Overview
- The new Fire TV Stick HD listing, spotlighted Monday and Tuesday by tech outlets, says the device blocks sideloading and only allows apps from the Amazon Appstore.
- Amazon is moving new Fire TV Sticks from Android-based Fire OS to its Linux-based Vega OS, which the company says delivers roughly 30 percent faster performance.
- App choice is narrower under Vega OS, with reports of limited Plex features and playback constraints, and Telekom’s Magenta TV missing at first before being added later.
- Amazon ties the restriction to piracy concerns, though developers can still install their own apps after registering their devices with the company.
- Older Fire TV models on Fire OS will not be converted, and Amazon indicates future sticks will ship with Vega OS, so people who need sideloading may want to keep existing hardware.