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The Amazon Fire TV Cube can now be linked to a webcam for video chats on your TV screen. The new functionality is available from today and is limited to the new second generation model of the Cube. But it does allow owners of this product to initiate two-way video calls with “any Alexa-enabled device with a display, including tablets, phones, and devices like Echo Show.” A new software update enabling video calling will begin rolling out today over the next few weeks in the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain.
For a webcam to be compatible, according to Amazon, it must “support UVC with a resolution of at least 720p and 30 fps”, but you will get a “better experience” from “webcams with a resolution of 1080p and a 60 to 90 degree field of view 6 to 10 feet from the TV. “4K webcams“ are not recommended. ”To make the whole process a little easier, Amazon has released a list of recommended webcams to get started, including several Logitech models:
But there’s another glitch you’ll have to deal with: since the Fire TV Cube only has a Micro USB port on the back, you’ll need a USB-A to Micro USB adapter for this functionality. webcam is operational. . Amazon has a few choices for these as well:
These video calls all start with video turned off by default. If there is one, you will see the caller ID on the screen and Alexa will speak the caller name. You can respond by saying, “Alexa, respond.”
Amazon says it’s doing all of this to help ease an unconventional holiday season where many people might not see each other in person. “Forget holding a phone for 30 minutes or cramming everyone around to see who’s on the screen. With video calling on Fire TV Cube, you don’t even have to leave the couch to reunite with friends and family. “
Amazon also today announced new upcoming features for other Fire TV devices:
Ring Doorbell Camera Notifications
With holiday shopping likely to generate a surge in package deliveries this month, Fire TV owners will be able to receive notifications on their Fire TV screen when the doorbell rings and watch security camera video in full screen in full screen. saying “Alexa, show me [Ring device name], “Or” Alexa, talk to [Ring device name]. »Fire TV devices can receive doorbell notifications for Ring doorbells only; Fire TV Cube (2nd Generation) is not supported. Learn more about pairing Ring products with Fire TV devices here.
Alexa responses while watching TV
Customers will be able to ask Alexa on Fire TV devices for weather or general information without interrupting the TV viewing or browsing experience. Alexa will respond to responses on a partial screen overlay in addition to full screen video playback or the background of the Fire TV navigation screen. To get started, just ask “Alexa, how’s the weather?” or “Alexa, how far away is the planet Mars?” This feature will be available on all Fire TV devices except the 1st Generation Fire TV Sticks and 1st Generation Fire TVs.
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