Amazon's new Fire TV Stick 4K without Android. What does that mean?

Amazon has unveiled the new Fire TV Stick 4K, which replaces the previous Fire TV Stick 4K Select and Fire TV Stick 4K Plus models. The device supports 4K resolution at 60 fps and HDR10+, but the most important change is the operating system. Amazon is once again moving away from Android and is using its own Vega OS.

Vega OS instead of Android. This is a significant change for users

The new Fire TV Stick 4K runs on Vega OS, which Amazon is developing as its own platform for Fire TV devices. In practice, this means moving away from the previous Android-based solution and changing how apps are handled. This doesn’t cause major problems with popular streaming services, since services like Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+ and many others are still available. For less popular apps, compatibility may differ from older Fire TV devices. It’s definitely a noticeable change. You’ll have to adapt to the new system.

Fire TV Stick 4K will support HDR10+

The new stick can play 4K content at 60 fps. The list of supported formats also includes HDR10+. At the same time, according to FlatpanelsHD, the device does not support Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos. Users with a TV and audio system that support those standards should check the new model’s specifications before buying. The Fire TV Stick 4K can also be powered directly from a TV’s USB port, so using an external power adapter plugged into the wall is not always necessary.

Amazon started selling the new hardware in selected markets on September 30. At the time of publication, we have no news of a launch in Poland. However, the streaming stick is available from our western neighbors. Amazon says it will roll the device out to additional markets in the coming months. Maybe we'll get lucky 😉.

Sources: Amazon, FlatpanelsHD