Amazon’s new OS for Fireplace TV gamers is a double-edged sword

Amazon goes in a brand new course with its newest 4K Fireplace TV streaming stick, and it’s a course that Fireplace TV sideloaders in all probability received’t like. 

Making its debut through the firm’s massive fall {hardware} occasion in New York Metropolis on Tuesday and slated to ship in October, the Fireplace TV Stick 4K Choose will rank as Amazon’s third 4K-capable streaming stick, alongside the Fireplace TV Stick 4K and the Fireplace TV Stick 4K Max. 

The newer Fireplace TV Stick 4K Choose provides pared-down audio and video specs in comparison with its siblings. Sure, the 4K Choose can deal with 4K video, however it lacks the Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR help of the opposite two sticks, and it’s additionally lacking Dolby Atmos audio (though the latter could be piped to a TV or A/V receiver by way of HDMI passthrough). 

These lacking options account for the Fireplace TV Stick 4K Choose’s cheaper price: simply $39.99, versus a listing value of $49.99 for the Fireplace TV Stick 4K and $59.99 for the Fireplace TV Stick 4K Max. 

However one factor Amazon says is didn’t skimp on with the Fireplace TV Stick 4K Choose is efficiency, and it will get assist beneath the hood with a brand new platform that marks a departure from Amazon’s earlier OS for Fireplace TV units, which is broadly believed to be primarily based on Android. 

Each “responsive” in addition to “extremely environment friendly,” Amazon says Vega OS helps to spice up the pace of the 4K Choose’s interface and apps whereas nonetheless enabling 4K HDR video at “an unimaginable worth,” based on Amazon, which went on to name the streamer the quickest of its type for lower than $40. (We’re trying ahead to stacking up the brand new Amazon keep on with Roku’s $40 Streaming Stick Plus, which additionally does 4K.) 

In fact, the brand new Vega OS (stated to be primarily based on Linux) would require a brand new set of streaming apps that help it. Amazon is promising Vega OS-ready variations of the most important streaming apps for the Fireplace TV Stick 4K Choose, whereas additionally making it clear that for “enhanced safety, solely apps from the Amazon Appstore can be found for obtain.” 

It’s a restriction that received’t trouble the overwhelming majority of Fireplace TV customers, however it’s positive to frustrate Fireplace TV customers accustomed to sideloading (by way of a pretty convoluted course of) non-Amazon app retailer functions onto their units.  

The Fireplace TV Stick 4K Choose is slated to ship in October, and it’ll arrive alongside Amazon’s refreshed Omni QLED Collection TVs (starting from 50- to 75 inches, beginning at $479.99) and step-down 4-Collection units (from 43- to 55 inches, beginning at $159.99). 

This story is a part of TechHive’s protection of the most effective streaming media gamers.

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