I have the 2018 cube and use it just to turn on my smart devices, TV and soundbar. It’s worth it just for that! I bought one for my mom as well. It’s a must have for the elderly.
Excellent review. Obviously, not all people want the same thing and to dismiss the Cube completely because of its lack high end performance is short sighted.
Surely you are not suggesting he dismissed the device for everyone. He rightfully dismissed it for the enthusiast crowd. Just like the existing one was a disappointment this one will be also. He acknowledged that Amazon knows it's market and this device fits in to their needs.
@@RickyCash No, not at all. I began with "Excellent review." Perhaps I should have said "anyone who dismisses the Cube completely. . . is short sighted." Lon did just the opposite, hence the "Excellent review."
Been useing a firetv 2 for 3 years...very good performance and simple. Have been useing a Gen 2 fire cube 2 days, a short time I know... seems better. Had issues with Netflix on the firetv 2, Gen 2 cube Netflix has been better, so far. On sale for $90, right now. I'm happy.
Lon, you need to go into the Plex app settings and switch the refresh rate setting to OFF, it seems there is a conflict if both the cube and Plex have the setting ON. I had the same trouble as you but when I set the Plex refresh rate setting to off and the cube set to on it worked great.
Overpriced, horrible ugly interface, slow, missing some of the top streaming apps, cheap remote that constantly needs to be recharged. I have the “Pro” model, it gathers dust most of the time.
Jovan Plaza yup, considering no tv box enthusiast gives a crap about the Alexa stuff. This box should be in the same price range as the Roku ultra at about $99
Shield still the best, we've had ours for over 4 years, been used daily and still going strong. How can a 2019 device only have 100Mbt Ethernet? That's just not good enough.
$149 CAD is too much for me,,so I got 4K Fire Stick with Alexa controller..Works great 👍 I know Cube is better but Stick will do and much cheaper,got it on sale…
I just ordered a cube on Black Friday. I'm guessing that there have been updates to the Cube since this review was made. I think it will work fine too. Thanks for mentioning that it performs better.
Now available in Canada but wait, wait for it... no cable tv option are not available. Apparently they hacked the US version of the firmware, so controlling your third party devices with IR CANNOT be done. So why bother buying this device for Canadians?
Question ive been trying to find is, does your tv need to be in the netflix dolby atmos list to get dolby atmos, i have the old fire cube and can play dolby atmos on prime but not on netflix, not sure if this is a solution to get netflix dolby atmos thanks
BIG HINT: The underlying v4.9 Linux Kernel in this S922 (Cube) device supports USB3 > Gigabit Ethernet adapters like the Ugreen branded ones with ASIX chipsets in them. 4K HDR Bluray Rips only need Max. ~ 120Mbps LAN thruput which USB2 can easily handle.
Thank you for this detailed review. Many ppl claiming video playback issue on some apps like kodi, plex etc. I hope amazon is not blocking non DRM contents playback and will fix it soon...
I have both a Fire Cube and an NVIDIA SHIELD (Everybody LOVES the SHIELD for some reason) and I've had nothing but problems with the SHIELD. First off, I get maybe a week of use before it starts throwing up random errors. Just yesterday it gave me random HDCP error meaning I couldn't watch anything other than UA-cam until I switched HDMI1 to HDMI2, a couple weeks before than the screen started flashing black and static, forcing me to switch from HDMI2 to HDMI1 (the SHIELD really likes forcing me to play HDMI hopscotch) and despite NVIDIA and Amazon saying over and over again the SHIELD has Alexa compatibility, I have never gotten my Echo to send a command to the SHIELD properly (it tries to send to the TVs native OS no matter how many times I clearly say "on the SHIELD") etc etc etc. The SHIELD has been a dumpster fire when it comes to functionality for me. Surprisingly enough, the "inferior" device, the Fire Cube 2, has had absolutely no issues since I got it.
Worst part of Fire TV products is the OS. Way too restrictive even if you install google play store on there. It's hassle to override the default launcher with launcherhijack and it doesn't work perfectly either.
@Jeff N I actually have a new Firestick I'm setting up for a friend, I have a website I used to load Google play store last time but I'll make sure the site is still good and get back to you on that.
@Jeff N Looks like a no go now. I used to use "luxmounts.com/googleplay". All you had to do was download the 4 APKS, click done after each download without opening them then restart the system but now the Firestick will allow you to install The Play Store and Google Play Services but not Google Services Framework or Google Account Manager which are both a major necessity in the app working. I'm sure there's gotta be a way to do it without using a knockoff like Aptoide. I'll have to do some research into this. Wish I could be more help. But btw.... if you have anyone with a Kindle Fire HD 10 that website should still work for that. Take care and good luck.
Wish my experience with the Fire Cube 2nd Gen was as positive as yours, Lon. Total voice control is essential for us and it's why we bought it; our experience with it so far is extremely disappointing, inconsistent and unreliable! Your review colleague Hibbert's review on it seems to reflect our experience as to just how bad its voice control is working in our all-Alexa dependent household. Some of the listed voice commands never work; others work one time and not five minutes later with the exact words used; simply turning the TV on and off sometimes Alexa does it only for the word "TV" and other times only for the word "Television" and other times tells us that command is not supported. It's maddening for people like us who are virtually dependent on precision voice control, for example in ten or twenty second rewinds to catch words or actions missed. If we could easily and conveniently have used the physical remote we would have stuck with our FireStick4K.
