Millions of households in the UK are utilizing unauthorized Fire TV Sticks to access premium entertainment content like Sky Sports and blockbuster movies at a fraction of the cost. These modified devices are easily accessible online and often come pre-loaded with shows and boxsets for free, posing a challenge for official providers like Sky.
Nick Herm, Sky’s chief operating officer, highlighted the prevalence of jailbroken Fire Sticks within social circles and sports events, noting the popularity of accessing pirated services through these devices. Some football fans even go as far as having custom shirts with “Fire Sticks” printed on them.
While Amazon legally sells Fire TV Sticks with official apps like Netflix and Disney+, the issue arises from the ability to sideload unofficial applications for free streaming services. This loophole has allowed unauthorized usage of the devices, prompting Amazon to address the concern with the introduction of the new Fire TV Stick 4K Select.
The latest model, priced slightly lower, offers enhanced 4K visuals and operates on the Vega system, departing from Amazon’s Fire OS. Notably, the 4K Select restricts app installations to only approved software from Amazon’s marketplace, preventing unofficial applications from functioning, potentially curbing illegal streaming activities.
Amazon has emphasized enhanced security by allowing downloads solely from the Amazon Appstore on Fire TV, indicating a shift towards stricter control over app compatibility. While existing Fire TV Sticks will not be affected, the implementation of these measures could deter the use of unauthorized apps in the future.