TL; DR
- The new Fire TV Stick HD is the second Amazon streaming stick to launch with Vega OS.
- Some customers who want to buy the device are warned that they will not be able to sideload apps.
- Amazon also announced that it will continue to support most Fire TV streaming sticks and cubes until 2030.
A few days ago, Amazon announced this the new Fire TV Stick HD. This will be the company’s second streaming bar Vega OSAmazon’s new Linux-based operating system. Since the device ditches Fire OS, a forked version of Android, there are some concerns about software support and sideloading. It appears the company is trying to pre-empt the problem by warning customers. Amazon is also expanding support for a wide range of Fire TV products.
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Available for the new Fire TV Stick HD pre-order currently on Amazon. If you go to the store page, you can see the warning box in the image below (via Cord Cutters News). The warning reads: “For enhanced security, this device prevents side-loading or installation of applications from unknown sources. Only applications from the Amazon Appstore can be downloaded.”
The warning confirms fears that Vega OS devices will not allow sideloading. While sideloading was never officially supported on Fire TV sticks, it’s something that’s often done on Amazon devices. However, the strange thing is that the warning only appears for some buyers. No warning box found when accessing the page.
In related news, Amazon has announced that it’s expanding software support for current Fire TV devices. The company has promised to continue to receive compliance and security support for a wide range of its devices until December 31, 2030. This includes the following devices:
- Select Fire TV Stick 4K
- Fire TV Stick 4K Plus
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max (second generation)
- Fire TV Stick 4K (second generation)
- Fire TV Stick HD (second generation)
- Fire TV Stick HD (first generation)
- Fire TV Stick Lite
- Fire TV Stick (third generation)
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max (first generation)
- Fire TV Cube (third generation)
The only exception to this promise is the original Fire TV Stick 4K. This device will continue to be supported until December 31, 2029.
Amazon’s announcement of support is welcome, especially considering that the e-commerce giant recently started notifying customers. Discontinue support for older Kindles. In an email, Amazon warned that it will begin ending support for older Kindles on May 20, 2026. Affected models include the first and second generation Kindle, Kindle DX and DX Graphite, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4, Kindle Touch, Kindle 5, and the first generation Kindle Perwtehi.
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