Two-way video calling with Fire TV Cube
A brand new way to connect with friends and family via Fire TV
Exciting news for Fire TV Cube owners!
Knowing this holiday season would be different than most, Amazon wanted to make it easy for you to share smiles and laughs with friends and families on the big screen. And it couldn’t come at a better time!
Beginning to roll out today, you can make two-way Alexa video calls from your 2nd generation Fire TV Cube connected TV to any Alexa-enabled device with a screen, including tablets, phones and devices like the Echo Show.
To get started you will need a compatible webcam, a Micro USB to USB adapter and your Fire TV Cube. Learn how below:
Setup two-way video calling on your Fire TV Cube
Setting up your webcam
To access this feature, you will need to connect a USB webcam that supports UVC with at least 720p resolution and 30fps. For a better experience, we recommend webcams with 1080p resolution and 60–90 degree field of view from 6–10 feet away from the TV. Webcams that are 4K and distances greater than 12 feet are not recommended.
You will also need a Micro USB to USB adapter to connect your webcam to the Micro USB slot on your Fire TV Cube. Note that the Ethernet adapter that comes with your Fire TV cube will not work for this setup.
We created a list of suggested webcams and adapters to help you get started.
Webcams:
Micro USB to USB Adapters:
Micro USB to USB Adapter with Ethernet Ports:
Set your camera up in a spot that you’re happy with, we recommend above the TV screen for best results.
Enabling Video Calling via the Alexa App
Once your Fire TV Cube is registered and setup, connect the webcam and adapter. After your camera and adapter are connected, you will see a notification on your TV screen letting you know that the camera can be used for video. Next, open the Amazon Alexa mobile app on your phone to enable messaging/calling and import contacts for your Fire TV cube. If you don’t have the Amazon Alexa app, download it from your app store.
To turn on messaging and calling:
- Go to the Devices tab on your Alexa app
- Find your Fire TV Cube
- Toggle Communications to Enabled. You can also enable Drop In for your Fire TV Cube in the Communications setting
To link your contacts in the Alexa app:
- Go to the Communication tab
- Click on the person icon in the top right corner
- Click on the three dot menu in the top right
- Click on import contacts
Still have questions? Below is a video that can help you get setup.
Two-way calling basics
Once all set up, starting a call is easy. Simply say “Alexa, Call Julie’s Echo” to initiate a call.
When receiving a call, the TV screen will display the caller ID and Alexa will announce the name of the caller. Answer the call by simply saying, “Alexa, answer.”
Each call will begin with video turned off. To turn on video simply say “Alexa, video on,” or use the menu or down button on your remote to turn on video. To adjust volume, say “Alexa volume up.” Once the call ends, your video will turn off.
By the way, if you or your friends and family do not have a webcam, an Echo show, or an Alexa enabled device with a screen, you can still make two-way audio calls on your Fire TV Cube through Alexa Calling. Learn how here.
When will two-way video calling work on my Fire TV device?
- A software update for two-way video calling on your Fire TV Cube (2nd generation) is required. The update is rolling out to customers over the coming weeks.
- Two-way audio calling is available on all Fire TV Cube devices today.
Making the most of video-calling
This holiday season, forget holding up a phone for 30 minutes, or cramming everyone in to see who’s on screen. With video calling on Fire TV Cube, you don’t even have to leave the couch to catch up with friends and family.
And now that you can relax and connect hands-free, here are some ideas for how to make the most of your video calls with loved ones:
- Play charades with family
- Open presents together
- Enjoy holiday happy hours
However you’re celebrating the holidays, we hope your end of the year is safe and full of happiness!
Still have questions, please visit our customer support page.
