Fire TV Archives

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

That popular YouTube alternative on Android TV was secretly distributing infected builds

SmartTube, a popular YouTube application for Android TV and Fire TV, was removed from these platforms due to malware that compromised the developer's build machine. Some versions released earlier this month contained this malware. Users are advised to reset their devices and review their YouTube and Google account information. Initially, it was thought that a digital signature leak was the reason for the app's removal, but it was later confirmed that the build environment was compromised. The developers are investigating which specific versions were affected, with versions 30.43 and 30.47 flagged as malicious. A new version, build number 30.56, has been released from a secure environment, but previous versions have been removed from GitHub. Users are recommended to perform a factory reset, review account permissions, and check YouTube activity for unusual activity.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

New Plex update means you need a pass for remote viewing on your TV

Plex is requiring Roku users to have either a Remote Watch Pass or a Plex Pass for remote streaming starting this week, with plans to extend similar requirements to Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV by 2026. Users need a Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass to access a Plex server outside its home network, although server owners can bypass this fee by subscribing to a Plex Pass. The Plex Pass is available for a monthly, yearly, or one-time lifetime fee, while the Remote Watch Pass is offered on a monthly or annual basis.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Xbox November Update: Gaming Copilot Available on Mobile, Full Screen Experience Out Now, and More

The full screen experience (FSE) is now available on a wider range of Windows devices, providing a clean interface for controller-first gaming. Windows Insiders can preview this feature on various Windows 11 PC form factors. A new user-selected resolution feature allows Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream games at resolutions up to 1440p. Xbox Cloud Gaming has expanded to India, marking its 29th market, and is now available on LG TV and Amazon Fire TV devices in Brazil and Argentina. Xbox Cloud Gaming support is being added to more Fire TV devices, including Fire TV Stick 4K Plus and Fire TV Omni QLED TVs. The Xbox Design Lab is offering free engraving on controller purchases from November 28 to December 12. The Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition accessory is designed for use across multiple screens and offers both wired and wireless connectivity. Over 1,000 games now support Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to switch devices without losing progress, with recent additions including ARC Raiders and Keeper. Xbox is also expanding its cloud gaming library for Game Pass members. Mouse and keyboard support, along with touch controls for over 230 games, have been introduced. Xbox encourages community feedback through the Xbox Insider Program for early access to new features.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Amazon’s Vega OS launch trick: cloud-streamed apps

Amazon has introduced its custom-built Vega operating system with the launch of the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which comes preinstalled with Vega. This new OS operates alongside Amazon's modified version of Android, creating challenges for developers who are hesitant to fully support Vega. To mitigate potential app shortages at launch, Amazon will allow the Fire TV Stick 4K Select to run Android versions of popular applications through cloud streaming. Amazon has also released documentation for developers on transitioning apps to the Linux-based Vega OS, which uses React Native as its default framework, and introduced the Amazon Cloud App Program to facilitate the deployment of existing Fire TV apps to Vega OS devices. Amazon is offering cloud streaming services free for the first nine months to encourage major publishers to develop native Vega apps, while also enabling cloud streaming for select popular Android apps. Developers can check if their apps are enrolled in the Cloud App Program via the Amazon developer portal. Although cloud streaming for TV apps is not new, Amazon's entry into this space is significant, especially following its previous use of cloud streaming for its Luna gaming service. The announcement of Vega OS comes nearly two years after its initial report and follows the launch of three Echo devices powered by Vega. With nearly 300 million Android-based Fire TV devices sold, it is essential for publishers to maintain support for Android apps. Amazon has stated its commitment to being a multi-OS company, continuing to launch new devices on Fire OS while supporting existing experiences.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

Amazon’s new Fire TV OS streams Android apps on worse hardware for the same price… why?

Amazon introduced the Fire TV Stick Select, featuring the new Vega OS, at its fall hardware event. The device will include a mix of Vega-native applications and clients using Amazon Web Services (AWS) for streaming, with existing Fire TV apps adaptable to the new platform. Developers will have nine months of free app streaming to create native Vega applications. The Fire TV Stick Select is priced similarly to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max but has less powerful hardware, including Wi-Fi 5 and limited HDR support. Concerns exist regarding the user experience, particularly if streaming quality is poor, which could affect Amazon's reputation in the market. The Appstore will indicate cloud notices for non-native apps, but user understanding of this feature may vary.

AppWizard

September 26, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Warm Snow, Venture Towns, Beastie Bay DX, more

A selection of popular titles on Google Play includes Venture Towns, Beastie Bay DX, and Final Frontier Story, all available at reduced prices. There is a noteworthy offer on Warm Snow and free icon packs. Google’s Moonstone Pixel Buds Pro 2 are at an all-time low price. Amazon's Fire TV Stick is available from a low price, and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge has a significant discount. Additional Android app deals are available, with various categories offering discounts. Subscribing to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel provides updates on tech deals.

AppWizard

September 4, 2025

Hollow Knight: Silksong Is Now on Xbox Game Pass (You’re Not Dreaming)

Hollow Knight: Silksong is now available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate provides access to a vast library of games across various platforms for a monthly fee. I Am Your Beast is accessible to Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard subscribers. Nine Sols has been newly added to Game Pass Standard. Cataclismo will be available for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers on September 4. PAW Patrol World will return for Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard subscribers on September 10. RoadCraft will be available for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers on September 16. Several games will be leaving Xbox Game Pass on September 15.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Xbox Game Pass Standard and Core Tiers Get Access to Cloud Gaming and New PC Games

Microsoft has made its Xbox Cloud Gaming service accessible to subscribers of the Game Pass Core and Standard tiers, allowing them to stream cloud-enabled games included in their subscriptions as well as select titles they already own. This change is effective immediately and does not extend to the PC Game Pass tier. Xbox Insiders subscribed to the Game Pass Core or Standard tiers can access select PC games through the Xbox app on PC. Xbox Cloud Gaming is available on Xbox consoles, PCs, and the web, as well as on Samsung and LG smart TVs and Fire TV devices. Users on smart TVs need to activate preview features in the Settings under the Account section to enable cloud-enabled games.

AppWizard

August 24, 2025

Goodbye to the Amazon store—it is liquidating its Appstore for Android and will refund money spent on apps and subscriptions—this is how you get your refund

Amazon will close its Appstore for Android on August 20, 2025, and discontinue its Amazon Coins program. Users with remaining Amazon Coins will be reimbursed. The closure raises concerns about the functionality of downloaded apps, which may cease to work and pose security risks. Users are advised to transition to Google Play and uninstall Amazon apps. Active subscriptions on Fire devices will continue without interruption, but users can cancel them for a proportional refund. After the closure, users are responsible for any data loss related to Amazon apps.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Amazon looks to ditch homegrown software for Android in Fire tablet revamp

Amazon is transforming its Fire tablet lineup by introducing a premium tablet model featuring the Android operating system for the first time, internally called "Kittyhawk." This shift aims to improve app availability and compatibility with other Android devices. The new tablet is expected to be priced around 0, nearly double the cost of the current Fire Max 11 tablet, which retails for approximately 0. Amazon is also exploring the launch of lower-priced tablets powered by its Linux-based Vega operating system. The Kittyhawk project may face delays or cancellation due to financial considerations.