Amazon's latest moves have set off alarm bells among users of its TV dongles. The arrival of Vega OS as its own operating system This marks a turning point for Fire TV, and the big question is what will happen to older models, especially with everything related to Android, APKs, and the famous sideloading.
Fortunately, things are not as dramatic as they initially seemed: Older Amazon Fire TVs will continue to run Android via Fire OSWhile Vega OS is currently reserved for certain new devices, Amazon's change of direction comes with a lot of fine print and direct consequences for how you use your TV, your apps, and even the alternatives worth considering if you were to buy a new TV Stick today.
Vega OS: Amazon's big change and the end of Android in the new Fire TV
Amazon had been hinting for some time that it wanted to cutting dependence on Android and Google on their living room devices, but the final move has been more aggressive than many expected: Vega OS is not just another layer on top of Android, but a system built from scratch.
Until now, Fire TVs ran on Fire OS, which in practice was an Android fork (AOSP) with its own store, services and interfaceThere was no Play Store or Google services, but there was still a complete Android base that allowed installing external APK files relatively easily, opening the door to applications outside of the Amazon Appstore.
With Vega OS, the paradigm completely changes: There is no longer Android underneath, but a Linux-based system It relies on web technologies like React Native to run applications. In other words, the trick of treating Fire TVs as "disguised Android TVs" is over for models that come with this new system.
From a technical point of view, apps cease to be APKs and become Packages with the .vpkg extension that function almost like web pages within a highly specialized browser. This is perfect for streaming platforms—which already use web technologies in many cases—but it greatly reduces the scope for more complex games, advanced tools, or utilities that pushed the old Fire OS to its limits.
The debut of this system occurs with the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, the first model to officially abandon AndroidAmazon has presented it as a very lightweight device, capable of running on just 1 GB of RAM thanks to the optimization of Vega OS, something difficult to imagine with a classic Android TV 4K that normally requires twice the memory.
What changes for the user: goodbye to sideloading and Android apps on Vega OS
The shift to Vega OS has an immediate consequence for the advanced user: No more installing APKs as if the Fire TV were an Android TVSideloading, the practice of manually installing apps from a downloaded file or USB drive, is one of the biggest casualties of the new system.
Amazon has made it clear that in Vega OS You can only install apps from the Amazon AppstoreNo external APKs or unknown sources: if an app isn't in the official store, you simply can't install it. At least, not through the usual methods we were familiar with on Fire OS.
This move is also a response to another war that Amazon has been waging for some time: the fight against piracy and illegal sports apps who had found a true paradise in Fire TV. The company has received pressure from entities such as the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), which brings together studios, platforms, and sports organizations, concerned about the millions of dollars lost to pirated broadcasts.
The Linux-based architecture allows Amazon Much better control over what is installed on each deviceThis brings its ecosystem closer to something more like Apple TV—closed and highly controlled—and further away from the much freer environment offered by Android TV and Google TV. With Android as the base, blocking sideloading was fragile; with its own system, the company has absolute control.
The company does, however, leave a small loophole for developers: Installing apps from external sources will exist as an option intended only for testing and development.With special credentials and more complex processes than what we knew in Fire OS, the average user is effectively left without that previously useful backdoor.
Older Fire TVs will continue to run Android-based Fire OS
Given this scenario, the logical fear was that Amazon would launch a silent update that would migrate existing Fire TVs to Vega OS, abruptly closing the possibility of installing APKs and "capping" thousands of devices worldwide without the user being able to do anything.
However, the company itself has come out to deny this catastrophic scenario. In official statements, it has confirmed that “The operating systems of Fire TV Stick devices are not going to change”In other words, the models you already have at home will continue to run Fire OS, based on Android, and will continue to receive support and updates.
This implies that the Older Fire TV devices will maintain compatibility with Android apps and APK installation.always within the limits that Amazon imposes to combat illegal content. The company insists that it wants to protect intellectual property rights, which explains the recent blocks on certain "pirated" sports apps, but the general philosophy of Fire OS on these devices remains the same.
