- Amazon’s new streaming device stops downloading
- A message to this effect is appearing on your online listing.
- This is part of Amazon’s launch of its own Vega operating system.
In addition to a refresh of the Fire TV OS interface, Amazon announced a new Fire TV Stick HD earlier this week, which is slimmer than its predecessor, and it has now been confirmed that downloading will not be allowed on the new device.
As discovered by Cord Cutters News, the product listing on Amazon reads: “For added security, this device prevents downloading or installing apps from unknown sources. Only apps from the Amazon Appstore are available for download.”
The message doesn’t seem to appear for everyone, but it’s definitely there in some cases. Of course, when Amazon says “for added security,” it means preventing dubious and legally suspect apps from loading.
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However, this will also affect users who like to customize and hack their Amazon streaming devices in other perfectly legal ways: think custom launchers, local media streaming, and smart home tools, for example.
The future is Vega OS
Part of the way Amazon has locked down its latest streaming device is by using its own Vega operating system, rather than a ported version of Android. That gives Amazon much more control over what’s possible with the software.
This was all announced last year, but it was unclear how quickly the rollout would be or which specific devices would be affected. We can safely assume that this “no sideloading” rule will apply to all Amazon devices in the future.
In fact, as Ars Technica highlights, Vega OS and the same download restrictions apply to the Fire TV Stick 4K Select that also came out in October, and we noted at the time that it wouldn’t be possible to download apps on it.
Amazon has made sure that most of the best streaming apps work on Vega OS and its new streaming devices, including Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV. Beyond the official entertainment apps, your options are limited.
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