While I always choose Ethernet, rather than bemoaning the lack of gigabit Internet, why not use the fast Wi-Fi or use an OTG cable to add gigabit Ethernet?
There won't be much of a increase in quality if any at all. I used both the first and second Gen cubes. The second Gen was worst than the first. The second Gen was lightening fast but constantly froze and freezing is a issue they have yet to resolve. Amazon has the resources to produce a quality, premium product but they choose not to do so. The first Gen lasted for eleven months and the Second Gen for thirteen months so longevity is also an issue so I assume they are manufactured to be disposable.
i just bought the fire tv cube 2nd gen and i love it. no issues at all. all the issues lon said on this review is playing good and connecting on my 65 inch c9 tv. so idk
Please explain what a "receiver" is and why I would need one. Currently, I can't watch UA-cam on my TV because of memory issues using chromecast stick or the Roku stick. Please help.
@@dmbphe6137 That's true. I edited my comment to make it more clear. I own the Nvidia Shield TV, great device but expensive and suffers from the sudden death syndrome, died during the warranty period and Nvidia was happy to replace it. It died on two of my friend too. Anyhow, I am looking for alternatives just in case. After some search yesterday, I learned that you can connect a usb flash drive up to 128GB to the older Fire TV cube, however, you will need OTG cable/adapter. I don't know if that will work with the newer Fire TV cube. Still the options of external storage is much better on the Shield TV.
My tv is aboard my boat in a Hyatt Marina which supplies free WiFi......the issue is the shared signal,.....I’m currently using a Roku stick. I’ve been told that the Fire stick Products have a better receiver and therefore will likely give a better streaming experience. Currently my streaming can be rough at times.....so I’m thinking the Cube with it’s power would be my best option...?.
actually the cube is 3 years old and while it's still the strongest processor for fire devices, the new 4k Max is the only one with the updated Wifi 6 functionality. One would assume it's that one which has the best receiver.
So, according to this review I won't be able to stream 4k movies from my NAS through ethernet? Could another faster adapter work for this? Do adapters like those even exist?
I've been looking for a replacement for my harmony hub. (I've been having trouble with is a lot lately, and I hear Logitec dropped the harmony line.) Can this device rather than do its own streaming use the Apps on my LG WebOS tv for Plex, Netflix, Hulu, Disney, etc?
Which firetv cube was this? 2019 version? I cant see dts passthrough on kodi 18.5, shows in the other build but it isnt passing dts from kodi at all. Its useless to me without dts passthrough.
And still this terrible overloaded amazon tiles layout. Recommendations over recommendations, my bought content is still not in order of title, but the shipping date. The menu for IOS looks so much more sorted.
Enthusiasts like myself will use a nuc or a laptop connected to their TV for any streaming program. These are for your casual people that sorta understand technology. Nord VPN and a 4k capable laptop/nuc with ethernet is all you need. Voice controlled and everything. Thanks for the thorough review none the less!!!
Iv been a "cord cutter" far far longer than probably anyone watching this video or making this video. Im not going to say a nuc is the worst media player out there, but its not in the running for best by any stretch of the imagination. Even if the only thing your doing is using Kodi or Plex with a nas its still far from the best option. The Shield does have a few issues I hope they fix with the next version, but it is hands down far better than any HTPC I have ever built. That is saying a lot too, the first HTPC I built the only real option for software was myHTPC. What I am really waiting to see is how Kodi on the Xbox One turns out, especially now that it has Google Assistant. My original modded Xbox is still probably my favorite media player, and I know Kodi and the new Xbox will never be as great, but those were some fond memories.
Good video Lon! Adding a micro usb otg hub or adapter and connecting gigabit Ethernet adapter can get faster internet speeds than 100mbps with the gigabit Ethernet adapter
@@teknerd Your right buddy...Fire tv cube can't get gigabit speeds...my original comment I just stated gigabit Ethernet adapter will provide faster speeds than the Amazon Ethernet adapter...like you said limited to 480 mbps
@@teknerd An adapter might not get to Gigabit speeds but even 4K HDR Bluray Rips with lossless audio only needs ~120Mbps LAN thruput - which a USB2 port can easily handle.
Great review. Was wondering. I have a 2nd gen Fire TV Cube hooked directly to the ARC port on on AV receiver (Denon), also using ethernet. When I use the A word to turn on the TV there is a 1-1 1/2 minute wait until anything is displayed on the TV. Is the wait time normal?
i got the new cube this weekend and its not great, so many bugs in it 3rd party apps not working as they should. Apps that you could have on the previous fire devices dont work properly on the new cube. Issues like not being able to clear the cache on the 3rd party apps, app starter doesnt work properly. Cant stream 4k content from a nas by ethernet or wireless. Im returning mine on Monday and buying another shield tv. Shield much better device for not a lot more money wise.
Hi, since my Internet line is a bit of a dancer ... I wanted to know if in Prime Video, but also in Netflix, download a movie / episode and then watch it quietly? Because unfortunately this is not possible with the Fire TV Stick
I do not know about 4k blu ray rips but when I watched the video I thought you said 4k streaming does not work with the 100 mbps the unit has. Thanks for clarifying that it is only 4k blu ray rips that are limited and not 4k streaming.
