In October, an Amazon representative said the company had no plans to update existing Fire OS devices to German IT publication Vega. Heise Online informed.
Fire OS is accused of piracy
Before Vega, Amazon’s Fire streaming devices all ran Fire OS, an Android fork based on the Android Open Source Project, which often meant Fire devices ran older Android software. Switching to a Linux-based system Vega OS makes it easy for Amazon devices to run more modern software. Vega also gives Amazon more control over how people use Fire devices Alexa+its generative AI chatbot also limits the use of apps that cost the company money or contain illegal content.
Sideloading apps has long been a common way for people to run apps outside of the Amazon store, especially from the Google Play Store, or to limit Amazon advertising. This allowed enthusiasts to extend the functionality of Amazon devices – for example, using the Fire tablet as a convenient smart home controller.
Perhaps more concerning to Amazon was the sideloading of apps used to track pirated content. Amazon launched in the fall blocking programs Owned by the Creative and Entertainment Alliance, a global anti-piracy group blacklisted.
Fire Sticks have long been criticized for potentially allowing piracy. For example, a May report from media, entertainment and telecommunications research firm Enders Analysis claimed that jailbroken Fire Sticks were launched. ‘Billions of dollars’ worth of streaming piracy. Amazon has also faced pressure from various groups to crack down on piracy on its devices. including Sky Sports UK football channel and the Premier League, a professional football league in England.
Many users won’t be impressed by Amazon’s move to kill consumer sideloading on Fire Sticks. But those affected will want to investigate competing streaming devices or develop potential workarounds.
