Amazon is rolling out two updates. These updates will impact 3rd party launchers, including the popular Wolf Launcher.
This has upset some Amazon customers. We want to hear your feedback after you finish reading. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Over the last year, users have embraced Wolf Launcher and other 3rd party launchers. This is due to the influx of ads and streaming services promoted through the updated Amazon interface.
Wolf Launcher offers an ad-free experience. It also includes tons of customization options.
A launcher will replace the home user interface. This lets users personalize it to their preferences.
The shift toward 3rd-party launchers began over a year ago. Amazon introduced a new user interface. It was loaded with ads and offered limited customization.
Here are the two Fire OS updates we are discussing.
- Fire OS 6.2.8.7 NS6287/3768
- Fire OS 7.2.7.3 PS7273/2622
It appears that these two updates focus on Fire TV Sticks. Fire TV Cubes and Fire TV Televisions will likely get a comparable update in the future.
It’s obvious that Amazon is frustrated with these customizable launchers. These launchers are hindering their advertising efforts. Amazon intends to put a stop to it.
What Can You Do?
I first heard about the new update on Sunday from Powerfader in our TROYPOINT Insider. I immediately created two videos. These demonstrate how to prevent Amazon updates.
Sadly, it was too late for some. Amazon recently released an update for certain devices, preventing the ability to block future updates.
This method seems to work on newer Firesticks. This includes the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which I used in the tutorials below.
How to Block Amazon Automatic Updates for Firestick / Fire TV
Maybe It’s Time to Move On
There’s speculation that blocking 3rd party updates is only the beginning. Soon, we might lose the ability to side-load 3rd party apps entirely. This could include apps like Kodi, Syncler, Unlinked, and more.
Personally, I disagree. Developers will always need a way to test their apps on these devices. They achieve this by allowing Unknown Apps/Sources. That’s the main purpose of the feature.
However, Amazon is undoubtedly going to continue restricting options. They want to limit modifications to their Fire OS. The extent to which they’ll go remains to be seen.
Android TV Devices
If you’re set on using 3rd party launchers, Android TV devices are a viable alternative.
As of now, I’ve tested several popular Android TV streamers. They still function with 3rd party launchers, especially when combined with Launcher Manager. During testing, each device had the latest updates installed.
- Chromecast with Google TV
- NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro (2019)
- NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro (2017)
- MECOOL KM2
- Dynalink Android TV Dongle
I have other Android TV systems in my closet. I assume they all currently work because the ones listed above do. Let us know in the comments section if you’ve found an Android TV device that doesn’t work with 3rd party launchers.
My Thoughts on Android TV Boxes
Android TV / Google TV is an operating system built by Google. It’s designed for televisions. This is very similar to Fire OS, which is Amazon’s operating system built for the TV and/or tablets.
Last year, Google released Google TV, a user interface. It pushes ads for various streaming services, TV shows, movies, etc. You will find the full Google TV experience on the Chromecast with Google TV.
Other manufacturers, like NVIDIA, have also adopted some of Google TV into their user interface.
This new Google TV experience caused quite a stir in the streaming community. Many people started using 3rd party launchers on those devices.
So, Google, just like Amazon, is pushing ads and streaming services on their operating system.
Will Google start blocking 3rd party launchers like Amazon did in one of their future updates?
NVIDIA Shield Allows Update Blocking
Most Android TV devices will push operating system updates automatically. This is similar to Amazon Fire OS.
I couldn’t find a setting on my Chromecast with Google TV that disables automatic system updates. You can block automatic updates for applications, but not system updates.
This isn’t the case for NVIDIA SHIELDS.
Thankfully, NVIDIA gives you the option to disable automatic updates on their Shields. If you own a SHIELD, I would strongly suggest not enabling this. I would also take a good look at the release notes for future updates.
Many of us got stung by NVIDIA SHIELD Experience 9.0. It contained many bugs.
The same question applies to NVIDIA. Will they remove the ability to block Auto-upgrades on their devices down the line?
Generic Stock Android TV Boxes
Finally, we have the generic devices that run stock Android. This is often found on phones and tablets.
Stock Android isn’t designed for the TV experience. However, manufacturers have used customizable launchers so they will work.
You can read about the difference between Stock Android and Android TV in my post below.
I’ve moved away from reviewing these generic devices. We have so many good options that run the true Android TV experience.
Due to recent events, that’s going to change.
The great thing about generic Android TV Boxes is that you generally aren’t limited in your ability to customize them. In fact, many manufacturers build their devices with customizing in mind.
I recently reviewed the Ugoos AM7 Android TV Box. I was blown away by its performance and ability to customize.
Devices like the Ugoos won’t be limited by future updates. In fact, just the opposite! Ugoos is well-known for its regular updates. These updates expand the various features, settings, and options available on its devices.
There are some drawbacks to using these devices that run stock Android.
- Most won’t play Netflix & a few other streaming services in HD
- You don’t get the Android TV app store. You get the stock app store meant for phones and tablets
- Sometimes you need a mouse to navigate screens since it’s not meant for a TV screen
If you don’t use any of the major streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, a generic Android TV Box might be for you. Many TROYPOINT fans are only interested in the free APKs and unverified IPTV services. These devices are perfect for that.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a big user of paid streaming services, like Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV etc., and you don’t use third party applications, the Fire TV devices are probably perfect for you.
If you want the ability to customize your system, I would suggest both generic stock Android TV Boxes and true Android TV systems.
But, we need to keep an eye on what happens with Android TV moving forward. Their steps this past year are very similar to Amazon’s. They’re pushing ads and streaming services through their user interface, or launcher, I should say.
It’s apparent that both Google and Amazon are getting a kickback from those who purchase streaming services directly through their devices. This is why they can sell their hardware at a break-even price point. Why don’t they give us the option to customize and we pay a little more?
Please tell us what you think about Amazon blocking the use of 3rd party launchers in the comments below. Also, what type of streaming device do you see yourself using in the future?
Lots to discuss on this one, so let us know what you think below!