Amazon has recently removed the ability to hide applications on its Fire TV Stick devices following a software update. This feature allowed users to customize their home screens by concealing both pre-installed and user-added apps, which was particularly useful for organizing profiles, especially for children. The removal has led to frustration among users, with some considering switching to alternative streaming devices like Google TV.
The change affects various Fire TV Stick models, including the Fire TV Stick 4K of the first generation and the Fire TV Stick Max of the second generation with Fire OS 8. The update was applied automatically, and users can no longer hide applications, including pre-installed ones like Prime Video and Fire TV Channels.
In addition to this, previous updates have introduced more advertisements into the user experience, such as full-screen ads appearing during the screensaver mode. These developments have contributed to user dissatisfaction, with many expressing that the increasing ads negatively impact their viewing experience.
Amazon has not provided a detailed explanation for the removal of the app-hiding feature. Users seeking to manage their app visibility or reduce on-screen clutter may need to explore alternative methods or consider other streaming platforms that offer more customizable interfaces.