NordVPN breaks ground with Linux-based VPN app for Amazon's new-gen Fire TV Stick

• NordVPN is set to launch its new app for Amazon's new-gen Fire TV Stick
• The VPN app protects users’ online activities while streaming
• Users can download it after Amazon completes a software update

If you've recently been tempted to buy Amazon's new Fire TV Stick 4K Select for your streaming adventures but have been put off by the lack of a suitable VPN app, cybersecurity firm NordVPN may have just made you happy.

The provider of one of the best VPNs on the market has announced that it is ready to launch its new app for Amazon's latest streaming device model – the first in the line to switch from an Android-based operating system to a Linux-based one, Vega OS.

With the move, NordVPN becomes the first VPN provider ready to launch a native VPN solution for Fire TV Stick 4K Select, offering users the ability to protect their online activities and maintain anonymity while streaming using Fire TV Stick.

Designed from scratch specifically for the Linux operating system, the new app covers all NordVPN locations and provides all the service's classic features, including proprietary NordLynx protocol for fast, buffer-free streaming and auto-connect for instant protection without manual distractions.

Now, NordVPN users only need to wait for Amazon to release the software update to its new-generation Fire TV Stick models.

Ready to ship

Launched last week, Amazon's new Fire TV Stick runs on Vega OS, marking a major shift that required the entire system to be completely rewritten.

The evolution reflects a 'walled garden' strategy to boost a safer ecosystem, primarily to prevent unauthorized or illegal app installations, including side loading, a practice that previously enabled Fire TV Stick’s users to access paid services for free.

As the news broke, NordVPN did not rest on its laurels and announced that same week it was developing a new app version for the Vega OS, and was just waiting for Amazon to release a security update before its final launch.

That day has arrived, and although NordVPN has not indicated a specific launch date, the company has confirmed the TV Stick devices are already shipping to customers, with the VPN functionality only requiring Amazon's software update. Once the update rolls out, users will be able to "immediately" download NordVPN from the Amazon App Store.

Marijus Briedis, chief technology officer at NordVPN, said: "We built out a new TV app from scratch to deliver the same reliable VPN protection our users expect, optimized for the new system’s architecture."

And we know there are many reasons why users might be eager to use a VPN on their Fire TV, one of the main ones being the ability to unblock geo-restricted content from major channels, including Netflix and Disney+ – an inconceivable thought for Fire TV Sticks 4K users until today.

Additionally, it may be simply wiser to have one of the best Fire TV Stick VPN always active as standard practice for online security during online streaming, to avoid sharing private information with third parties while watching your favorite movies.

A stand-alone solution

Although the news is exciting, it may not represent the golden ticket for every user.

This is particularly true for those who have previously purchased other VPN solutions and may now find it absurd to spend money on two different VPN providers just to ensure security on their new shiny Fire TV.

However, NordVPN has not mentioned any exclusive agreement with Amazon, while other VPN providers, such as Surfshark, have recently confirmed to Tomsguide that they are actively working on developing their own version of the VPN app. So we might as well sit back, relax, and wait for the plot twists.

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