What’s new in Amazon’s latest Fire TV Stick update?
The latest Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select comes with a massive upgrade in the form of a new operating system. While previous versions relied on Android-based OS to allow users to stream their favorite shows, the current edition comes with Amazon's in-house OS named Vega.
Vega is a Linux-based OS meant to gradually replace the previously-used Fire OS (an Android-based system). According to Amazon, this change aims to provide an OS that’s “highly responsive with an efficient footprint, enabling fast app launches and smooth navigation.”
The new OS supports VPN connection (something the Fire OS versions didn’t have) and has a built-in Amazon Appstore, where users will be able to get their preferred applications (including VPN apps). Since Vega OS allows users to install apps only from the Amazon Appstore, it’s likely that the era of APKs (Android package kits) for Amazon Fire TV Sticks could be nearing its end. While it may be a disappointment for many Fire TV Stick users, Amazon claims its decision will provide “enhanced security” to those who use these devices.
Amazon also confirmed it will continue supporting Fire OS alongside Vega OS. The only exception will be the latest Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which will sport the Linux-based OS.
Why is Amazon switching to a new OS?
Amazon is fully aware that Fire OS’s reliance on the Android framework allowed users to exploit the Fire TV Stick by “sideloading” APKs (installing apps from sources other than the official app store). While this gave Fire TV Stick users more freedom, it also opened the door to cyber threats in the form of malicious APKs.
Although the company states that the upgrade addresses user security first, it’s no secret that Amazon is also fighting online piracy. Since Fire OS allowed users to sideload many different APKs, some of which allowed users to circumvent Amazon’s licensing restrictions and regulations, the company chose to introduce measures that would limit such exploitation.
How to set up NordVPN on Amazon Fire TV Stick
To set up the NordVPN TV app on your Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select, plug the device into your TV and turn it on. Once the TV configures the device, find the Amazon Appstore in the settings and look for the NordVPN app. Download it from the store and sign in to your NordVPN account to get access to all app’s features.
For now, the NordVPN app for the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select will only have basic VPN functionalities, such as connection to all NordVPN locations, auto-connect to selected location, and the NordLynx VPN protocol. More features are already planned and should be arriving soon.
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NordVPN is one of the most trusted VPN providers in the world, offering users advanced security and privacy features. With more than 8,300 servers in 165 locations worldwide, the service provides safer online presence, opportunity to access subscribed content from almost anywhere in the world, and security features such as Threat Protection.
Threat Protection comes with benefits such as DNS filtering and can also block malicious domains, limit the number of annoying ads and trackers, and support connection to up to 10 devices per account. Whether for your smart TV, computer, or mobile phone, NordVPN is here to offer the best protection possible.
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