Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is both my first ever purchase of any type of Amazon Alexa device and submitting a written review, but after reading the majority of negative comments I felt the need to throw in my observations: I pre- ordered the device and received it a day before it officially went on the market, which was a nice surprise. Set up was simple, quick, and straight- forward: I hooked up the HDMI cable between the device and my TV, downloaded the Alexa app, and linked the Fire TV Cube to my wi-fi. It took (without exaggeration) approximately five minutes. I personally believe the Fire TV Cube is a sleek design and while the cables sticking out the back take a bit away from that, I don't think it warrants inclusion to an overall one star review like what others have written. I have placed it on the top of my TV stand and away from an enclosure like the instructions recommend, and have had no issue with voice recognition. I am able to call for Alexa from any part of my apartment and am heard easily. The speaker is also quite effective and gives a nice sound. I used to have a soundbar and honestly feel like there is not too big of a difference. Some reviewers have also complained about the device not immediately finding what they requested a search for. I have experienced this as well but after a little trial and error found you have to make a 2 or 3 step request: 1) tell Alexa to turn on the TV, 2) tell Alexa to open the platform you want to watch it on (Netflix, Hulu, etc.), 3) tell Alexa to either a) resume or b) play X movie or TV show. It's a slightly tedious process and even then I'll admit at times I've had to repeat commands (and for that major reason I am giving it 4 stars) but overall it works well. Features such as the daily news briefing and weather reports are handy and an update I like having a voice command away when I start my morning. I also just recently decided to purchase a smart plug for the first time. Linking it to both the internet and Alexa took only a couple of minutes, and works very easily in tandem with the device. Asking it to turn off/on lights does not cause the Fire TV Cube to turn on the TV or any other devices. Overall I believe parts of the most negative reviews pick at some small and insignificant issues and weigh them a little more than is warranted. The search capacity can be improved, but overall a solid device that is worth the purchase.