A streaming device is a new tool now for watching television. So if you are looking for one, we bet you are eyeing some products on Amazon. But we have a recommendation for the Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Stick 4K, and the Fire TV Cube. Why them and why a streaming device? Because it’s too bad not to use your smart TV with Wi-Fi connectivity and a tool for streaming that will get you various apps, films, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, whatever you wish for.
The Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Stick 4K, and the Fire TV Cube
The first Fire TV Stick appeared in 2017, but you can find it in that version, just in a more compact Fire TV Stick right now. After that, the Fire Stick 4K entered the market with a compelling upgrade, such as choosing between HD and Ultra HD. On the other hand, the Fire TV Cube can be found only in the U.S, and it’s looking like a streaming box with an Amazon Echo speaker. If you are curious about the prices, then the Fire TV Stick costs $39.99, the Fire TV Stick 4K is higher a little, at $49.99, and the Fire TV Cube that comes with Amazon Echo has a price of $119.
However, let’s see what kind of features you will have with these devices. The design is the same for the Fire TV Stick and the Fire TV Stick 4K. The small HDMI dongle is entering in the back of the TV, and you will have the Alexa remote, which comes with navigation and voice control for both devices. Using the Alexa remote, you must push a button to wake Alexa on your TV and speak your commands. Also, you can link it up with the Amazon Echo and voice command-specific things like shows or categories.
On the other hand, having the Fire TV Cube is quite different. The device is coming with the same Alexa remote if you don’t want to use the poor app navigation, but it has a plus. The Amazon Echo speaker is coming as a hands-free device too, so everything you want to do is through your voice. Practically, you have a control center through the Fire TV Cube, and you can change your channels, switch the volume and so on. The device also has a good microphone that will record everything you say even with noise around you.
However, all three devices have the same Fire TV platform, and you can watch content from all devices, only the resolution, and the video format will differ. You will have plenty of services to watch; from HBO to Crackle, only YouTube is not present on the platform yet. Of course, some of the services you want to use needs a subscription, you can’t watch them for free because of the streaming stick. We have mentioned that the resolution and the video format will differ. The first Fire TV Stick is streaming at HD quality 1080p, and the Fire TV 4K is reaching 4K UHD resolution, and this applies to the Fire TV cube as well. For using these features, your TV needs to work on 4K or HDR. Also, the Fire TV 4K is offering support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, and your TV needs to support this.
Finally, if you can’t decide, it’s quite simple. If you aren’t from the U.S, then you should try the Fire TV Stick for HD TV and the Fire Stick 4K for Ultra HD TV. And if you are from the U.S, you can give a try with the Fire TV Cube.
Nora Reynolds is a major in biology and a minor in Biological Basis of Behavior, writing about science in general. She also likes to try new gadgets and sports about the AI new era.