(Credit: Amazon)
If you're upgrading to Amazon's new Fire TV Stick HD, you'll lose one notable perk: the ability to sideload apps.
As Cord Cutters News reports, some shoppers are seeing a warning on the product page for the newest streamer that says: "For enhanced security, this device prevents sideloading or installing apps from unknown sources. Only apps from the Amazon Appstore are available for download."
It's not showing up for everyone; we're not seeing it on our own Amazon account. However, it shouldn't come as a huge surprise since we first heard of rumblings about it last year, and reports emerged in January about Amazon blocking apps that facilitate piracy.
Sideloading allows users to download and install applications via APK files, giving the device access to a much wider range of apps than can be found on Amazon's Appstore. However, it also allows access to services like illegal streaming sites and retro game emulators. Last year, media research group Enders Analysis accused the Amazon Fire TV Stick of being a "piracy enabler," particularly for live sports, the BBC reported at the time.
It comes as Amazon transitions its smart home devices from Android to the Linux-based Vega OS. We first heard about it in 2023, but Vega OS didn't roll out until last year on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. "Vega OS allows for fast app launches and smooth interfaces without sacrificing the Fire TV experience customers know and love. Starting with Fire TV Stick 4K Select, all future Fire TV Sticks will run on Vega," Amazon says on its Fire TV developer page.
Though you might not be able to sideload, the Fire TV Stick HD promises to be Amazon’s slimmest dongle ever, with faster load times and the ability to draw power directly from your TV via the USB port; no need for a wall adapter. It also brings built-in Alexa+ features for Prime subscribers. It’s available for preorder now for $34.99 and launches on April 29.