EDIT: I guess you guys are talking about pure, uncompressed 10-bit UHD content. If so then yes a 100mb interface will definitely not suffice for that sort of media. I tested it with the Jellyfish files (which seem to be the benchmark with this sort of stuff). The 120mbps file would buffer like crazy but ironically play smooth as silk over my WiFi (Cisco Meraki). All my 4K stuff usually consists of rips in H.265 format and always plays fine for me on my Fire TVs/Cube regardless of connection type, which is why I initially got confused with this comment. Personally I don't feel like I'm missing a great deal from not downloading uncompressed 50GB+ content all the time, maybe that will change in the future but I secretly hope not as it sounds like a good way to run out of storage space!
I have one of the new fire tv cubes and the nvidia shield tv. The cube cant stream 4k content via wireless or ethernet from a nas. However the shield tv can do both. Wireless and ethernet the shield has no issues.
BIG HINT: The underlying v4.9 Linux Kernel in this S922 (Cube) device supports USB3 > Gigabit Ethernet adapters like the Ugreen branded ones with ASIX chipsets in them.
@@jamiec1686 Nice! So is it physically possible to get a gigabit link that way even though the USB is only 2.0 is it not? Even if it caps out at 480mbps that would still be a massive step up from 100
@@pedrosa144 yup sent the cube back and just got the Shield, for the price difference the Shield is a true android, the cube should have been 64 bit, not 32 bit, the storage should have been 64 gig, and the ports, they just need to do it better
I have the Amazon Cube 2nd generation When I hooked up the ethernet All of my other Amazon devices Stop Working When I turn off the Wifi So I had to re connect Wifi and take out the ethernet for My other Amazon devices to work What went wrong
Has anyone got an Amazon Fire TV Cube and use KODI on it with no issues? I still have my Fire TV Box 2nd generation, but want HDR and the echo features, plus I think the cube has more audio codecs support than my 2nd Gen box?
WHAT? Tell me what streaming service uses more than 100 Mbps. It's NOT disappointing at all you can only watch one thing at a time. Even ultra duper super 8k video doesn't come close.
@@stevelewis8394 That's very good news for me! Thanks. I have fiber internet speed and was devastated to find out Amazon's own ethernet adapter is only limited to 100Mbps... Hopefully i can get optimal speed with the usb/ethernet hub that I just ordered.
Come on amazon ur pendant and 1st gen fire tv box had an SD card slot for expandable storage why can't this? 16 gigs is good but gets used up quickly there is no reason u couldn't put an SD card slot on this thing.
umm ... no... the pendant does NOT have an SD card slot. i have one of every fire stick/fire tv devices and sd slot is ONLY on the Fire TV 2nd gen, and the traded off is loss of Optical Out, so if u need optical out, gotta stick with 1st gen FireTV, but if you want expandable storage without a bulky hard drive attached to your USB port, then you have to go with the 2nd gen...
Been using a cube for years. Initially it was fantastic but recently began slowing down. Not sure what can be done to speed it up. I also recently ought a shieldTV device and it rocks. If the cube gets much worse I will probly replace it with a shield, although I will miss having Alexa control TV and soundbar
Nvidia never provide an HDMI cable yet he praises that like nothing, but it’s a bad point for the Fire TV.. talk about totally biased! And the WiFi on the Cube TV is faster the. It’s Ethernet port.. it has 2X2 MIMO AC built in.
I used fire stix 4 k as long as its been out have loved it for 3rd party add ons but unlike the fire stix 4k the new fire cube 4k does not run my 3rd party add ons well and ones like cinama hd wont even run and the internet sucks on it..
Yes it does run it's just a little diffrent then firestick for each app you have to go to settings then my fire tv then developer options and turn each ap on individually in apps unknown then it works
RAM and storage are the same as the 1st Gen not worth it to me to upgrade where is my first gen works extremely well and this still overpriced best time to get one is on Prime day for 1/2 the price
I will admit this is still very poorly made. There are several problems. 1. no way to expand the storage capacity beyond the 16GB. 2. There is no ethernet port. People go buy either a Roku or the nvidia shield tv pro 2019 where you can add a external HDD for more storage Space.
TECHNICALLY YOU CAN expand the storage... just takes a lil effort. You need an OTG micro usb cord or adapter, because most of the devices from 2015 and up other than the sticks, support otg. there are methods currently available to make the sticks support otg, but this requires extensive and extreme measures and will most likely (50%) of the time end in failure, and either a bricked device, or at the least a functional but slightly damaged one. For the sticks it requires THE REAL jailbreak.... not just sideloading apps, but actually ROOTING the device, unlocking the bootloader, flashing custom kernels, flashing custom recovery, and the procedure is completely different depending on which device you have (currently 4 different builds of fire sticks )... perform the correct procedure on the WRONG device and it will appear to have worked until you attempt to boot it, and at that point the damage is done, with a bricked or bootlooped device. Most people wont digest the extensively detailed steps to guarantee a successful mod, so in that sense i highly recommend either paying for one that has already been completed, or just avoiding a firestick alltogether and get an android box, or fire tv. This is pertaining ONLY to the topic of expandable storage on the FireStick. Nothing else. Sorry didnt mean to hijack your comment.
