The Fire TV streaming-media box is an impressive living room debut for Amazon, with standout features like voice search, gaming, and superfast video streaming, but it falls short of being an elite streamer -- at least for now.

The Amazon Fire TV is best way to watch Amazon Instant movies and TV yet, and Prime subscribers can stream thousands of titles for no additional charge; Voice-search feature is cool and works well; The interface is zippy, and Amazon content streams lightning-fast.

The user interface strongly favors Amazon Instant content over other services, and the voice-search feature doesn't comb through Netflix or most other non-Amazon apps; Some major apps are missing, including HBO Go and Spotify.

ImageTagInstance gallery-3f14bb5e-9406-4e83-a575-e871ea54e18e IntroductionThere is no shortage of streaming media players competing for space below your TV these days. Just a few short years ago these devices were the domain of tech-savvy users and often weren’t the most user friendly offerings. Roku arguably offered the first painless solution that your mom could use, and since then major players such as Google and Apple have released popular offerings. Amazon has decided to jump into this increasingly crowded market with the newly launched FireTV. The FireTV uses industry leading hardware to deliver Prime streaming service coupled with digital downloads and rentals from Amazon, but also includes essential providers like Netflix, Hulu Plus, ESPN, Pandora, iHeartRadio and others. The FireTV further sets itself apart by offering casual gaming and a bit more with the optional game controller. Read on to find out if FireTV can follow-through on Amazon’s plan to take over your TV. /1242607...

"AMAZON PRIME SUBSCRIBERS ARE THE PERFECT CUSTOMERS" Your level of interest for the Amazon Fire will vary greatly depending where you are coming from. I hope that the information above has helped you get a sense of how it is to use the Amazon Fire TV in the real world.

Three years ago, Janet and I posted a dual review of two of Roku’s latest video streaming devices at that time, and we’ve been using those devices ever since. Over the years, I’ve used similar devices like the Apple TV (original model), Boxee Box, Popcorn Hour and WDTV.

The most stunning fact about the Amazon Fire TV is probably how much better it is compared to the built-in platforms in most Smart TVs that can cost you several thousand dollars. But the same is true for others media streamers such as Apple TV and the Roku devices.

Powerful, flexible and user-friendly, Amazon’s box has staked a spot among the streaming elite

Simple setup and UI; Good AV performance; Compact; tidy design

Voice search limited to Amazon content; Occasional remote lag

Amazon did the right thing in releasing a super-portable streaming stick. The Fire TV Stick is small enough to take on holiday with you or to lend to a mate, and looks very respectable when stacked up against Google's Chromecast or Roku's Streaming Stick. While it doesn't offer quite as many apps, it's got all the basic, popular streaming services stacked up, with the bonus of a selection of high quality casual games to dip into. The problem really comes with the Fire TV Stick's core audience - people who already pay for Amazon Prime and want to get the most from it. Given that you're paying £79 or $99 a year for the service, saving a little on a cut-down streaming device doesn't add up. The standard Fire TV box comes with a revolutionary voice control remote, beautifully smooth video and pretty fast gaming - the Fire TV Stick really only has its price and size going for it. The Fire TV Stick is a solid performer at a very cheap price, then, but if you're a streaming veteran there's probably not enough reason to up sticks and switch to this. READ MORE: The Best Connected Home Gadgets in the World right now

Cheap, well made and easy to use; Good audio and video quality; Fun one-button casual gaming; Great deal for Prime members;

Slower than its big brother; No voice search; Fewer apps than rivals;

It's hard to believe such great sound and video can come from a device not much larger than a standard-sized USB flash drive. But the Amazon Fire TV Stick delivers both and via wireless connection, too.

A great streaming media player, but Amazon is a little heavy-handed

Speedy operation; Voice search; Good performance and build quality

Voice search is not universal; Amazon features strongly prioritised; No bundled HDMI cable; No USB playback