Fire TV Cube vs the Harmony Hub for TV Voice Control

Amazon Introduces the Fire TV Cube

Combines the Features of an Amazon Echo, Fire TV Stick and Harmony Hub in One Device; Adds Voice Control to Your TV and Components

How Does it Compare to the Harmony Hub?

 

Amazon has announced a new version of their Fire TV, called the Fire TV Cube.  This new device adds voice control to your TV and audio-visual components, much like a Harmony Hub.  But the Fire TV Cube takes things a step further, adding control for other Smart Home devices into the mix.  It's almost like the Amazon Echo, the Fire TV Stick, a Harmony Hub, and a Smart Home Hub all got together and had a baby.

What is the Fire TV Cube?

The Fire TV Cube is a small box, (approximately 3.5 inches square,) that connects to your TV via HDMI, and adds Alexa Voice Control to your TV and associated Entertainment Devices.  With the Fire TV Cube, you can turn the TV on and off, change channels, adjust volume, pause, rewind, change inputs, and much more, all via voice.  Unlike a Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Cube includes a built-in Echo as well as a Voice Remote.  You can issue voice commands through the remote, or hands free.

Harmony Hub Part 2: Setting Up Your Harmony Hub

The Logitech Harmony Hub, Part 2:

 
Setting Up Your Harmony Hub and Adding Devices

This is Part 2 of a series examining the Logitech Harmony Hub. In Part 1, we reviewed the Hub itself, and we looked at what how the Harmony Hub can add voice control to your existing entertainment components, as well as Smartphone control.   In Part 2, we look at configuring the device to work with your system components.  In Part 3, we will look at adjusting your Harmony Routines to better control your own specific entertainment components.

By  the time you've gone through Part 2, you'll have learned how to add devices to your Harmony Hub, as well as how to set up routines and activities for your various components. You'll also learn how to integrate your Hub and associated devices with Alexa.  You will find many of your devices and routines work well, with no further tinkering.

However, once you begin voice controlling your components, you may find some are not working as expected. In Part 3, we'll talk about how to edit your devices and activities, so that everything functions smoothly.  After using your Hub for a few days, you'll have a better idea of what needs tweaking.