Millions of households in the UK are currently utilizing unauthorized Fire TV Sticks to access entertainment content. These altered devices, widely available online, grant users unrestricted entry to premium offerings like Sky Sports and blockbuster movies for a nominal annual fee, with some even providing complimentary shows and boxsets.
The increasing trend of people veering away from official service providers has raised concerns for companies like Sky regarding the use of modified Fire TV Sticks.
Sky’s Chief Operating Officer, Nick Herm, acknowledged the prevalence of jailbroken Fire Sticks among consumers, highlighting the accessibility to pirated services through these devices. Herm mentioned instances of football fans displaying Fire Sticks branding on their attire, reflecting the widespread adoption of these unconventional streaming methods.
Amazon, the retailer of Fire TV Sticks, bears no responsibility for the illicit use of these devices. Amazon markets its Fire TV Sticks entirely legally, with official apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video pre-installed on the devices. The issue stems from the capability to sideload unofficial applications, enabling the installation of free streaming software.
In response to the misuse of these devices, Amazon has introduced a new product, the 4K Select Fire TV Stick. This updated version, priced slightly lower, offers access to high-definition 4K visuals and operates on a different platform named Vega, departing from Amazon’s Fire OS. Notably, the new software restricts the installation of unauthorized apps, indicating a shift towards enhanced security and compliance with approved software from the Amazon Appstore.
While the new Fire TV Stick model won’t immediately prevent the use of unauthorized apps on existing devices, it signals a potential shift towards curbing illegal streaming practices in the future. Amazon has emphasized the importance of enhanced security by limiting app downloads to only those available on the Amazon Appstore for Fire TV.