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Amazon blames piracy apps with malware for killing new Fire Stick sideloading
Ars Technica • • technology
Key Points:
- Amazon has stopped releasing new Fire Stick models that support sideloading apps from outside its Appstore, citing malware threats as a key reason for this decision.
- The new Fire Sticks run on Amazon’s proprietary Vega OS, which blocks sideloading, unlike previous models that used Fire OS, an Android fork allowing sideloading.
- Amazon aims to reduce streaming piracy linked to sideloaded apps, especially for live sports, and to maintain greater control over ad placement, user tracking, and new features on its devices.
- While Amazon emphasizes security and privacy with Vega OS, critics note the OS also limits user control and may serve Amazon’s financial interests by enhancing ad monetization.
- Despite reduced app availability on Vega OS devices compared to Fire OS models, Amazon claims most users can still access the majority of desired streaming content, and registered developers can sideload apps if needed.
