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Amazon just dropped something big: the Fire TV Stick 4K Select — and it’s not just another streaming stick. It’s the first device to ship with Vega OS, Amazon’s new, custom-built operating system. In this article, we’ll break down what’s changed, what it means for the Fire TV ecosystem, and whether this new direction might spell the death of the Firestick as you know it.
What Is Vega OS?
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- Vega OS is a Linux-based operating system built from scratch by Amazon, rather than being a fork of Android like the classic Fire OS.
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- It promises a leaner, more efficient experience — faster app launches, smoother navigation, and less resource overhead.
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- But it comes with a big trade-off: no sideloading. Only apps available through the Amazon Appstore will be allowed on Vega-powered devices.
Amazon has also introduced a React Native–based framework for developers to build apps for Vega, and it’s working with selected publishers on a “Cloud App Program” to stream apps not yet ported to Vega.
Fire TV Stick 4K Select: Specs & Price
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Price | ~$39.99 USD (or equivalent in other regions) |
| Processor | Quad-core, ~1.7 GHz |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Storage | 8 GB |
| Video Support | 4K + HDR10+ |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 |
For comparison, older Fire TV 4K models commonly came with 2 GB of RAM and supported sideloading features.
What’s Different (and Risky)
1. Less Memory, More Restriction
Dropping from 2 GB to just 1 GB of RAM is a bold move, especially for multitasking apps or memory-heavy apps. Many users already report lag and slowdowns with the Select model.
The inability to sideload apps means enthusiasts who like to install custom apps, Kodi, or third-party stores might be locked out.
2. App Compatibility & Ecosystem Transition
Because Vega is a new OS, existing Android-based Fire apps aren’t directly compatible. Developers must rebuild apps to run natively on Vega.
Amazon is trying to ease the transition with cloud streaming for unsupported apps (via its Cloud App Program), but it’s likely only offered to selected apps for a limited time.
3. Consumer Backlash
The reviews are not pretty. As of now, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select averages around 2.8 out of 5 in user ratings, with many complaints about slow performance and a weak app library.
There have even been reports that Amazon briefly deleted negative, 1-star reviews saying “this isn’t worth it,” then restored them — raising concerns about control over feedback.
4. Naming Confusion
To reduce confusion, Amazon rebranded the older Fire TV Stick 4K (Android-based) to Fire TV Stick 4K Plus. So now the lineup is:
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- Fire TV Stick 4K Select (Vega OS)
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- Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (Android/Fire OS)
Is It the End of the Firestick?
“Death” is a strong word, but make no mistake — the Firestick as a hacker-friendly, fully open Android device is being challenged.
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- For general users who only use official streaming apps, Vega OS may feel snappier and more secure.
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- For power users who love custom apps, tweaks, sideloading — this is a step backward.
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- The success of Vega depends heavily on how many developers commit to porting their apps and whether the ecosystem supports the variety of content users expect.
In short: the classic Firestick is not dead yet, but it’s evolving — and likely becoming more locked down.
Conclusion & What to Watch
The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is Amazon’s statement: they want tighter control over their streaming platform. But the transition will be rocky, and they’re risking backlash from their more tech-savvy users.