Suitable webcams include the:
Logitech C922 (currently our no. 1 recommended webcam) Logitech C920 Logitech C310 Aukey LM1E
The MakerSpot MicroUSB OTG Hub is one such adapter which costs $6.99 in the US and a frustrating £25.40 in the UK.
Here are two recommended ones: CableCreation (£3.99 / US$4.99) and StarTech (£3.24 / $6.99).
Connect your webcam to the adapter and plug it into your Fire TV Cube. You’ll need to hook it over the top of your TV or find some way to mount it so that it faces you.
How to enable video calling in the Alexa app
Assuming your Fire TV Cube is powered on and your TV is set to the appropriate HDMI input, you should see a notification on screen telling you that the camera can be used for video calls. (If you don’t, you’ll need to wait until the update arrives on your Fire TV Cube: it should arrive before Christmas and will be available in the UK, US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Canada. In the meantime, you can use two-way audio calling immediately.)
Now open the Alexa app on your phone and tap on Devices at the bottom. Look for your Fire TV Cube in the list.
Tap on it and then tap on the Communications toggle to enable it.
As this point you can also turn on Drop In which allows contacts you choose to be able to start a video call with you on your Fire TV Cube without you having to answer or accept that call. For more, read our guide on using Drop In and Alexa Announcements.
If you don’t have your contacts synced in the Alexa app you’ll need to do so. Tap on the Communications tab at the bottom of the app, tap the person icon at the top and then tap the three dots in the top-right corner. Now tap Import contacts.
How to control video calls with Alexa
You can start a call in the same way as for any other Alexa device with a screen.
Say “Alexa, call Chris Martin” or “Alexa, call mum”.
Video is off by default, so say “Alexa, video on” to enable the webcam. You can also say “Alexa, video off” at any time as well as “Alexa, end call”.
To accept an incoming video call (not a Drop In) just say “Alexa, answer”.
Alexa responses while watching TV
Part of the new update also brings responses from Alexa which don’t interrupt whatever you’re watching or the menu if you’re just looking for something to watch.
When you ask Alexa a question while a video is playing, the response will appear in an overlay.
Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.