Every time I watch You review some android thingamajig...I realize I should buy a shield....or like an X Box One X if it doesn't have to be android.....but never the thingamajig. :-)
It should work great for Kodi because I have Kodi plus at least 8 other apps on my regular 4k Firestick and the cube is supposed to have twice the memory.
@@joshuadecker3371 it's only the king when you know of nothing else, but there are things out there that are less than a shield, and perform on par if not more capable than a shield. Heck you can snag up a thin client, slap in a GT 1030 and have a system that's more capable than a shield is.
@@madmax2069 I agree an htpc is more capable than a shield in most cases but most people aren't going that route. As far as a made for tv set top box that's powerful, simple to use and most importantly still supported and updated regularly, the Nvidia shield tv remains king. HTPC's definitely have their place but for enthusiasts but let's face it convincing the general consumer out there to connect a PC to their tv for media consumption is a hard sell.
Not an alternative to Shield? You mean the Shield with a terrible remote? With a 1080p UI? The one that can't display 4K HDR on UA-cam? No Dolby Vision? No HDR10+? That from time to time stops working with Google Home? That last month stopped displaying 4K on Vudu and last week it wouldn't even do HD on that same app? What a lunatic!
Hi Lon, I love your channel, and I've been subscribed for ages, but you need to up your video game. You video looks weirdly soft, with blown out highlights on your shiny, shiny face. Have you considered a light baffle, or something similar to diffuse your illumination? I'm not suggesting you go full MKBHD, but you could at least achieve a Michael Fisher level of quality.
I’m a general consumer , and I love my cube . Very responsive , controls my my lights , AC. So I’m happy . Could care less a loading side apps
Not sure what dude is talking about because I know it can be programed with side apps. 😆
I have the 2018 cube and use it just to turn on my smart devices, TV and soundbar. It’s worth it just for that! I bought one for my mom as well. It’s a must have for the elderly.
Excellent review. Obviously, not all people want the same thing and to dismiss the Cube completely because of its lack high end performance is short sighted.
Surely you are not suggesting he dismissed the device for everyone. He rightfully dismissed it for the enthusiast crowd. Just like the existing one was a disappointment this one will be also. He acknowledged that Amazon knows it's market and this device fits in to their needs.
@@RickyCash No, not at all. I began with "Excellent review." Perhaps I should have said "anyone who dismisses the Cube completely. . . is short sighted." Lon did just the opposite, hence the "Excellent review."
So far I enjoy using the Fire Cube. I have had it since January. Aa d am happy with it so far
My wife loves the Xfinity voice remote, this is something she would enjoy.
Been useing a firetv 2 for 3 years...very good performance and simple. Have been useing a Gen 2 fire cube 2 days, a short time I know... seems better.
Had issues with Netflix on the firetv 2, Gen 2 cube Netflix has been better, so far. On sale for $90, right now.
I'm happy.
Lon, you need to go into the Plex app settings and switch the refresh rate setting to OFF, it seems there is a conflict if both the cube and Plex have the setting ON. I had the same trouble as you but when I set the Plex refresh rate setting to off and the cube set to on it worked great.
where do u see this setting in the plex server or client?
i found it on client, cant find it on server
This is a Plex client setting
The Shield is still the king. Love it
Overpriced, horrible ugly interface, slow, missing some of the top streaming apps, cheap remote that constantly needs to be recharged. I have the “Pro” model, it gathers dust most of the time.
Agree!
Meh, a thin client with a GT 1030, its cheaper and just as if not more capable than a shield.
@@madmax2069 Except nobody knows what that is or cares.
@@RickyCash yeah and google is not a thing. prick
So this device will or will not stream 4k from Hulu, Amazon prime etc? I’ve heard a few contradictions in this review re: 4k
I'll wait until black friday to get one which might end up being $80. 😎
Jovan Plaza yup, considering no tv box enthusiast gives a crap about the Alexa stuff. This box should be in the same price range as the Roku ultra at about $99
Spot on! W🙌W
Really like mine and glad it has arrived in the UK.Thanks for a honest review,great vid.
I will probably get it just because I'm a gadget junkie but will wait for a sale, my Shield is still the ultimate box!
Shield still the best, we've had ours for over 4 years, been used daily and still going strong.
How can a 2019 device only have 100Mbt Ethernet? That's just not good enough.
$149 CAD is too much for me,,so I got 4K Fire Stick with Alexa controller..Works great 👍 I know Cube is better but Stick will do and much cheaper,got it on sale…
I already have the Fire TV Stick but I absolutely prefer the Fire TV Cube. It just performs better.
I just ordered a cube on Black Friday. I'm guessing that there have been updates to the Cube since this review was made. I think it will work fine too. Thanks for mentioning that it performs better.
Now available in Canada but wait, wait for it... no cable tv option are not available. Apparently they hacked the US version of the firmware, so controlling your third party devices with IR CANNOT be done. So why bother buying this device for Canadians?
Question ive been trying to find is, does your tv need to be in the netflix dolby atmos list to get dolby atmos, i have the old fire cube and can play dolby atmos on prime but not on netflix, not sure if this is a solution to get netflix dolby atmos thanks
BIG HINT:
The underlying v4.9 Linux Kernel in this S922 (Cube) device supports USB3 > Gigabit Ethernet adapters like the Ugreen branded ones with ASIX chipsets in them.
