Fire TV Stick users are advised to exercise caution when installing new applications on their devices. The popular tool “Downloader” has been removed from Amazon’s Appstore, leading to the emergence of a fraudulent copycat app targeting users’ finances.
The disappearance of Downloader from Amazon’s online marketplace raised concerns over the weekend. For almost a decade, Downloader has allowed Fire TV owners to search for and install apps not found in official stores, offering access to additional tools and applications that may be regionally restricted or unreleased.
Despite its widespread use, Downloader faced a temporary suspension due to a recent update that categorized it as a web browser, violating Amazon’s policy against third-party browsers on Fire TV devices. The developer, Elias Saba, from the Fire TV site AFTVnews, explained that the issue arose from the app’s identification as a browser, not its core functionality. A new update removing the browser registration is in progress for Amazon’s approval to reinstate the app.
In the interim, users are cautioned against a fake version of Downloader attempting to deceive Fire TV owners by charging a weekly fee. Saba has urged users not to download the fraudulent app and to report it to Amazon. Users with the legitimate Downloader installed are advised not to delete it, as it cannot be reinstalled until Amazon restores it. Additionally, users are recommended to disable Auto Offload to prevent automatic removal of the app.
Pending Amazon’s approval of the fix, Downloader could make a comeback on Fire TV devices later in the week, requiring users to monitor the situation closely to ensure their app’s security.