Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select: The $40 Streaming Device with Revolutionary Vega OS

Amazon has just unveiled its latest addition to the Fire TV lineup: the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, priced at an attractive $40. This new streaming device marks a significant milestone for Amazon as it becomes the first Fire TV device to ship with the company's new Vega operating system, moving away from the Android-based Fire OS that has powered Amazon's streaming devices for nearly a decade.

A New Era: Vega OS Arrives on Fire TV

The most significant innovation in the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is undoubtedly the introduction of Vega OS. Amazon has been using Android as the foundation for its Fire OS since 2011 when the first Fire Tablet launched, and again when the first Fire TV Stick debuted in 2014. However, with Vega OS, Amazon is making a bold move to develop its own Linux-based operating system from scratch.

This strategic shift gives Amazon complete control over the development, feature set, and security of its operating system without relying on Google for updates. The move could potentially make it more difficult for power users to sideload Android apps that aren't available from the Amazon Appstore, but for the average consumer, the transition should be seamless.

In fact, Amazon has been transparent about this change, including a notice on the product page stating: "for enhanced security, only apps from the Amazon Appstore are available for download." This security-first approach reflects Amazon's commitment to providing a more controlled and secure streaming environment.

Technical Specifications and Performance

Despite its budget-friendly price point, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select doesn't compromise on essential features. The device is equipped with:

• Processor: 1.7 GHz quad-core MT8698 MCM ARM Cortex-A55
• Graphics: Mali G310v2 GPU running at 500 MHz
• Memory: 1GB LPDDR4 RAM
• Storage: 8GB internal storage
• Connectivity: WiFi 5 with 2x2 MIMO support
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
• Video Support: 4K at 60 fps with HDR10+
• Audio: Dolby Atmos support
• Gaming: Amazon Luna support (with Xbox Gaming coming soon)

Amazon promises that "apps that launch remarkably fast" on the new device, suggesting that the combination of Vega OS and the updated hardware provides a snappy user experience despite the modest specifications compared to higher-end models.

How It Fits in Amazon's Fire TV Lineup

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select fills an important gap in Amazon's streaming device portfolio. Let's see how it compares to other models in the lineup:

As the table shows, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select offers 4K capabilities at a price point that's just $5 more than the entry-level Fire TV Stick HD, making it the most affordable 4K streaming device in Amazon's lineup.

Key Features and Capabilities

4K Ultra HD Streaming

The device supports 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with HDR10+ technology, delivering vibrant colors and improved contrast for compatible content. This makes it an excellent choice for users with 4K TVs who want to experience their favorite shows and movies in the highest quality possible.

Alexa+ Integration

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select comes with built-in support for Amazon's advanced Alexa+ AI features. This allows for more natural voice interactions, smarter recommendations, and enhanced voice control capabilities. The included Alexa voice remote lets users search for content, control playback, and even control smart home devices using voice commands.

Gaming Capabilities

While the device currently supports Amazon's Luna cloud gaming service, Amazon has announced that Xbox Gaming support will be coming soon. This will allow users to stream console-quality games directly to their TV without needing a dedicated gaming console.

Enhanced Security

With the move to Vega OS, Amazon is emphasizing security. By limiting app installations to the Amazon Appstore only, the company aims to provide a more secure streaming environment and reduce the risk of malware or unauthorized apps.

Who Should Buy the Fire TV Stick 4K Select?

Budget-Conscious 4K TV Owners

If you own a 4K TV but have been holding off on upgrading your streaming device due to cost, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select offers an excellent entry point. At just $40, it provides access to 4K content without breaking the bank.

Amazon Ecosystem Users

For users already invested in the Amazon ecosystem—Prime members, Alexa device owners, or Luna subscribers—the Fire TV Stick 4K Select offers seamless integration and enhanced features that work particularly well with other Amazon services.

Casual Streamers

If you primarily use popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select provides all the performance you need. The fast app launch times and smooth 4K streaming will satisfy most casual viewing needs.

Security-Conscious Users

The locked-down nature of Vega OS, while potentially limiting for power users, provides peace of mind for those who prioritize security and don't need the ability to sideload apps from outside sources.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

Power Users and Tinkerers

If you enjoy sideloading apps, customizing your streaming device, or installing third-party software, the Android-based Fire TV models might be a better choice. The Vega OS's locked-down nature could be frustrating for users who like to tinker.

Audiophiles and Home Theater Enthusiasts

While the device supports Dolby Atmos, users with high-end home theater setups might benefit from the more advanced audio processing capabilities found in the Fire TV Stick 4K Max or Fire TV Cube.

Heavy Gamers

Although cloud gaming support is coming, serious gamers might prefer devices with more powerful hardware or dedicated gaming features found in higher-end models or dedicated gaming consoles.

The Future of Fire TV: A Vega OS Transition

The introduction of Vega OS on the Fire TV Stick 4K Select likely signals the beginning of a broader transition for Amazon's entire Fire TV lineup. As the company gradually moves away from Android-based Fire OS to its custom Linux-based solution, we can expect to see:

• Enhanced performance and optimization for Amazon's hardware
• Improved security features and regular updates directly from Amazon
• Better integration with Amazon's AI and voice assistant technologies
• Potentially new features that take advantage of the custom OS architecture

This transition could make older Android-based Fire TV devices collector's items for enthusiasts who prefer the flexibility and hackability of the Android platform.

Conclusion: A Solid Entry-Level 4K Streaming Option

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select represents an excellent value proposition in the streaming device market. At $40, it brings 4K streaming capabilities to a price point that was previously dominated by 1080p devices. The introduction of Vega OS marks a significant shift in Amazon's strategy, potentially paving the way for a new generation of more secure and optimized streaming devices.

While it may not offer the raw power or extensive features of higher-end models, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select hits the sweet spot for most casual users who want reliable 4K streaming without spending a fortune. The combination of future-proof technology (Vega OS), essential features (4K/HDR10+), and Amazon's ecosystem integration makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers looking to upgrade their streaming experience.

As Amazon continues to refine Vega OS and expand its feature set, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select could well become the benchmark for entry-level 4K streaming devices, offering a glimpse into the future of Amazon's TV platform while maintaining the accessibility and ease of use that has made Fire TV devices so popular.

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Ready to upgrade your streaming experience? Get the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select on Amazon and be among the first to experience the new Vega OS!