Amazon Fire TV Hands-On Review - Plex, Gaming, MKV, Bluetooth Controllers, Interface

Buy it on Amazon - http://lon.tv/ibts1 (affiliate link) VIDEO INDEX:

0:13 - Hardware overview
1:04 - Interface
1:16 - Amazon Video demonstration
1:48 - Voice search demonstration
2:26 - Amazon Coins vs. dollars discussion
3:08 - Bluetooth controller pairing
3:31 - Plex Demo
3:58 - MKV discussion
5:43 - Asphalt 8 game demo
7:10 - Conclusion and recommendations

CORRECTION - you can buy apps and games with cash OR points. It's not points only as I originally stated.

Amazon just launched their entry into the set top box wars. And they've done a nice job with this box. The Android-based hardware has plenty of room to grow, and the interface is gorgeous.

But is it better than the Roku 3? Not yet, unless you're primarily an Amazon video user. Amazon has really done a nice job presenting their content, with videos that load so fast they feel like they're on my local network.

The apps for other services like Netflix feel a little more generic and not much better than other devices. So if you are not primarily an Amazon user there won't be much gained here over the more mature Roku offering.

One of the launch apps is Plex which is a great way to get your own content on the device. But I found it doesn't play well with MKV files, especially ones that have embedded Dolby Digital or DTS audio. You won't be able to stream smartphone content to the Fire TV without first uploading the files to Amazon's cloud service. Both the Roku and AppleTV offer that capability.

Games look pretty nice on the device and its quad core processor should help it keep up with even the most demanding Android titles that will become available for it. It also supports standard bluetooth controllers so it may not be necessary to purchase the Amazon controller.

Amazon has a confusing business model with this device -- movies and shows are paid for with dollars or your local currency, but apps and games require a pre-purchase of "coins." I don't like having to park my money with Amazon for future purchases but that's unfortunately the way it's going to be.

So is it worth buying? No if you are already a Roku user. Maybe if you have an AppleTV and want to watch Amazon content. Definitely if you don't own a set top box and most of your content purchases are from Amazon.

DISCLOSURE: I purchased this product with my own funds.
#Plex #Plex@!