Although TVs usually come with complete operating systems, sometimes after a few years manufacturers stop updating their systems or we simply have a TV from a few years ago that is still wonderful, but with an outdated system. To solve this problem we have the Android TV Box, Chromecast or Fire TV.
I’m a big advocate of Chromecast and have two at home that I use daily, but for a new room I set up, I opted for a Fire TV rather than a Chromecast. I’m telling you my reasons because they are very unique and, if you are in the same situation as me, this may also be the right option for you.
A Chromecast with Google TV and a Fire TV are two sides of the same coin
First of all, I have to say one thing: both devices perform their function perfectly and, moreover, since the Chromecast has a system like Google TV, both are essentially the same.
There are some differences between one and the other
Both are extremely compact, work with good fluidity, offer great image quality, applications from the main streaming services (except HBO Max on European Fire TV, for any reason) and everyone has their own assistant (Alexa in the case of the Fire TV and Google Assistant in the case of the Chromecast).
My choice for Fire TV
The choice of one or the other therefore depends, in my opinion, on three details:
- Précio.
- What do you want to do with it?
- Do you have an ecosystem at home?
Taking into account that, in the essentials (which consists of converting a “dumb” TV into a SmarTV), they are exactly the same and perfectly valid, You need access to very personal details and preferences. And, although I recently bought a Google Chromecast FullHD for the kitchen and in the living room I have another one, but 4K, for the new video games room that I built, I chose a Fire TV Cube.
I prefer – by a lot – Google TV, but since my house is controlled with Alexa and I don’t have an Amazon Echo in this playroom, buying a Fire TV Cube ends two problems for my new room.
The first is that, obviously, my old Sony XF70 now has a better system thanks to FireOS. I can access the apps I want and even easily send some content from my phone to the TV.
I have Amazon Luna on the Fire TV Cube and, more importantly, the Fire TV Cube is like a Fire TV Stick plus an Amazon Echo. It is a device with a built-in speaker, which allows me to control the lighting systemsend content to the TV, check home settings and even turn on the heating from the TV.
As I said, this is a very special case, mine, but if you lack sockets in your home or want to make your TV a little smarter, The Fire TV Cube is a very good idea thanks to its integrated Alexa
And yes, I know it’s very expensive (160 dollars), but think that it’s two devices in one. If you are in a situation like mine, this is a very good option, but if the budget is not enough, a Fire TV Stick is also a good device and you can use Alexa via the remote control.
Amazon’s big problem with all its Fire TVs
Now, beyond the absence of HBO Max or the fact that the possibilities for sending content from the mobile phone are not as advanced as on a Chromecast, The biggest problem with Amazon Fire TV, of all people, is advertising. There is an inordinate amount of advertising in the system.
This is something that, in fact, can slow down the system when loading certain advertisements. But hey, if you can get past that, it’s a great device for turning a “dumb” TV into a smart TV. AND if you are clear that Alexa is needed in your system and what’s more, Luna interests you, it’s better than the Google Chromecast.
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