Hey guys! Ever wondered if that old Amazon Fire TV Cube (1st Gen) still packs a punch? Well, let's dive deep and figure out if it's still worth keeping around or if it's time for an upgrade. Buckle up; we're going on a tech nostalgia trip!

What is the Amazon Fire TV Cube 1st Generation?

First, let's get acquainted or re-acquainted with what the Amazon Fire TV Cube (1st Gen) actually is. Launched back in 2018, this little black box was Amazon's attempt to merge a Fire TV streaming device with an Echo smart speaker. The idea? To let you control your TV and smart home devices using just your voice, thanks to Alexa. Think of it as a beefed-up Fire TV Stick with the brains of an Echo Dot.

Key Features

• Voice Control: The standout feature was, of course, its far-field voice recognition. You could bark commands from across the room, and the Cube would (hopefully) obey. Want to watch "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"? Just ask Alexa.
• 4K HDR Streaming: It supported 4K Ultra HD content with HDR, ensuring a crisp and vibrant viewing experience, provided you had a TV that could handle it.
• IR Blaster: The built-in IR blaster allowed it to control other devices like your cable box, soundbar, and even your AV receiver. No more juggling multiple remotes!
• Octa-Core Processor: Under the hood, it had an octa-core processor, which was pretty powerful for a streaming device at the time. This meant smoother navigation and faster app loading.
• Alexa Integration: Being an Amazon device, Alexa was deeply integrated. You could ask it anything, from the weather to sports scores, and even control your smart home devices.

Why It Was a Big Deal

At the time of its release, the Fire TV Cube was a pretty innovative device. It combined the functionality of a streaming box and a smart speaker into one, reducing clutter and simplifying your entertainment setup. The hands-free voice control was a game-changer, allowing you to switch inputs, adjust the volume, and search for content without lifting a finger.

However, technology moves fast. So, the big question remains: does the 1st Gen Cube still hold up in today's world of ever-evolving streaming devices? Let's dig into its pros and cons to find out.

Pros of Sticking with the 1st Gen Fire TV Cube

Okay, so you've got an Amazon Fire TV Cube (1st Gen) sitting pretty in your entertainment center. Why should you keep it around? Let's look at some compelling reasons.

It Still Works (Mostly)

Let's be real: if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? The 1st Gen Fire TV Cube can still stream content from all the major services like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+. You can still binge-watch your favorite shows, and that's what matters most.

Hands-Free Convenience

The main selling point of the Cube was its hands-free voice control, and that still works. You can boss Alexa around to your heart's content. Change channels, adjust the volume, or search for movies without reaching for the remote. For those who love voice commands, this is a significant plus.

IR Blaster Functionality

One often-overlooked feature is the built-in IR blaster. This allows the Cube to control your older devices, like DVD players or legacy cable boxes. If you have a mix of old and new tech, this can be a lifesaver, reducing the number of remotes cluttering your coffee table.

Cost-Effective (If You Already Own It)

The most obvious advantage is that you already own it. Upgrading to a newer device means shelling out more cash. If the 1st Gen Cube meets your basic streaming needs, there's no pressing reason to spend money on something new. Save that cash for snacks!

Alexa Ecosystem Integration

If you're already invested in the Alexa ecosystem, the Cube fits right in. It can control your smart lights, thermostats, and other Alexa-compatible devices. This seamless integration can be a compelling reason to stick with it, especially if you've set up routines and custom commands.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The 1st Gen Cube has its limitations, which might make you consider an upgrade. Let's explore the downsides.

Cons of Sticking with the 1st Gen Fire TV Cube

Alright, let's get real about the downsides of clinging to that first-gen Amazon Fire TV Cube. While it has its charms, some limitations might make you rethink your loyalty.

Slow Performance

Time waits for no one, and tech marches on relentlessly. That octa-core processor, which was once impressive, now feels a bit sluggish. Navigating menus can be laggy, and apps might take longer to load compared to newer devices. In the age of instant gratification, that wait time can be a real pain.

Limited Storage

The 1st Gen Cube comes with limited storage space. This can be a problem if you like to download a lot of apps. You might find yourself constantly deleting apps to make room for new ones. Nobody wants to play app Tetris just to watch their favorite shows.

