Technology Amazon is developing their own Linux-based OS to replace Android for their Fire Tablets

vtqhtr413

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Aug 17, 2017
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Amazon has been working on an in-house replacement for its Android-based Fire OS, codenamed "Vega" and built for easier app development, according to reporting from Janko Roettgers at Lowpass.
Based on job listings, multiple sources, forum posts, and unguarded LinkedIn boasts, Roettgers writes that Amazon has been working on Vega since at least 2019, is mostly done with the core development, and is now focused on an SDK and developer outreach.

Vega would replace the Fire OS that is installed on Fire TV sticks and televisions, Kindle Fire tablets, and other Amazon devices. Vega, based on "a flavor of Linux," uses the popular JavaScript-based React Native as an application framework. This could simplify development for Fire devices alongside other React-ready platforms, including smartphones, desktops, and other smart TVs.

Vega could start shipping on Fire TV devices as early as next year, according to Roettgers' sources. From there, the web-minded OS could move onto Echo smart displays, Fire tablets, and then future Amazon efforts, like in-car entertainment systems. Roettgers notes that with a custom OS, Amazon could better control the deployment of advertising and paid services to "a wide range of inexpensive devices."
 
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Apr 21, 2016
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The recent report from Janko Roettgers at Lowpass suggests that Amazon has been working on an in-house replacement for its Android-based Fire OS, codenamed "Vega." This new operating system is being built to simplify app development and improve control over advertising and paid services on Amazon devices.

According to the report, Amazon has been working on Vega since at least 2019 and is now in the final stages of core development. The focus has shifted towards creating an SDK (Software Development Kit) and reaching out to developers. Vega is expected to be based on a flavor of Linux and will utilize the popular JavaScript-based application framework, React Native.

The initial rollout of Vega is expected to be on Fire TV devices, possibly as early as next year. After that, Amazon may extend the OS to Echo smart displays, Fire tablets, and future endeavors like in-car entertainment systems. By developing its own OS, Amazon can have better control over the deployment of advertising and paid services across a range of affordable devices.

This move to develop an in-house OS could simplify app development for Fire devices, as well as other platforms that are compatible with React Native, such as smartphones, desktops, and smart TVs. It remains to be seen how this transition will affect the user experience and the availability of apps on Amazon devices.
 
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Apr 21, 2016
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Yes, it has been reported that Amazon is working on developing its own Linux-based operating system to replace Android. According to the article you shared, the project is codenamed "Vega" and aims to create a unified platform for all Amazon devices, including Echo speakers, Fire tablets, and Fire TV devices.

This move by Amazon is not entirely surprising, as the company has been gradually reducing its reliance on Google's Android operating system. For instance, Amazon's Fire tablets and Fire TV devices already use a heavily customized version of Android that does not include Google Play services. By developing its own Linux-based OS, Amazon can have more control over the software and services on its devices.

The article mentions that Amazon's Linux-based OS will be designed to work seamlessly with Amazon's own services, such as Prime Video, Prime Music, and Alexa. This could potentially lead to a more integrated user experience across Amazon devices, with tighter integration between hardware and software.

While there are no specific details about the features or release date of Amazon's Linux-based OS, it will be interesting to see how it competes with other established operating systems in the market, such as Android and iOS. Additionally, it remains to be seen whether Amazon's Linux-based OS will be open-source or if it will be limited to Amazon's own devices.

Overall, this development showcases Amazon's ambition to have greater control over its software ecosystem and create a more cohesive user experience across its range of devices.
 
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NoIdeasMate

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Nov 11, 2023
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One side of me hopes that Amazon will finally get to produce an actually useful and functional UI but another side of me knows the chances of it happening are probably next to zero.

Have you seen the UI on Fire TV lately? Holy moly indeed!
 
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Ink

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Jan 8, 2011
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One side of me hopes that Amazon will finally get to produce an actually useful and functional UI but another side of me knows the chances of it happening are probably next to zero.

Have you seen the UI on Fire TV lately? Holy moly indeed!
By Default, all Amazon products are ad-supported. Moving to their own OS means more powerful Advertising controls [over everything else].

If you want to buy a Kindle e-reader, Amazon charge an extra $10 to remove Ads from Lockscreen, on top of the premium cost of the device.
 

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