Amazon Launches New Fire TV Stick HD with Vega OS

Amazon has announced the launch of a new version of the Fire TV Stick HD, which is equipped with an innovative operating system called Vega OS. This system replaces the previously used Android-based Fire OS and brings significant changes. Vega OS exclusively supports apps from the official Amazon App Store and restricts the sideloading of applications. Another feature of the new Fire TV Stick HD is the direct power supply from the television. The device is delivered without a separate power adapter and uses a supplied USB-C cable to draw power directly from the TV.

Amazon describes the new stick as the fastest HD streaming stick to date, offering optimized navigation to facilitate access to movies, series, and live TV content. The new Fire TV Stick HD is more compact than its predecessor, weighing only 35.8 grams. Despite using the same processor as the previous model, Amazon claims that performance has increased by an average of 30 percent. Content continues to be played in up to Full HD, with support for HDR10 and HDR10+. The new transmission standards Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 are also part of the new model, promising improved connectivity and faster data transfer.

However, the use of USB storage devices is complicated by the switch to Vega OS, as the corresponding port is no longer available. Users will need an additional Micro-USB to USB-A adapter to connect external storage devices. The Fire TV Stick HD is expected to hit the market in the USA on April 29, 2026. An official launch date for Germany is still pending, but the new stick is already visible on the German product page with the note "Coming Soon!"

Amazon has set the price for the new model at €44.99. An HDMI extension cable, which was included with the previous model, will no longer be provided but is available separately. Amazon emphasizes that setting up the new Fire TV Stick HD is easier than ever, made possible by the direct power supply from the TV. The compact design of the device is intended to make it easier for users to take their entertainment anywhere. The decision to develop a proprietary operating system may aim to increase control over the user experience and enhance security.

Vega OS could also be a response to the growing demands for privacy and data security in the streaming market. Amazon has previously distinguished itself with similar initiatives to optimize the user-friendliness and security of its devices. The launch of the new Fire TV Stick HD could also impact competition in the streaming market. By focusing on a closed system that only allows official apps, Amazon may be trying to increase user retention and reduce reliance on third-party providers. User reactions to these changes will be crucial for the success of the new model.

Amazon has previously emphasized that continuously improving the streaming experience for users is a top priority. The introduction of the Fire TV Stick HD with Vega OS is another step in this direction. The exact specifications and features of the new model are expected to be further detailed in the coming weeks. "Easier than ever to set up – thanks to the direct power supply from the TV, the device is powered directly from the TV with the supplied USB-C cable," Amazon stated in a release.