- IPVanish has created a new VPN app for Amazon’s new Linux-based Vega operating system
- The app will be ready to download as soon as Amazon enables VPN support
- IPVanish will still run its existing app for older FireOS-based devices
IPVanish has confirmed that it is ready to support Amazon’s next generation of Fire TV streaming devices.
The company has already completed development of a new app for Vega OS, the controversial new operating system that powers the latest Amazon Fire TV Stick models.
The move will come as a relief to streamers concerned about privacy and comes a couple of weeks after a similar announcement by rival provider NordVPN.
When Amazon launched its Fire TV Stick 4K Select in October, users quickly discovered that the new Linux-based Vega operating system did not support VPN apps at launch, unlike its Android-based predecessor, FireOS. This left early adopters unable to use some of the best VPN services to protect their online privacy and bypass geo-restrictions.
IPVanish, which claims to be the most downloaded VPN on the Amazon Appstore, has been working closely with Amazon to create a compatible app from scratch.
The company now ensures that its new Vega OS application will be available for download on the first day that Amazon releases the update to its operating system to enable VPN functionality, which is expected in the second half of November.
Navigating the new Vega operating system
Amazon’s switch from a modified version of Android (FireOS) to the new, more locked-in Vega operating system has been a significant change. The change meant that existing apps were not natively compatible with the new devices, forcing developers to rebuild their software from scratch.
Amazon’s move to a more controlled “walled garden” ecosystem is seen as an attempt to improve security and prevent the downloading of unauthorized apps, a practice often associated with illegal streaming.
While the initial lack of VPN support caused concern, Amazon had stated that it would enable VPN protocols through a software update.
NordVPN was the first major provider to announce its readiness for the new platform, and IPVanish quickly followed suit, ensuring that two of the biggest names in the industry will be available to early adopters of the new hardware.
The new IPVanish app will retain the core features its users are familiar with, including secure connections with the fast WireGuard protocol, a simple one-touch connection option, and a choice of over 150 server locations. The company also reiterated its commitment to its strict no-logs policy.
Support for all users
Crucially, IPVanish also confirmed that it will not be abandoning its huge user base on older hardware.
The company announced that it will continue to support and update the existing IPVanish app for all Fire TV devices running the old Android-based FireOS.
Commenting on the announcement, Subbu Sthanu, Chief Business Officer at IPVanish said, “We want to ensure that customers who purchase any Fire TV model can get great security and privacy, no matter what operating system their device is running. That’s why we’ve made sure we’ll be available on the first day Vega OS supports VPN.”
So if you’re looking for a reliable Fire Stick VPN service, IPVanish is definitely one to consider. Even better now that new users can get even more value by signing up…
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