4K HDR Bluray Rips only need Max. ~ 120Mbps LAN thruput which USB2 can easily handle.
So just buy a Gigabit ugreen adapter and plug it in?
Enthusiasts wouldn't be using any of these media boxes except maybe Roku. Otherwise a media NAS that you control is the best.
My fire stick 4k runs plex without a problem
Thank you for this detailed review.
Many ppl claiming video playback issue on some apps like kodi, plex etc.
I hope amazon is not blocking non DRM contents playback and will fix it soon...
satchi It’s just a Plex setting that needs switching off (refresh rate), works fine with Plex then.
I have both a Fire Cube and an NVIDIA SHIELD (Everybody LOVES the SHIELD for some reason) and I've had nothing but problems with the SHIELD. First off, I get maybe a week of use before it starts throwing up random errors. Just yesterday it gave me random HDCP error meaning I couldn't watch anything other than UA-cam until I switched HDMI1 to HDMI2, a couple weeks before than the screen started flashing black and static, forcing me to switch from HDMI2 to HDMI1 (the SHIELD really likes forcing me to play HDMI hopscotch) and despite NVIDIA and Amazon saying over and over again the SHIELD has Alexa compatibility, I have never gotten my Echo to send a command to the SHIELD properly (it tries to send to the TVs native OS no matter how many times I clearly say "on the SHIELD") etc etc etc. The SHIELD has been a dumpster fire when it comes to functionality for me. Surprisingly enough, the "inferior" device, the Fire Cube 2, has had absolutely no issues since I got it.
I feel your pain. I went thru total aggravation with my Shield for the longest before it sorted itself out, but now it is ninty five percent flawless.
Worst part of Fire TV products is the OS. Way too restrictive even if you install google play store on there. It's hassle to override the default launcher with launcherhijack and it doesn't work perfectly either.
I installed Google Play Store on my Fire Cube and my Kindle Fire 10 HD and everything works perfect.
@Jeff N I actually have a new Firestick I'm setting up for a friend, I have a website I used to load Google play store last time but I'll make sure the site is still good and get back to you on that.
@Jeff N As far as side loading I just use Apps2Fire from my Samsung and I never have an issue there.
@Jeff N Looks like a no go now. I used to use "luxmounts.com/googleplay". All you had to do was download the 4 APKS, click done after each download without opening them then restart the system but now the Firestick will allow you to install The Play Store and Google Play Services but not Google Services Framework or Google Account Manager which are both a major necessity in the app working. I'm sure there's gotta be a way to do it without using a knockoff like Aptoide. I'll have to do some research into this. Wish I could be more help. But btw.... if you have anyone with a Kindle Fire HD 10 that website should still work for that. Take care and good luck.
Wish my experience with the Fire Cube 2nd Gen was as positive as yours, Lon. Total voice control is essential for us and it's why we bought it; our experience with it so far is extremely disappointing, inconsistent and unreliable! Your review colleague Hibbert's review on it seems to reflect our experience as to just how bad its voice control is working in our all-Alexa dependent household. Some of the listed voice commands never work; others work one time and not five minutes later with the exact words used; simply turning the TV on and off sometimes Alexa does it only for the word "TV" and other times only for the word "Television" and other times tells us that command is not supported. It's maddening for people like us who are virtually dependent on precision voice control, for example in ten or twenty second rewinds to catch words or actions missed. If we could easily and conveniently have used the physical remote we would have stuck with our FireStick4K.
Siri is far worse.
Come on Amazon, just put an Ethernet port on the thing, not a huge clunky dongle. Stupid.
Relax bud, it’s a cube not a PlayStation 3
Another quality review, Lon! I was waiting for this review, as this could've been my first move into an Alexa device.
Appreciate the timestamps ... Strong alpha move
Thorough as always. Thank you for your hard work and dedication
While I always choose Ethernet, rather than bemoaning the lack of gigabit Internet, why not use the fast Wi-Fi or use an OTG cable to add gigabit Ethernet?
Taking their time on releasing the 3rd generation,a whole lot of us users absolutely hate the stick /dongle versions of all these things!
There won't be much of a increase in quality if any at all. I used both the first and second Gen cubes. The second Gen was worst than the first. The second Gen was lightening fast but constantly froze and freezing is a issue they have yet to resolve. Amazon has the resources to produce a quality, premium product but they choose not to do so. The first Gen lasted for eleven months and the Second Gen for thirteen months so longevity is also an issue so I assume they are manufactured to be disposable.
Love your videos. They are fascinating.
i don't understand why he said 4k streamed fine (network), then said it couldn't be done via network?
He's talking about ripped 4k Blu-rays that can stream at 100 mbps compared to Streaming from a service like Netflix that is only 15 mbps
i just bought the fire tv cube 2nd gen and i love it. no issues at all. all the issues lon said on this review is playing good and connecting on my 65 inch c9 tv. so idk
Please explain what a "receiver" is and why I would need one.
Currently, I can't watch UA-cam on my TV because of memory issues using chromecast stick or the Roku stick. Please help.
Does it support calling on other Alexa devices. For example can u make calls to an Echo show and see the video on the tv?
No expandable storage unlike the Nvidia Shield TV? :(
Um, what? You can plug in huge hard drives to the Nvidia Shield.
@@excessmaterial Think that was what Shadi was saying, the fire has no xpandable storage, unlike the Nvidia shield, which does.
