- IPVanish has built a new VPN app for Amazon’s new Linux-based Vega OS
- The app is ready for download as soon as Amazon enables VPN support
- IPVanish will keep running its existing app for older, FireOS-based devices
IPVanish has confirmed it is ready to support Amazon’s new generation of Fire TV streaming devices.
The company has already completed the development of a brand-new app for Vega OS, the controversial new operating system powering the latest Amazon Fire TV Stick models.
The move will come as a relief to privacy-conscious streamers and comes a couple of weeks after a similar announcement made by rival provider NordVPN.
When Amazon launched its Fire TV Stick 4K Select in October, users quickly discovered that the new Linux-based Vega OS did not support VPN apps at launch, unlike its Android-based predecessor, FireOS. This left early adopters unable to use some of the best VPN services to protect their online privacy and bypass geo-restrictions.
IPVanish, which claims to be the most downloaded VPN on the Amazon Appstore, has been working closely with Amazon to build a compatible app from the ground up.
The company now ensures its new Vega OS app will be available to download on the very first day that Amazon rolls out its operating system update to enable VPN functionality, which is expected in the second half of November.
Navigating the new Vega OS
Amazon’s switch from a modified version of Android (FireOS) to the new, more locked-down Vega OS has been a significant shift. The change meant that existing apps were not natively compatible with the new devices, forcing developers to rebuild their software from scratch.
Amazon’s move to a more controlled, ‘walled garden’ ecosystem is seen as an attempt to enhance security and prevent the sideloading of unauthorized apps, a practice often associated with illegal streaming.
While the initial lack of VPN support caused concern, Amazon had stated that it would enable VPN protocols through a software update.
NordVPN was the first major provider to announce its readiness for the new platform, and IPVanish has now quickly followed suit, ensuring two of the biggest names in the industry will be available for early adopters of the new hardware.
The new IPVanish app will retain the core features its users are familiar with, including secure connections with the fast WireGuard protocol, a simple one-tap connect option, and a choice of over 150 server locations. The company also reiterated its commitment to its strict no-logs policy.
Support for all users
Crucially, IPVanish also confirmed that it will not be abandoning its massive user base on older hardware.
The company announced it will continue to support and update the existing IPVanish app for all Fire TV devices running the older, Android-based FireOS.
Subbu Sthanu, Chief Commercial Officer at IPVanish, commented on the announcement, stating: “We want to make sure that customers who buy any model of Fire TV can get great security and privacy, no matter the operating system running on their device. That’s why we have made sure we will be available on the first day that Vega OS supports VPNs.”
So, if you are looking for a reliable Fire Stick VPN service, IPVanish is definitely one to consider. Even better now that new users can get even more value when signing up…
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
