Amazon looks set to fully move away from Android on its streaming hardware. Reports suggest that all future Fire TV Stick devices will run the company’s in-house Vega OS instead.
The shift was quietly confirmed alongside the launch of the latest Fire TV Stick HD. Despite some initial confusion, it has now been verified to run Vega rather than Android. That makes it the second Fire TV device to adopt the new platform, following last year’s Fire TV Stick Select. Therefore, it is a clear sign of where things are heading.
Amazon hasn’t made a big announcement about the change. However, sources cited in the report claim the company is now “all-in” on Vega OS for future releases. That aligns with a longer-term strategy that’s been rumoured for years. Amazon looks to take tighter control of its software ecosystem instead of relying on Google’s Android base.
For most users, the switch might not feel like a huge deal. Core streaming apps and the overall Fire TV experience remain largely the same. However, one notable trade-off is that Vega OS no longer supports sideloading apps. This move has already drawn criticism from more advanced users.
That limitation could be a sticking point. While sideloading has often been associated with less-than-legit uses, it’s also been a key feature for enthusiasts who want more flexibility from their streaming devices. For example, testing apps, running niche services, or customising their setup all rely on it.
There are also early concerns around app support. Vega OS is still relatively new. While Amazon has solutions in place for unsupported apps, they’re reportedly not as seamless as on Android-based devices.
Still, the direction of travel is clear. Amazon is building its own platform and gradually phasing out Android in the process. Existing Fire TV devices will continue to run Android for now. However, if you’re planning to upgrade in the future, Vega OS is likely what you’ll get.
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