As competition in the smart speaker market continues to intensify, Amazon has unveiled its new ‘Fire TV Cube’ – a multi-functional device which combines an Echo smart speaker, universal remote and TV streaming box.

The new ‘Fire TV Cube’ (US$119.99) launches in the United States on June 21st, followed by other global regions later. (Australian pricing and availability yet to be confirmed).

The multi-functional device is a successor to its ‘Fire TV stick’ – which offers streaming for Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and more – and the ‘Fire TV’ which supports 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos streaming.

Amazon claims the new ‘Fire TV Cube’ is the “first hands-free streaming media player with Alexa”, and competes with Google Chromecast and Apple TV devices.

By engaging with Alexa, users can control video content hands-free, without their remote control. The virtual smart assistant is also capable of conducting tasks (e.g. checking the weather) as though a regular Echo speaker.

The ‘Cube’ incorporates its own Ethernet port, 16GB storage and a built-in speaker. Similar to other Echo speakers, the Fire TV Cube can control other smart home devices – e.g. light bulbs, soundbars etc.

Further information is available on Amazon’s website here.