There is, however, a key nuance: from now on they will coexist two worlds within the Fire TV ecosystemOn one hand, there are dongles and televisions with Fire OS (based on Android), which will continue to function as before, and even with newer versions based on more recent Android such as Android 14. On the other hand, there are new products with Vega OS that start an ecosystem from scratch and break with all previous compatibility.
This dual strategy creates a somewhat confusing future for the user: Your current Fire TV will remain versatile and APK-friendlyBut when it's time to upgrade your device, you'll have to seriously consider whether it's worth switching to Vega OS or if it's better to go back to Google's territory with Android TV or Google TV.
Why Amazon is betting on Vega OS: total control and cheaper devices
Beyond the fight against piracy, Vega OS fits into a broader strategy: Amazon wants to control the entire technology stack of its productsFrom hardware to the app store, without depending on Google's decisions or changes of direction.
By relying on Linux and web technologies, the new system is much lighter and more efficient for low-cost hardwareA clear example is the Fire TV Stick 4K Select with its 1GB of RAM, which theoretically offers fast loading times and a smooth experience despite the limited memory. This opens the door to launching cheaper and more accessible devices without significantly compromising the user experience.
This approach is not limited to Fire TV: Devices such as the 3rd generation Echo Show 5, Echo Hub, or Echo Spot already use variants of Vega OSThis demonstrates that Amazon wants to unify and simplify development across its entire home automation and multimedia ecosystem.
From a business perspective, the move is similar to what Apple has been doing for years: close the system to monetize primarily through services and contentAmazon gives up the extreme flexibility of Android, but in return ensures that everything goes through its store, its recommendations, and its service layer, with less risk of third-party apps compromising the experience.
That doesn't mean Fire OS will disappear anytime soon. The company has reiterated that will continue to launch devices with Fire OS and is even working on a major new version based on Android 14. For now, Vega OS is meant to "add" to the existing system, not completely replace it, although in the medium term it is clear that Amazon wants to increasingly promote its own system.
The great sacrifice: limited app ecosystem and fragmentation
Vega OS's Achilles' heel is clearly its app catalog. Because it's not compatible with Android, None of the current Fire OS apps work directly In the new system: each developer has to create a specific version of their app for Vega OS, which in practice means starting from scratch.
For now, Amazon has confirmed support for major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Prime Video, Paramount+, YouTube, Pluto TV or PlexIn other words, users who only want to view content from typical apps won't notice much of a change, at least in the short term.
The problem arises with everything else: alternative players, little-known utilities, specialized apps, or niche services which will take a long time—if they ever arrive—on Vega OS. Meanwhile, they will continue to exist and be updated on Fire OS, further fragmenting the Fire TV ecosystem.
For developers, it means having to Maintain two versions of your apps if you want to be on all Fire devices.The Android variant for Fire OS and the web/vpkg version for Vega OS. Not everyone will be willing to bear that cost, so it's likely that the app catalog will be considerably smaller on new devices for quite some time.
Meanwhile, older models running Fire OS will continue to receive software-based anti-piracy restrictions. Amazon has warned that it will progressively notify and block applications considered unauthorized., especially those related to illegal sports broadcasts, although it will maintain the technical possibility of installing APKs as long as they do not violate its policies.
Alternatives with Android TV and Google TV to maintain app freedom
If for you it's essential to be able to install Android apps, whether from the Play Store or via APK, the most sensible thing to do right now is Look towards the Google ecosystem with Android TV or Google TVThe gradual removal of Android from new Fire TVs makes dongles and TV boxes with Google TV much more attractive.
One of the most interesting options is the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K 2nd GenerationThis model competes head-to-head with high-end Fire TV Sticks. It features a more powerful chip than its predecessor, 2GB of RAM, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, resulting in smooth browsing and very fast loading times.
