Fire TV devices 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.

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

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 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.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Amazon Plans Android-Powered Fire Tablet in Major Software Shift

Amazon plans to transition its Fire tablet lineup from its custom Fire OS to a standard Android platform, codenamed Kittyhawk, with a new higher-end tablet model expected next year. This change aims to improve app availability and compatibility for users. The new tablet is projected to retail at around 0, a significant increase from the current Fire Max 11's price of 0. Amazon currently holds approximately 8% of the tablet market, while Apple and Samsung lead with 33% and 19%, respectively. Lower-priced Fire tablets will continue to use Amazon's Linux-based Vega operating system until the full transition to Android is completed over the coming years.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

These Amazon Fire TV apps are being blocked for promoting piracy

Amazon has begun blocking several streaming applications on its Fire TV platform that promote unauthorized access to DRM-protected content, including Blink Streamz, Flix Vision, Live NetTV, and Ocean Streamz. Users attempting to open or sideload these apps receive a warning message indicating potential risks to device functionality and personal data, with the option to Keep the app grayed out. Although the Fire TV does not automatically delete these applications, the uncertainty about their future functionality is frustrating for users. Reports suggest that some blocked apps may harbor malware, with Flix Vision specifically exploiting device resources. Amazon has not publicly detailed the reasons for blocking these apps. Analysts have criticized Amazon for allowing piracy to proliferate, and Sky has accused the company of failing to curb illegal streaming activities, claiming that over half of the Fire TV devices sold in the UK are illegal jailbroken units.

BetaBeacon

April 23, 2025

Xbox will soon let you purchase games in its mobile app

Xbox is now allowing beta testers to purchase games, DLC, and more directly from its app on Android and iOS. The update also includes the ability to sign up for Game Pass, but remote play within the Xbox app will no longer be available.

BetaBeacon

April 16, 2025

Xbox app for Android & iOS will soon be able to buy games, remote play moving to web

Microsoft has announced new updates for Xbox, including the ability to purchase games and Game Pass through the Xbox app on Android. Additionally, Xbox Remote Play will be expanded to more platforms, allowing players to stream their console through the web and play games from the original Xbox and Xbox 360.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Amazon is killing the Appstore for Android in August, ending support for installed apps

The Amazon Appstore, introduced in March 2011 for Android phones and tablets, will be discontinued for Android devices on August 20, 2025. Users will no longer be able to download or install applications from the Appstore on Android devices, and there is no guarantee that previously installed apps will continue to function after this date. The Appstore will remain operational for Fire Tablet and Fire TV devices. Users could previously synchronize app purchases across devices, but this feature will end with the discontinuation. The Appstore initially offered a "free app of the day" promotion, and many users may have older paid apps linked to their Amazon accounts, which will only be accessible via Amazon Fire devices after August. Amazon is allowing a six-month period for users to adapt and cancel subscriptions tied to the Appstore. Additionally, Amazon is phasing out Amazon Coins, with purchases ending on February 20, 2025, but users can use remaining balances until August 20, 2025, after which unspent Coins will be refunded.