@@dmbphe6137 That's true. I edited my comment to make it more clear. I own the Nvidia Shield TV, great device but expensive and suffers from the sudden death syndrome, died during the warranty period and Nvidia was happy to replace it. It died on two of my friend too. Anyhow, I am looking for alternatives just in case. After some search yesterday, I learned that you can connect a usb flash drive up to 128GB to the older Fire TV cube, however, you will need OTG cable/adapter. I don't know if that will work with the newer Fire TV cube. Still the options of external storage is much better on the Shield TV.
My problem is, I have a first gen FireTV and it is getting long in the buffering situation. Not sure what to get.
My tv is aboard my boat in a Hyatt Marina which supplies free WiFi......the issue is the shared signal,.....I’m currently using a Roku stick. I’ve been told that the Fire stick
Products have a better receiver and therefore will likely give a better streaming experience. Currently my streaming can be rough at times.....so I’m thinking the Cube with it’s power would be my best option...?.
actually the cube is 3 years old and while it's still the strongest processor for fire devices, the new 4k Max is the only one with the updated Wifi 6 functionality. One would assume it's that one which has the best receiver.
So, according to this review I won't be able to stream 4k movies from my NAS through ethernet? Could another faster adapter work for this? Do adapters like those even exist?
nope
I've been looking for a replacement for my harmony hub. (I've been having trouble with is a lot lately, and I hear Logitec dropped the harmony line.)
Can this device rather than do its own streaming use the Apps on my LG WebOS tv for Plex, Netflix, Hulu, Disney, etc?
Good, honest review, learnt a lot from the video.
Wonder what the issue is with plex. Did plex work on the first gen of the fire cube?
how do you not have like a million subscribers?
Is there a device or card which can directly connect/attach to my desktop PC and turn it to Amazon Echo or Google Home voice assistant?
Which firetv cube was this? 2019 version? I cant see dts passthrough on kodi 18.5, shows in the other build but it isnt passing dts from kodi at all. Its useless to me without dts passthrough.
They need HDR to work on UA-cam. Right now it doesn't but does on the stick.
And still this terrible overloaded amazon tiles layout. Recommendations over recommendations, my bought content is still not in order of title, but the shipping date. The menu for IOS looks so much more sorted.
Do you need to have an Amazon movie prime or Netflix account?
Will the first generation get the new picture and picture feature?
Very nice review, can you load apks from external usb and what powered micro usb would you use?👍👌❤🇨🇦
Not having any problems using Plex on my Cube which is being served by a Raspberry Pi Plex server other than it doesn't like my London accent
Probably American..lol
Enthusiasts like myself will use a nuc or a laptop connected to their TV for any streaming program. These are for your casual people that sorta understand technology. Nord VPN and a 4k capable laptop/nuc with ethernet is all you need. Voice controlled and everything. Thanks for the thorough review none the less!!!
Iv been a "cord cutter" far far longer than probably anyone watching this video or making this video. Im not going to say a nuc is the worst media player out there, but its not in the running for best by any stretch of the imagination. Even if the only thing your doing is using Kodi or Plex with a nas its still far from the best option. The Shield does have a few issues I hope they fix with the next version, but it is hands down far better than any HTPC I have ever built. That is saying a lot too, the first HTPC I built the only real option for software was myHTPC.
What I am really waiting to see is how Kodi on the Xbox One turns out, especially now that it has Google Assistant. My original modded Xbox is still probably my favorite media player, and I know Kodi and the new Xbox will never be as great, but those were some fond memories.
Good video Lon! Adding a micro usb otg hub or adapter and connecting gigabit Ethernet adapter can get faster internet speeds than 100mbps with the gigabit Ethernet adapter
@@teknerd Yes...I have a Ethernet adapter that usb 3.0 I get 113mbps on my 100mbps internet plan with firetv cube wired
@@teknerd Your right buddy...Fire tv cube can't get gigabit speeds...my original comment I just stated gigabit Ethernet adapter will provide faster speeds than the Amazon Ethernet adapter...like you said limited to 480 mbps
@@teknerd An adapter might not get to Gigabit speeds but even 4K HDR Bluray Rips with lossless audio only needs ~120Mbps LAN thruput - which a USB2 port can easily handle.
Should I get this or should I just stick with using my xbox one?
Hi Lon, I’m a bit disappointed in this review - you didn’t compare it to the original Fire TV Cube. Should I upgrade?
The two key differences, as noted in the review, is the faster processor and Dolby Vision support.
Best picture quality: this, Roku Ultra, Apple TV 4K?
Great review. Was wondering. I have a 2nd gen Fire TV Cube hooked directly to the ARC port on on AV receiver (Denon), also using ethernet. When I use the A word to turn on the TV there is a 1-1 1/2 minute wait until anything is displayed on the TV. Is the wait time normal?
Nope. Mine turns on in 4-5 seconds.
Excellent review thanks. Greetings from Limerick city Ireland
i got the new cube this weekend and its not great, so many bugs in it 3rd party apps not working as they should. Apps that you could have on the previous fire devices dont work properly on the new cube. Issues like not being able to clear the cache on the 3rd party apps, app starter doesnt work properly. Cant stream 4k content from a nas by ethernet or wireless. Im returning mine on Monday and buying another shield tv. Shield much better device for not a lot more money wise.