In the audiovisual section, the Xiaomi stick offers 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos supportThis allows you to enjoy picture and sound quality very close to that of a high-end television without having to change your screen. All this with the Google TV interface, full access to Google Play, and the usual support for apps like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Spotify, and Prime Video.
In addition, this device integrates Chromecast comes standard, allowing you to send content from your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop to your TV. With a single touch, no wires, and no loss of resolution. And the Bluetooth remote with voice control and Google Assistant makes searching for content or controlling the TV as easy as speaking to the remote.
In terms of price, the Xiaomi TV Stick 4K is usually priced around 70 euros in its official priceHowever, in specific promotions (for example, on AliExpress with discount codes) it can be found for considerably less, thus becoming one of the most balanced 4K TV Sticks on the market.
More alternatives: TV Box and other sticks with Google TV
If you prefer something more versatile than a simple HDMI stick, the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd generation It's one of the most complete and reasonably priced TV boxes. It shares the same processor and Wi-Fi 6 as the 4K stick, but offers a significant leap in internal storage and physical connectivity.
This model offers 32 GB internal memoryThis is very welcome if you install many games and large apps, and it adds a full-size USB port, ideal for connect external storage devices, hard drives or peripheralsIt also maintains compatibility with 4K, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and the full Google TV interface with Play Store.
With an official price of around 74,99 EurosIt is a very solid alternative to classic Fire TVs, especially for those who have room on their TV stand and value having more ports and storage space for local content.
In the realm of budget sticks, a curious proposal also emerges: the Thomson Go Cast 150 and 140These devices are designed as spiritual successors to the "pure" Chromecast that Google discontinued. Both offer 4K resolution, 2GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage, as well as support for Dolby Vision and Atmos on certain models.
Its great advantage is that They largely replicate the simplicity of the classic Chromecast.But with the added flexibility of Google TV and access to the Play Store, while still allowing you to manually install apps when needed. Their prices range from €47,90 to €49,90 depending on the model, making them quite competitive options for those looking to spend wisely.
At the top end of this segment appears the Google TV Streamer 4KThe Chromecast, a natural successor to Google TV, boasts a design closer to a small set-top box than a simple dongle. It incorporates more powerful hardware, an improved remote, and the purest Google TV experience, with deep integration into the Google ecosystem and smart home devices. However, its price rises to around €119.
All these devices share something that makes them especially attractive compared to Fire TVs with Vega OS: They maintain the freedom to install Android apps., either from Google Play or via APK, without the increasingly strict restrictions that Amazon is imposing.
A future with two paths: stick with your old Fire TV or change ecosystems
With all of the above in mind, the current situation can be summarized as follows: Older Amazon Fire TVs will continue to run Android via Fire OSWithout forced migrations to Vega OS. They will continue to receive support and, in many cases, you will still be able to install APKs as long as you don't violate Amazon's anti-piracy policies.
Meanwhile, new releases like the Fire TV Stick 4K Select are ushering in a more closed, optimized Vega OS ecosystem aligned with Amazon's business interestsbut with a more limited app catalog and without the previous flexibility for the advanced user.
The decision for the user becomes quite pragmatic: if your current Fire TV works well and You depend on sideloading or apps that are not in the Amazon Appstore.It makes sense to stick with it as long as you can. You're not going to lose Android overnight, and you'll maintain the versatility that made Fire TV a bestseller.
On the other hand, if you're thinking of upgrading or buying a new device and you value above all else Full compatibility with Android and the ability to install whatever you wantThe alternatives with Android TV or Google TV —especially the models from Xiaomi, Thomson or Google TV Streamer itself— currently offer a more interesting balance between freedom, performance and price.
Amazon has chosen a path that prioritizes control, security, and cost over openness and flexibility, while Google keeps Android's more open philosophy alive in the living room. Older Fire TVs are left in a kind of limbo, but in a good way: they retain the best of both worlds for a few more years.allowing you to calmly decide whether, when it's time to change, you jump to the new Vega OS or definitively take refuge in the Google TV universe.