The three major differences between the Fire TV Cube Gen 1 vs. Gen 2 are:
- The internal in the Gen 2 processor is significantly faster. In the Gen 2, Alexa is now located in the device itself, rather than in the cloud, making its response times quicker. The Gen 2 provides additional HDR and Dolby Vision support which will enhance the picture quality if your TV offers the same technology.
In this article, we are going to explain both devices side by side, including their similarities and differences so you can decide for yourself if an upgrade is right for you, your home, and your budget!
Fire TV Cube Gen 1 & Gen 2 Side by Side
The Fire TV Cube Gen 1 was released in 2019, only to be followed shortly after in 2021 by the Gen 2 model, and while there are a few important differences, including the price tag, there are quite a lot of similarities as well.
Now, if technology isn’t your thing, and this just seems like a list of characters that don’t make a whole lot of sense, don’t worry! In the following sections, we are going to go through both the similarities and differences of these two magical devices in plain English so you know what you are buying.
What Do the Fire TV Cube Gen 1 & Gen 2 Have in Common?
Both the Fire TV Cube Gen 1 and Gen 2 are pretty handy devices. They are two of the best streaming machines on the market, offering over one million viewing options from television shows to movies, as well as games and more!
But that’s not all, they also work as a smart home device. The little cube comes equipped with Alexa, a voice-controlled system that you can use from anywhere in the room to not only control your television but also the other smart devices in your house, such as your thermostat, doorbell, speakers, and even light switches!
You can ask Alexa about the weather, to Google something for you, or to play music for you just by saying the name “Alexa” followed by the command.
Both devices offer the same simple installation, are extremely user-friendly, and are both the same size and weight. However, the Gen 2 is substantially more expensive, so you may be wondering, what is different about the new Fire TV Gen 2?
What is Different about the Gen 2?
As you have learned, there are a few considerable differences between these two machines. So let’s dig a little deeper into what they really are and how users have responded to the new Gen 2 Cube.
A Faster Internal Processor
Whether or not you know a lot about processors, here’s what it comes down to, the second-generation Fire TV cube runs about twice as fast as the original!
Now, some consumers have reported that the Gen 1 speed is more than adequate and you really don’t need it to go any faster to work properly. However, if you have a slower WiFi system in your home, the Gen 2 may be a bit of a game-changer.
Alexa Works from Inside the Gen 2
In the first generation Cube, your Alexa commands are processed through the Cloud, as opposed to on-board, or in the Cube itself. This feature could be frustrating for some users as it took Alexa several seconds to respond.
As Alexa’s central system is now located directly inside the Cube in the newest model, the response time is much quicker.
Once again, this may or may not be an important factor for you, it really depends on how immediate you want your smart home system to be!
Added HDR Compatibility
Televisions are getting more and more impressive by the day! Picture quality can be pretty spectacular depending on the make and model you have in your home.
The new Gen 2 Cube has added HDR compatibility that will ensure whatever your streaming from the device is shown with the highest possible quality that your television can provide.
Conclusion
Most users agree that the Gen 2 Fire TV Cube has quite a lot more to offer including faster processing speeds, better picture quality, and much quicker response times, and the general consensus is that it is well worth the upgrade.
