The latest release in the media streaming devices, the Fire TV, faces a tough challenge in the market.
The reputed tech giants, such as Apple TV, Roku and Google Chromecast would pose a considerable threat to the recently released Amazon Fire TV. Making a name for itself for any product in a hostile market is never an easy task. However, the Fire TV has the advantage of coming equipped with state of the art specifications and features, as compared to the already released products, in the media streaming devices arena.
How does the Fire TV would compete against the renowned streaming devices? Let us find out in our hands-on review.
Size and Power Needs
Chromecast takes the front seat in terms of design. It comes as an oversized HDMI dongle, which can be affixed in the USB port of your television. Chromecast does not require additional power sources or cables, similar to that of the Roku streaming stick.
Apple TV is a more traditional set top box, which makes use of power cable to connect to the TV set. It does not offer optical audio line out and Ethernet port for connection.
Amazon Fire TV’s set top box comes in a rectangular design, which is extremely small, almost negligible to the eye. It offers USB, Ethernet, optical audio and HDMI connection, along with a remote control device. The set top box comprises of internal storage capacity of 8GB.
Easy Set Up and Usage
These are mainly plug-and-play devices, with Chromecast again leading the way. However, it is an app-driven set up, which also requires the user to switch-on the Wi-Fi networks.
In comparison, Apple TV requires the user to make use of virtual keyboard along with its limited Apple eco-system remote.
Amazon Fire TV is a yet another plug-and-play process, which would take a minimum of three steps to get it started. It also offers the user with instant playback with less loading time.
First Party Content
Amazon takes the charge in this department. Amazon’s Instant Video library is huge and covers a massive range of content. However, to become a prime subscriber to the Instant Video library, the user has to deposit $99 per annum.
In terms of first party content, Apple TV tops the chart with a range of iTunes music, TV and music content. However, to get access to the iTunes free streaming music, the user has to pay $99 per annum to buy content piecemeal.
Google relies on Play Movies and Play Music for providing content to its users. However, the library falls short to that of Apple.
Lastly, Roku bets on third party sources for providing content to its users.
Price
Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku set top box and the latest Amazon Fire TV come at a price of $99. However, Google Chromecast and Roku media streaming stick comes at a price of $35 and $49 respectively.
Amazon has been contemplating on alluring its potential buyers that it offers more features at a similar price to that of Roku and Apple TV.
Related ItemsAmazon FireApple TVChromecastRoku
