- 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 continues to run its existing app for older FireOS-based devices
IPVanish has confirmed that it is ready to support Amazon’s new generation of Fire TV streaming devices.
The company has already finished development of a brand new app for Vega OS, the controversial new operating system that powers the latest Amazon Fire TV Stick models.
The move will come as a relief to privacy-conscious streamers and comes a few weeks after a similar announcement 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 prevented early adopters from using some of the best VPN services to protect their online privacy and bypass geo-restrictions.
Claiming to be the most downloaded VPN on the Amazon Appstore, IPVanish has worked closely with Amazon to build a compatible app from scratch.
The company is now ensuring that its new Vega OS app will be available for 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 increase security and prevent sideloading of unauthorized apps, a practice often associated with illegal streaming.
While the initial lack of VPN support raised concerns, 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 that two of the biggest names in the business will be available to 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 connection 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 abandon its massive user base on older hardware.
The company announced that it will continue to support and update the existing IPVanish app for all Fire TV devices running the older Android-based FireOS.
Commenting on the announcement, Subbu Sthanu, Chief Commercial Officer at IPVanish, said: “We want to ensure that customers who purchase any model of Fire TV can enjoy great security and privacy regardless of the operating system running on their device. That’s why we’ve made sure we’ll be available the first day Vega OS supports VPNs.”
So if you’re 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 they sign up…
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