Outdated Software

While Amazon does provide software updates, the 1st Gen Cube is running on older software compared to the latest Fire TV devices. This means you might miss out on new features and improvements. Plus, older software can be more vulnerable to security risks.

No Wi-Fi 6 Support

The latest Wi-Fi 6 standard offers faster speeds and better performance, especially in crowded networks. The 1st Gen Cube doesn't support Wi-Fi 6, which means you're missing out on potential speed improvements. If you have a Wi-Fi 6 router, you're not getting the most out of it with the older Cube.

HDR Limitations

While it supports HDR, the 1st Gen Cube's HDR performance isn't as refined as newer devices. Colors might not be as vibrant, and the overall picture quality might not be as impressive. If you're a stickler for visual fidelity, this could be a deal-breaker.

Who Should Upgrade?

So, who should seriously consider ditching the 1st Gen Fire TV Cube and upgrading to something newer?

Performance Junkies

If you're someone who can't stand lag or slow loading times, an upgrade is a no-brainer. Newer devices offer significantly faster performance, making your streaming experience much smoother and more enjoyable.

App Enthusiasts

If you love trying out new apps and games, the limited storage on the 1st Gen Cube will quickly become a bottleneck. Upgrading to a device with more storage will give you the freedom to download all the apps you want without constantly deleting others.

Wi-Fi Speed Demons

If you've invested in a Wi-Fi 6 router and want to take full advantage of its speed and performance, you'll need a device that supports Wi-Fi 6. Upgrading your streaming device is a great way to future-proof your setup.

Picture Quality Aficionados

If you're passionate about picture quality and want the best possible HDR experience, a newer device with improved HDR support is a must. You'll notice a significant difference in color accuracy and overall visual fidelity.

Who Can Stick It Out?

On the flip side, who can happily keep using their 1st Gen Fire TV Cube without feeling like they're missing out?

Casual Streamers

If you only stream occasionally and aren't bothered by minor performance hiccups, the 1st Gen Cube is still perfectly adequate. It gets the job done, and that's all that matters.

Voice Control Loyalists

If you rely heavily on voice control and love bossing Alexa around, the 1st Gen Cube still offers a great hands-free experience. As long as the voice commands work, you're good to go.

Budget-Conscious Users

If you're on a tight budget and don't want to spend money on a new device, sticking with the 1st Gen Cube is a sensible choice. It's better to save that money for other essentials (or more streaming subscriptions!).

IR Blaster Fans

If you have older devices that you control with the Cube's IR blaster, you might want to hold onto it. Not all newer devices have this feature, so it could be a valuable asset in your setup.

Alternatives to the 1st Gen Fire TV Cube

Okay, so maybe you're leaning towards an upgrade but aren't sure what to get. Here are some excellent alternatives to the 1st Gen Fire TV Cube.

Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen)

The obvious choice is the newer generation Fire TV Cube. It boasts a faster processor, more storage, and improved Alexa integration. It's a worthy successor to the original.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

If you want a more affordable option, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a great choice. It supports Wi-Fi 6, offers excellent performance, and delivers stunning 4K HDR picture quality.

Roku Streaming Stick+

The Roku Streaming Stick+ is another solid alternative. It's easy to use, offers a vast selection of apps, and supports 4K HDR streaming. Plus, Roku's interface is clean and intuitive.

Apple TV 4K

If you're an Apple enthusiast, the Apple TV 4K is the way to go. It's more expensive than the other options, but it offers top-notch performance, seamless integration with Apple devices, and a premium streaming experience.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade?

So, what's the final word? Should you stick with your Amazon Fire TV Cube (1st Gen) or upgrade to a newer device?

The answer, as always, depends on your needs and priorities. If you're a casual streamer who values voice control and doesn't mind a bit of lag, the 1st Gen Cube is still a viable option.

However, if you crave faster performance, more storage, and the latest features, an upgrade is definitely worth considering. Newer devices offer a significantly better streaming experience, and you'll appreciate the improvements.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your budget, and choose the device that best fits your lifestyle. Happy streaming, folks!