The growing trend of using modified Fire TV Sticks for accessing premium content like Sky Sports and movies at a fraction of the cost is becoming increasingly popular in UK households. These altered devices, widely available online, provide users with unauthorized access to a variety of entertainment offerings, including shows and boxsets.
The shift towards unofficial providers has raised concerns for companies like Sky, as the prevalence of jailbroken Fire Sticks allows users to stream pirated services easily. Sky’s chief operating officer, Nick Herm, noted the widespread knowledge and adoption of these devices, even to the extent of fans sporting custom “Fire Sticks” shirts.
Amazon, the seller of Fire TV Sticks, distances itself from any association with the illicit use of its devices. The company only includes official apps such as Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video on its devices, but the problem arises from the ability to install unauthorized applications for free streaming.
In response to ongoing misuse, Amazon has introduced a new Fire TV Stick model, the 4K Select. This updated device, priced slightly lower than its predecessors, offers enhanced 4K visuals and operates on the Vega platform instead of Amazon’s Fire OS. Notably, the new software restricts the installation of only approved apps from Amazon’s marketplace, potentially curbing the use of unofficial applications for illegal streaming.
Amazon has emphasized the security features of the new Fire TV Stick, ensuring that only apps from its Appstore can be downloaded for enhanced security. While existing Fire TV Sticks with unauthorized apps remain unaffected, the new restrictions could signal a shift towards preventing illegal streaming activities on these devices in the future.