Hi, since my Internet line is a bit of a dancer ... I wanted to know if in Prime Video, but also in Netflix, download a movie / episode and then watch it quietly? Because unfortunately this is not possible with the Fire TV Stick
You cannot download to TV based devices unfortunately.
Why do you say 4K will not run at 100 mbps? Amazon recommends at least 15 megabits per second, while Netflix advises 25 Mbps for 4k.
4K Blu ray rips can exceed 100 megabits per seconds
I do not know about 4k blu ray rips but when I watched the video I thought you said 4k streaming does not work with the 100 mbps the unit has. Thanks for clarifying that it is only 4k blu ray rips that are limited and not 4k streaming.
Thanks Lon, will be returning mine, if streaming 4k files from my nas is a no go.
EDIT: I guess you guys are talking about pure, uncompressed 10-bit UHD content. If so then yes a 100mb interface will definitely not suffice for that sort of media. I tested it with the Jellyfish files (which seem to be the benchmark with this sort of stuff). The 120mbps file would buffer like crazy but ironically play smooth as silk over my WiFi (Cisco Meraki). All my 4K stuff usually consists of rips in H.265 format and always plays fine for me on my Fire TVs/Cube regardless of connection type, which is why I initially got confused with this comment.
Personally I don't feel like I'm missing a great deal from not downloading uncompressed 50GB+ content all the time, maybe that will change in the future but I secretly hope not as it sounds like a good way to run out of storage space!
I have one of the new fire tv cubes and the nvidia shield tv. The cube cant stream 4k content via wireless or ethernet from a nas. However the shield tv can do both. Wireless and ethernet the shield has no issues.
BIG HINT:
The underlying v4.9 Linux Kernel in this S922 (Cube) device supports USB3 > Gigabit Ethernet adapters like the Ugreen branded ones with ASIX chipsets in them.
@@jamiec1686 Nice! So is it physically possible to get a gigabit link that way even though the USB is only 2.0 is it not? Even if it caps out at 480mbps that would still be a massive step up from 100
Have any of the down side issues been fixed with updates?
Great review.
Hello Lon, one question. Is it possible to play minecraft on Fire TV Cube 2nd Gen.
Can you plug a USB flash drive in and play files coded with Dolby Atmos and Dolby vision? If what are the supporter codecs in this device?
Negative.
Can you play games on it??? I remember the 1st fire tv had a wireless gamepad
I don’t have any trouble using Plex on my fire TV cube first generation(I use it daily). I wonder what the deal is with this one?
What's plex
They could have installed the ethernet connection in the box, come on Amazon
Seriously. I'm not even considering it. I'll get the Nvidia instead
Rich Lo It’s a lot cheaper and it works just great for me over WiFi
@@pedrosa144 yup sent the cube back and just got the Shield, for the price difference the Shield is a true android, the cube should have been 64 bit, not 32 bit, the storage should have been 64 gig, and the ports, they just need to do it better
Does it bitstream DTS formats to a receiver for decoding?
Tried setting up on my own no go not sure what’s going on
I plugged in an otg cable and a network laptop cable. Now wired I get 400 down.
I have the Amazon Cube 2nd generation When I hooked up the ethernet All of my other Amazon devices Stop Working When I turn off the Wifi So I had to re connect Wifi and take out the ethernet for My other Amazon devices to work What went wrong
Beautiful review
How about hdr10+ content from amazon...does it advertise correctly..and play hdr10+?
I don’t have a 10+ display to test it with unfortunately
Is it safe to put my chromebook in developer mode.
Has anyone got an Amazon Fire TV Cube and use KODI on it with no issues? I still have my Fire TV Box 2nd generation, but want HDR and the echo features, plus I think the cube has more audio codecs support than my 2nd Gen box?
Can you search for youtube content via voice commands (the same as typing in the youtube search on a browser)? Can you do that on the Shield? thanks
Yes it'll do UA-cam searches via Alexa.
@@LonSeidman Thanks for the reply. Can you do that on the Shield as well using voice commands to search youtube without having to input manually?
Is this better then the nvidia shield? Looking to get one
Shield is still tops
excellent review
WHAT? Tell me what streaming service uses more than 100 Mbps. It's NOT disappointing at all you can only watch one thing at a time. Even ultra duper super 8k video doesn't come close.
You could be streaming locally from a media server e.g. plex
@@verygoodbrother You can stream at up to 480 Mbps via the micro usb port - it's only the Amazon ethernet adapter that's limited to 100 Mbps.
@@stevelewis8394 That's very good news for me! Thanks.
I have fiber internet speed and was devastated to find out Amazon's own ethernet adapter is only limited to 100Mbps... Hopefully i can get optimal speed with the usb/ethernet hub that I just ordered.
Does plex play now?
Does it have Netflix 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos? Amazon Prime video is useless outside the US.
Yes
@@LonSeidman Cool! The issue is that the Amazon 4k stick does not have Dolby Atmos with Netflix. Many thanks!
Come on amazon ur pendant and 1st gen fire tv box had an SD card slot for expandable storage why can't this? 16 gigs is good but gets used up quickly there is no reason u couldn't put an SD card slot on this thing.
umm ... no... the pendant does NOT have an SD card slot. i have one of every fire stick/fire tv devices and sd slot is ONLY on the Fire TV 2nd gen, and the traded off is loss of Optical Out, so if u need optical out, gotta stick with 1st gen FireTV, but if you want expandable storage without a bulky hard drive attached to your USB port, then you have to go with the 2nd gen...
