Amazon's Linux-based 'Vega OS' Finally Arrives on the Fire TV 4K Select

Amazon has been working on a new software platform for its Fire TVs and streaming sticks, designed to replace the current Android-based software. Today, the company revealed the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, and it's the first device with the new 'Vega' software.

The new 4K Select is a streaming stick with 4K HDR10+ support, 8GB of internal storage, and an Alexa voice remote. Amazon says it "works with your favorite streaming services" and will eventually support Xbox Cloud Gaming, Luna cloud gaming, and Amazon's upgraded Alexa+ virtual assistant. There's not a complete list of supported streaming services, but the product page mentions YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Twitch, Sling, Tubi, Prime Video, Pluto TV, Starz, Paramount+, HBO Max, Apple TV+, MGM+, and Peacock.

Amazon says the stick is using its new operating system, called Vega, which is promising "apps that launch remarkably fast" thanks to its "responsive and highly efficient" software. Performance has been a common complaint with Amazon's streaming sticks, since the company's Android-based Fire OS just doesn't work well on the low-end hardware found in streaming sticks. The new Vega operating system is probably much more basic, allowing it to have better performance on the same budget hardware. Previous reports indicated it's based on Linux, but so is nearly every other smart TV platform.

The new Vega OS could make Amazon's Fire TV products more competitive with Roku's streaming sticks, which usually offer faster performance at lower prices. However, it will almost certainly spell the end of app sideloading on Fire TV hardware , or at least the end of installing Android-based software. We don't know yet if VPNs, game emulators, and other apps will ever be available on Vega OS.

Amazon also announced new Fire TV 2-Series, 4-Series, and Omni QLED TVs. Those models are still using Fire OS, not the new Vega software. Amazon said in its announcement, "Our new flagship Omni QLED Series delivers stunning visuals on a display that's 60% brighter than previous models. With nearly double the local dimming zones, you'll enjoy brighter whites and crisper blacks, while Dolby Vision and HDR10+ Adaptive technology makes content appear more vibrant. Plus, an upgraded processor makes it 40% faster than before."

The new budget option is the 2-Series, which starts at $160 for the 32-inch model with a 720p panel. Amazon claims those new models are 30% faster thanks to an updated quad-core processor, and Dialogue Boost is available on all models.

The Fire TV 4K SK Select is available for pre-order starting today for $40, and it will be released on October 15, 2025. That's still $11 more expensive than Roku's cheapest 4K stick , so the pricing war isn't off to a great start. It will almost certainly drop in price for the upcoming Prime Day … and every Prime Day after that.

Source: Amazon