Overview
- Amazon confirmed to Lowpass that the new Fire TV Stick HD runs Vega, and reports citing internal sources say future Fire TV Sticks will drop Android.
- Vega is a Linux-based system that blocks sideloading, which prevents installing apps outside Amazon’s store.
- The move builds on anti-piracy steps such as blocking apps flagged by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment after pressure from rights holders like Sky Sports and the Premier League.
- Early reactions from Fire TV owners cite the loss of sideloading and missing native apps, with some saying they will move to rival streamers.
- Amazon says it remains a multi‑OS company and will keep launching devices on Fire OS, which leaves the scope and timing of the Android retirement uncertain.