@@3vil1nt3ntions9 the 1st Gen pendant had one then they took it out
Canadian satellite and cable boxes are not supported at the moment by this product. Very disappointing.
Been using a cube for years. Initially it was fantastic but recently began slowing down. Not sure what can be done to speed it up. I also recently ought a shieldTV device and it rocks. If the cube gets much worse I will probly replace it with a shield, although I will miss having Alexa control TV and soundbar
Nvidia never provide an HDMI cable yet he praises that like nothing, but it’s a bad point for the Fire TV.. talk about totally biased! And the WiFi on the Cube TV is faster the. It’s Ethernet port.. it has 2X2 MIMO AC built in.
I used fire stix 4 k as long as its been out have loved it for 3rd party add ons but unlike the fire stix 4k the new fire cube 4k does not run my 3rd party add ons well and ones like cinama hd wont even run and the internet sucks on it..
Yes it does run it's just a little diffrent then firestick for each app you have to go to settings then my fire tv then developer options and turn each ap on individually in apps unknown then it works
RAM and storage are the same as the 1st Gen not worth it to me to upgrade where is my first gen works extremely well and this still overpriced best time to get one is on Prime day for 1/2 the price
I will admit this is still very poorly made. There are several problems.
1. no way to expand the storage capacity beyond the 16GB.
2. There is no ethernet port.
People go buy either a Roku or the nvidia shield tv pro 2019 where you can add a external HDD for more storage Space.
TECHNICALLY YOU CAN expand the storage... just takes a lil effort. You need an OTG micro usb cord or adapter, because most of the devices from 2015 and up other than the sticks, support otg. there are methods currently available to make the sticks support otg, but this requires extensive and extreme measures and will most likely (50%) of the time end in failure, and either a bricked device, or at the least a functional but slightly damaged one.
For the sticks it requires THE REAL jailbreak.... not just sideloading apps, but actually ROOTING the device, unlocking the bootloader, flashing custom kernels, flashing custom recovery, and the procedure is completely different depending on which device you have (currently 4 different builds of fire sticks )... perform the correct procedure on the WRONG device and it will appear to have worked until you attempt to boot it, and at that point the damage is done, with a bricked or bootlooped device. Most people wont digest the extensively detailed steps to guarantee a successful mod, so in that sense i highly recommend either paying for one that has already been completed, or just avoiding a firestick alltogether and get an android box, or fire tv. This is pertaining ONLY to the topic of expandable storage on the FireStick. Nothing else. Sorry didnt mean to hijack your comment.
Every time I watch You review some android thingamajig...I realize I should buy a shield....or like an X Box One X if it doesn't have to be android.....but never the thingamajig. :-)
Shield is up there on my list of one of the best consumer electronics devices of the decade. Kudos to Nvidia for keeping it updated.
@@LonSeidman Yeah....Yer vids have shown why, too. Is great stuff Yer putting out. :-)
great lesson
Micro-USB in 2019?
both of you are idiots lol
@@MisterPikol 😂😂😂
How does it work with Kodi?
It should work great for Kodi because I have Kodi plus at least 8 other apps on my regular 4k Firestick and the cube is supposed to have twice the memory.
How compatible is UA-cam TV with this ?
It supports UA-cam TV now.
@@LonSeidman does it work well?
@@iankelly4008 I am not a subscriber but I think it'll work fine given how the UA-cam native app works.
@@LonSeidman would you recommend Roku ultra over this ? As far as speed and apps ?
with android box is the most powerfull on hardware spec?
Diuran I’ve got the mecool m8s pro l very good box and fast never had problem
Nvidia shield tv is still king...have my original 2015 shield still and use it as my daily driver over my 4k fire tv
Joshua Decker why?? The Fire TV has a much more responsive UI, a better remote, and a better choice of apps.
@@joshuadecker3371 it's only the king when you know of nothing else, but there are things out there that are less than a shield, and perform on par if not more capable than a shield. Heck you can snag up a thin client, slap in a GT 1030 and have a system that's more capable than a shield is.
@@madmax2069 I agree an htpc is more capable than a shield in most cases but most people aren't going that route. As far as a made for tv set top box that's powerful, simple to use and most importantly still supported and updated regularly, the Nvidia shield tv remains king. HTPC's definitely have their place but for enthusiasts but let's face it convincing the general consumer out there to connect a PC to their tv for media consumption is a hard sell.
So is this thing good for 4k streaming?
easily
Not an alternative to Shield? You mean the Shield with a terrible remote? With a 1080p UI? The one that can't display 4K HDR on UA-cam? No Dolby Vision? No HDR10+? That from time to time stops working with Google Home? That last month stopped displaying 4K on Vudu and last week it wouldn't even do HD on that same app? What a lunatic!
from south africa
Hi Lon, I love your channel, and I've been subscribed for ages, but you need to up your video game. You video looks weirdly soft, with blown out highlights on your shiny, shiny face. Have you considered a light baffle, or something similar to diffuse your illumination? I'm not suggesting you go full MKBHD, but you could at least achieve a Michael Fisher level of quality.
Nvidia Shield is better