Samarveer Singh at XDA Developers replaced his Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K with a Raspberry Pi. He set up a Jellyfin server to handle his media. The native screen felt too cluttered, and Amazon’s interface prioritized sponsored ads over video files. The hardware basically worked against him.
The switch follows a sweeping Fire TV UI update from early 2026. Amazon completely removed the standard app row. They buried user applications beneath navigation bars.
But the software frustration doesn’t stop there. Amazon is driving a shift away from Android-based software, and they’re pushing a Linux-based system on newer devices. Singh sidestepped the software entirely. He hooked an Apple TV 4K up to an LG television to access the Jellyfin share he was looking for. Some home enthusiasts ditch the Raspberry Pi for heavier hardware. So he just used the compact board because it handles media distribution perfectly.
The Verdict
The Fire TV Stick 4K’s still a budget option for casual viewers, but power users shouldn’t rely on the hardware anymore. A Raspberry Pi strips away the advertising layer completely. You get direct access to local files, and you don’t have to fight the television. And Amazon plans to roll Vega OS out to all future displays.