Amazon is taking action against illegal pirating and streaming activities associated with their Fire TV Sticks, and some users have already started receiving warnings.
Numerous individuals have been utilizing ‘jailbroken’ Fire Sticks to gain access to premium content such as the latest movies, TV series, and sports events without paying for them.
This was possible through unofficial apps that were ‘sideloaded’ onto the device.
On a positive note, Amazon is offering a significant incentive for trading in your Fire TV Stick. You can receive a 20% discount and a gift card for exchanging your old device for a new one.
$34.99 (or $27.99 after 20% off when you trade in)
Users are now encountering pop-up warnings when launching an app that has been identified as pirating content. These warnings inform users that the software has been flagged.
The warning states: “Warning. One or more apps on your device have been identified as using or providing access to unlicensed content, including this app, and will be disabled. To remove this app now, select ‘Uninstall’.”
Currently, users have the option to dismiss the warning, remove it from their screen, and continue using the app.
This warning serves as a notice to users that Amazon is aware of their illicit activities.
Eventually, Amazon plans to block any unofficial apps, and some reviewers have already reported being unable to use them or having them blocked from loading.
One reviewer noted: “Amazon has removed the Developer Options completely, which means you can no longer enable ADB Debugging or install apps from Unknown Sources. Because of this, it’s now impossible to download third-party apps such as VPNs or IPTV apps, or anything that needs sideloading through Downloader. This feature was always available on older models, including the one I bought in 2021, but that version is no longer sold.”
An Amazon spokesperson informed The Mirror, “Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our Appstore. Through an expanded program led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition fighting digital piracy, we’ll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content — including those installed from outside our Appstore.”
Media analyst Paolo Pescatore told The Mirror that the ban is a ‘long overdue…step in the right direction’.
He explained that rising streaming prices and the increasing number of subscription-based platforms contribute to the rise in pirating.
“Broadcasters are spending more to secure live sports rights and passing these costs onto consumers who can’t afford them, leading to a messy, fragmented experience,” Pescatore stated.
The trade-in deal with Amazon offers a new Fire TV Stick 4K select for 20% off, along with a gift card.
With the trade-in, you can acquire it for $27.99 (down from $59.99)
This device is not solely for TV streaming.
In addition to smooth 4K streaming, it features Alexa voice control, which can be linked to any smart home devices you own.
You can then issue voice commands to control things like turning devices on and off or adjusting the volume.
If you dislike lengthy setup processes, setting up the Fire TV Stick is reportedly straightforward.
A satisfied customer stated, “Considering the size, this is a great little streaming stick. I found set up to be less than 10 minutes, including software upgrade and installing and logging into my apps.”
Another added, “Straight off the bat, I instantly noticed how fast fire tv 4K select devices are. Moving through menus is slick with apps loading much faster. The difference in speed is really noticeable from the off,”