{
  "id": 15406467,
  "title": "My old Fire TV Stick does more than Amazon's brand-new one, because the new one can't sideload a single app",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/my-old-fire-tv-stick-does-more-than-amazons-brand-new-one-because-the",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-18T12:30:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/my-old-amazon-fire-tv-stick-does-more-because-new-one-cant-sideload/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Amazon's new Fire TV sticks lack the ability to sideload apps, unlike their older counterparts. The company has switched from Fire OS to Vega OS, a Linux-based operating system, which prevents users from installing third-party apps. This change comes with the intention of enhancing performance and security, but it also eliminates the flexibility users enjoyed with Android-based Fire OS. Android apps, which were previously installable via sideloading, are no longer compatible with Vega OS. The company aims to minimize the range of installed apps by pushing developers to create applications for the new operating system. However, this approach may hinder the growth of third-party apps, particularly for independent developers. The new sticks offer fewer app options compared to their Android-based predecessors, which could be expanded by installing APKs. Despite Amazon's efforts to tighten control over the device's functionality, some users still prefer the flexibility that sideloading provided, including running alternative launchers and using apps not available in Amazon's store. Those interested in maintaining the ability to sideload apps may want to seek out older models that still run Fire OS. However, this new direction from Amazon may lead to a decline in the availability of sideloadable apps on Fire TV devices.",
  "summary": "The new stick is very limited, and I want my old one back.",
  "key_points": [
    "Amazon's new Fire TV sticks can't sideload apps.",
    "Switched from Fire OS to Vega OS, a Linux-based system.",
    "Vega OS blocks third-party app installations."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}