Amazon is trying a more outspoken inroad into the living room with a new TV box and QLED TV. Devices intended to make the reading of audio-video content even more comfortable, especially in streaming.
Amazon already accompanies many users on a daily basis in their daily activities with its online store and quantity of products marketed under its own brand. It’s obviously not enough. The American giant seems to want to be even more present, especially in the living room. During its major back-to-school conference on September 28, the American firm presented a new version of its TV box, the Fire TV Cube, as well as, and this is a first, a connected television, the Omni QLED. And to seduce lovers of audio-video content, Amazon does not do things by halves…
Amazon Fire TV Cube: a TV box for streaming
In the world of TV boxes, models that rely on Android TV (with more or less recent versions of the system) take the lion’s share. Amazon, for its part, is continuing its adventure with Fire TV, its in-house system that accompanies its TV boxes and sticks, to be plugged directly into the HDMI socket of the television. For this start of the 2022 school year, the firm is unveiling the third generation of its Fire TV Cube. This multimedia box has the same design and the same size as its elder. However, its technical data sheet has been largely updated.
It is now powered by a 2 GHz octa-core processor which should provide, according to the manufacturer, 20% more power compared to the previous version in order to enjoy better fluidity. It is obviously compatible with 4K and acclimatizes to Dolby Vision and HDR content. For sound, Dolby Atmos is in the game. At the back of the case, Amazon had the good idea to house an HDMI input in order to connect another device such as a Blu-ray player or a computer, for example. For connection to the network, you can choose wired Ethernet or rely on the module without Wi-Fi 6E – the latest standard – again a first for this type of device. Finally, as with most Amazon products, the voice assistant Alexa is obviously integrated in order to control the machine entirely by voice.
And for those who struggle to use it, Amazon offers its Alexa Pro remote control as an option. Equipped with fully customizable buttons, it also has voice control (always through Alexa, of course) so as not to raise your voice too much in the living room. Small subtlety: the remote control has a device to find it if it has been lost in the living room. Just say “Alexa find the remote” and it will start ringing.
The Fire TV Cube is available for pre-order at a price of 160 euros. It will be officially marketed at the end of October. The Alexa Pro remote control (optional) is charged 40 euros. Available for pre-order, it will enter the store in mid-November.
Amazon Fire TV Omni: a 4K screen with QLED technology
The American sells many products under its own brand, including televisions. With the Omni QLED, this is not his first try. If his first TV had not made an impression, the new generation could well make the difference. Indeed, Amazon has opted for the QLED technology found on many televisions. Samsung. It is an evolution of the classic LCD with LED backlighting which offers more brightness and contrast – but with lower performance than OLED panels with perfect blacks. Available in two formats, 65 and 75 inches, the Fire TV Omni QLED, powered by the Fire TV in-house system, obviously displays 4K definition to take full advantage of Ultra High Definition (UHD) content offered on television platforms. streaming, starting with Amazon Prime Video. The device is compatible with Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10 Plus Adaptive formats. Obviously, the set can be controlled by the home voice assistant Alexa. Small bonus, the TV can turn into a painting to display works of art. A function reminiscent of a mode established by Samsung with its The Frame televisions. But that’s not ideal for power consumption since it requires leaving the screen on to display decorative images…
However, there remains an unknown. If the two models of Fire TV Omni QLED are available across the Atlantic at prices of 960 dollars (about 990 euros) for the 65-inch model and 1300 dollars (about 1340 euros) for the 75-inch version, Amazon has not yet announced. potential availability in France or even in Europe. Business to syuvre therefore.