube will be worth the upgrade. However, if, like many, you want to upgrade your current Fire TV Stick to take advantage of the upgrades, the new Fire TV Cube will be an excellent addition to anyone’s collection.
The all-new Fire TV Cube is available to pre-order for $139.99 and is set for a release date of October 25th. Pre-order yours today using the links below!
3 Comments
The biggest thing missing (IMHO) is the high speed ethernet port!
10/100 mb is to say the least sad in this day and age.
I’ll stick to my second generation cube wi-fi and get the best out of my 1MB internet feed I think.
To quote from a Leverage TV series script [Irish accent] “I’m afraid my money has other commitments” …
Great review thanks. I have the 2nd Gen Cube that I want to keep because of all my stuff. Can the new3rd Gen Cube remote work with both Cubes? Thanks again.
Yes, the new remote will work with both Cubes. However, a remote can only be paired to one device simultaneously. Each time you switch between devices, you’ll have to re-pair it with your current device.