Amazon’s Fire TV platform is in the process of ditching Android for an in-house VegaOS, a change that’s been controversial among users. In an interview, Amazon’s VP of Fire TV explains some of the reasoning behind the decision, but only one part really makes sense.
Expand Expanding Close
Amazon is building out VegaOS as a new base for Fire TV products, but that’s not stopping new Android-based versions from landing. In developer documentation, Amazon has confirmed that Android 16 is coming to Amazon Fire TV.
Expand Expanding Close
Amazon has been hit with a class-action lawsuit over the death of its first-generation Fire TV products, devices that were released in the same era as Google’s original Chromecasts.
Expand Expanding Close
Amazon this week launched its newest Fire TV Stick and, along with it, its second device powered by Vega OS. And that appears to be the pattern going forward, as a report claims that all future Amazon Fire TV Stick devices will ditch Android.
Expand Expanding Close
Amazon has today announced a new Fire TV Stick HD which starts at $35 and can be powered by the USB port on your TV.
Expand Expanding Close
The mobile Amazon Fire TV experience is taking on a new look with a few thoughtful UI changes and smart features that look genuinely exciting. Amazon says the experience will come in the form of a free update for users.
Expand Expanding Close
Amazon announced a new UI for Fire TV last month that, at the very least, seems heavily inspired by Google TV. Now, it’s actively rolling out in the US.
Expand Expanding Close
Cloud gaming has been on a tear, with Nvidia at the forefront, with compatibility changes a frequent occurrence. The latest addition is Fire TVs, with an app coming to users on Amazon’s OS.
Expand Expanding Close
Amazon has been on a crusade to stop rampant piracy on Fire TV, with the company now blocking even the installation of certain sideloaded apps.
Expand Expanding Close
Amazon is rolling out a new Fire TV homescreen redesign that, well, looks a whole lot like Google TV.
Expand Expanding Close
Smart TVs aren’t just for streaming movies anymore. Joining a list that includes Samsung Smart TVs and LG options, Xbox Cloud Gaming will now be available on Amazon’s Fire TV lineup.
Expand Expanding Close
Hisense has launched its new “DécoTV” series with the S5, a 32-inch TV that gives off some artsy vibes in a versatile form factor – it’s just running the wrong software.
Expand Expanding Close
Meta has today announced that Instagram is getting a TV app designed to let you watch Reels on the big screen, but it’s only on Amazon’s Fire TV platform to start.
Expand Expanding Close
As previously reported, Amazon is now more aggressively blocking apps on Fire TV with a focus on apps that enable piracy.
Expand Expanding Close
Amazon’s Alexa+ is starting to roll out some of its more advanced features, including a new option on Fire TV that lets you skip straight to a specific movie scene with just a voice command and a brief description.
Expand Expanding Close
Amazon has confirmed that it’s not giving up on Android for its Fire TV lineup just yet, implying that its new Vega OS might focus mainly on low-end or low-power devices.
Expand Expanding Close
Amazon has confirmed that Fire TV devices will now block apps that are known to be used for piracy, even if you sideloaded them on the company’s Android-based streamers.
Expand Expanding Close
Amazon’s replacement of Android on the Fire TV platform is underway and, well, customers aren’t very happy about it. Amid backlash over the removal of sideloading on new Fire TV Stick, Amazon has been caught censoring reviews, and also had to rebrand one of its other devices to prevent confusion.
Expand Expanding Close
Earlier this week, Amazon held its annual fall hardware event, unveiling its next-gen lineup of smart speakers, smart displays, and streaming devices. Alongside the launch of a new $40 Fire TV Stick Select, the company took this opportunity to finally unveil Vega OS, a long-in-the-works move away from its Android-based Fire OS platform. If you’ve been wondering how Amazon managed to score deals with every major platform publisher for streaming apps, however, the company’s solution might make you raise an eyebrow.
Expand Expanding Close
After years of rumors and reports, Amazon has officially announced Vega OS, its replacement for Android on Fire TV hardware, and it’s going to make some big changes.
Expand Expanding Close
It’s finally time. After years of rumors, reports, and plenty of evidence, Amazon is reportedly gearing up to announce “Vega OS” as its replacement for Android on Fire TV next week.
Expand Expanding Close
It’s been expected for a while now, but according to a new report, Amazon is set to do away with the Android foundation for its Fire TV streaming devices, with the replacement launching later this year.
Expand Expanding Close
It was reported that Amazon would be shifting its Fire TV lineup away from an Android base, but it seems that’s at least being put off for a while longer as the company has hinted at a new Android 14-based build.
Expand Expanding Close
A new update is now rolling out to Amazon Fire TV devices which removes a useful homescreen feature that would allow users to hide apps.
Expand Expanding Close