Amazon cracks down on 'dodgy Fire Sticks' with launch of new streaming device
While its far from the only gadget capable of doing this, Amazon's Fire Stick has been by far the most popular choice for illegal streaming over the last few years, leading the tech giant to implement a multi-step crack down that might just have reached its apex.
In essence, users have been able to take advantage of the Fire Stick's capacity for side-loading and app store downloads to install 'dodgy' apps giving them access to live TV and various streaming platforms.
This has been most frequently used for sport, especially with the rising cost and potential inaccessibility of existing packages, but both Amazon and the rights holders have understandably been working to put an end to what has become a major thorn in their side.
The final nail in the coffin might now have been put in place, however, with the introduction of Amazon's latest Fire TV Stick 4K, as while most of its new features will benefit all users, it critically brings with it a new operating system which prevents the need for a downloader app.
How does the new Fire Stick stop illegal streaming?
Fire Sticks were previously driven by an Android-based operating system that's not too dissimilar to what you'd find on a phone, meaning that it gave users a fairly large amount of freedom when it came to the installation of third-party files and custom launchers.
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That has all changed with the arrival of Vega OS, however, as this now runs on a Linux-based system that is incompatible with effectively all of the standard Android-based piracy applications, causing them to stop working from now on.
In addition to this major change, developer options that some used to bypass guardrails have now been locked and require verified credentials to access, and Amazon is also reportedly able to identify and block piracy tools at the device-level thanks to the new Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment collaboration with over 50 different media companies.
As reported by Android Authority, Vega OS is currently only available on the new devices, but Amazon seemingly plans to extend that remit to older Fire Sticks too, putting long-time users in its crosshairs.
Amazon has, however, indicated that it views Vega OS as an 'expansion' and not a 'replacement' within its OS strategy, with a spokesperson outlining to Android Authority: "We're a multi-OS company, and Fire OS isn't going anywhere.
"Vega OS gives us the flexibility to create premium experiences at every price point — notably on smaller, more affordable devices that run on low memory footprints, but also on larger devices running complex AI programs such as Alexa+."
What other features have arrived with the new Amazon Fire Stick?
While the arrival of Vega OS has certainly drawn the most attention, many other new changes are definitely worth checking out, as they should make the experience using your Fire Stick better than ever.
First up is the change to power delivery, as the new Fire TV Stick 4K no longer requires a power adapter, as per The Verge, and can now be operated directly from your TV's USB port, removing a major pain point for many users.
There's also a redesign to the remote, opting for an asymmetrical shape with 'more tactile controls', with also plans for a 'Plus' remote complete with an aluminium build, backlit buttons, and even a 'Find My Remote' feature in the pipeline for those moments when it's slipped down the back of your couch.