The new Fire TV Stick 4K Select is here, and it aims to be the easiest way to stream HD. In a compact form factor, offers 4K with HDR10+ and a more agile interface, designed for those who want to modernize their TV without complications and without spending too much.
The other big news is inside: it's the first Fire TV Stick to be released VegaOS, Amazon's own systemThis jump brings significant changes to compatibility and how apps are installed, so it's worth reviewing what comes standard and what's still in need of refinement.
Major improvements in image and navigation
The device plays content in 4K Ultra HD with HDR10+ support, with a sharper image and more precise color. It also benefits from processing that aids in scaling and adjustments so that movies, series, or live broadcasts look more powerful even if they're not recorded in 4K.
In daily use, a more responsive interface is appreciated, with faster menus and less waitingAmazon has beefed up personalized recommendations: the more you use it, the more refined the selection that appears on your home screen. Plus, there's a redesigned live channel guide and a unified list that groups what you want to see from different platforms in one place.
Vega OS replaces Fire OS
With the Fire TV Stick 4K Select debuts Vega OS (Linux-based) instead of Android/Fire OSThis implies a more closed ecosystem: sideloading disappears and applications are installed exclusively from the Amazon Appstore. For the transition period, Amazon has a Cloud App Program which allows you to temporarily run some apps while waiting for native versions to arrive.
Amazon confirms that devices with Fire OS and Vega OS will coexist for a while, without the possibility of “crossing” from one system to another, something that is part of the New wave of controls on IPTV appsIn this model with Vega OS 1.1, the company boasts faster startup and faster app launches, provided developers optimize their versions.
App status and Plex notification
The arrival of Vega OS brings a major tweak to familiar apps. Plex has posted an official notice For those planning to use their service on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select: there is already a specific app, but with initial limitations and errors that they are working to correct with Amazon.
- Local playback is limited to H.264 with AAC audio and a bit rate up to 7 Mbps; other codecs require transcoding.
- Playback options missing for now: screen modes (zoom, letterbox, original), speed change, refresh rate and resolution, and advanced subtitle customization.
- Photos and Music features not yet available.
- Live TV: crashes if there are more than 200 channels, favorites lists not loading, and occasional interruptions.
The company assures that some improvements, such as the support for additional codecs, will arrive soon, while others depend on new capabilities of Vega OS itself and could take longer.
Cloud gaming and connected home
Amazon has announced that the Fire TV Stick 4K Select will receive support for streaming games (Xbox Cloud Gaming/Game Pass and Amazon Luna). The feature will be gradually rolled out to Vega OS, so it's a good idea to check its availability if your primary goal is to play from the cloud.
In all other uses, it maintains full integration with Alexa for voice searches and smart home control (lights, cameras, music). There is access to thousands of apps and services, including Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, RTVE Play, and Twitch, as well as free ad-supported channels to expand your catalog at no additional cost.
Price, availability and box contents
The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is sold in Spain by 54,99 EurosIt's available for shipping in mid-October, and is already available for immediate purchase at multiple Amazon stores.
The box includes everything you need to get started: the HDMI stick, the power cable and the voice-activated remote. Setup is straightforward: plug into the TV's HDMI port, connect to your Wi-Fi network, and you're ready to go in minutes.
Impact on piracy and security
The move to Vega OS also has a control component: The end of sideloading closes the door to unverified apps, which makes illegal IPTV more difficult and reduces the market for modified devices. The measure comes after pressure from leagues and operators who reported the fraudulent use of older Fire TVs.
With a curated catalog and a more limited developer mode, Amazon strengthens the security and protection of its ecosystem, in exchange for sacrificing some of the flexibility that many users associated with Fire OS based on Android.
Those looking for a simple 4K player that is well integrated with popular services will find this model to be a solid proposition, as Vega OS matures and apps adjust their versionsThe reasonable price, improved fluidity, and the promise of features like cloud gaming clear the way, although it's worth keeping in mind warnings like Plex's if that app is key to your daily use.
