Starting on April 30, 2021, we will no longer support Firefox on Amazon Fire TV or Echo Show. You will no longer be able to install the app on FireTV, receive security updates, or be able to reinstall the app if you uninstall it starting on April 30, 2021. If you have Firefox set as your default browser on Echo Show, you will be redirected to Amazon Silk for web browsing starting April 30, 2021.
End of support for Firefox on Amazon Devices Starting on April 30, 2021, we will no longer support Firefox on Amazon Fire TV or Echo Show. You will no longer be able to install the app on FireTV, receive security updates, or be able to reinstall the app if you uninstall it starting on April 30, 2021. Firefox Basics for the Computer Illiterate: With tips on installation, setting up your homepage, customization and more. (Tech 101 Kindle Book Series) by James Vautravers Oct 15, 2012.
You can still browse the web on your Fire TV and Echo Show by using Amazon Silk. Just say “Alexa, open Silk.”
This month, Mozilla has announced plans to phase out support for the Firefox web browser app on the Amazon Fire TV product line.
- Firefox Basics for the Computer Illiterate: With tips on installation, setting up your homepage, customization and more. (Tech 101 Kindle Book Series) by James Vautravers Oct 15, 2012.
- Firefox was created by Mozilla as a faster, more private alternative to browsers like Internet Explorer, and now Chrome. Today, our mission-driven company and volunteer community continue to put your privacy above all else. Your privacy comes first.
Amazon Fire TV exists both as an app and a physical stick that TV owners can install on their television sets to access a plethora of streaming services.
Although Firefox will be no longer supported on Fire TV effective at the end of this month, Amazon Silk web browser app remains available to Fire TV users.
Mozilla Firefox support to end on Amazon Fire TV
In an email sent to Amazon customers this week, as seen by BleepingComputer, the company states that effective April 30th, 2021, the Mozilla Firefox app on Fire TV will no longer be supported.
Although the Firefox app will not be removed from customers' Fire TV sticks or apps, it will cease to receive security or general updates, according to Amazon.
The email announcement is rather succinct and gives no details on the reasons for this move to abruptly stop supporting the Firefox web browser.
But, surely, Amazon didn't miss out on the opportunity to mention that its own Silk web browser app will continue to remain available for customers to use.
Or, as Amazon puts it:
'With Amazon Silk, you can control videos and music with Alexa, add bookmarks, and launch private browsing sessions.'
'Say 'Alexa, Open Silk.' or download the app here.'
And, of course, 'Thanks for being an Amazon customer,' concludes the email message.
Move comes from Mozilla's shift in focus
Mozilla has told BleepingComputer that the decision to end support for Firefox on Fire TV is Mozilla's given the shift in people's preferences towards web browsers:
'As of April 30, 2021, we will end support for Firefox for Fire TV and Firefox For Echo Show.'
'In 2017, we recognized a void in the market, and a need from consumers to continue to access the content they wanted on Amazon’s Fire TV.'
'By being nimble and working quickly, we met that demand with our browser, Firefox for Fire TV and later, Echo Show.'
Amazon Firefox Browser
'Now, consumers have more options for accessing content on these devices. So, we decided to shift our focus and resources to building new experiences that bring value to people’s lives and continue to offer people alternative choices in the market,' a Mozilla spokesperson told BleepingComputer.
Amazon Firefox 10
Amazon Fire TV users who are accustomed to using the Firefox app better get themselves also acquainted with the Silk browser.
Amazon Firefox Kindle
BleepingComputer has reached out to Amazon for comment and we are awaiting their response.
Updates:
4:00 PM ET: Added statement from Mozilla.
Amazon Firefox Download
5:23 PM ET: Edited the headline and the article to clarify the decision to drop support is Mozilla's, and not Amazon's.
Amazon Firefox Stick
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