Earlier this week, Amazon announced a new Fire Stick HD streaming stick with a slimmer design, faster browsing and improved connectivity. However, there was one new feature Amazon didn’t mention in its announcement – the presence of the Vega OS instead of the forked version of Android.
Lowpass received word from Amazon that Vega – which debuted on Amazon’s Echo Show smart displays before landing on a Fire TV Stick 4K Select last autumn – is running the show for the first time on a HD model. Vega is based on Linux-based and the rollout is somewhat complicated by support for some key apps which, Lowpass said, led to the Fire TV Stick 4K Select running some Android apps from the cloud.
The report also said the switch had annoyed some Fire TV fans annoyed that they were unable to sideload apps anymore, but Amazon is persevering anyway. Amazon is now all-in on Vega, the report says, confirming that future devices will all be arriving on Vega rather than Android.
The new model is available to preorder in the US and costs $35. It’ll launch in the UK and other nations at the end of the month. Aside from the slimmer design, it’s speedier than former HD models and powers on faster with apps opening more rapidly too. There’s also support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, both of which offer more reliable connectivity than its predecessor.
The new model includes support for the new Alexa+ AI assistant, which provides “provides smarter, more personalised recommendations through natural conversation.” The company adds: “You can ask Alexa+ to help you find your next binge-worthy TV series, learn more about the actor you see on screen, or easily control your connected smart home devices like dimming the lights in your living room.”
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