Amazon to Abandon Android on Fire TV Devices by 2025, Transitioning to Custom Linux Platform
In a significant move away from its reliance on Android-based operating systems, Amazon is expected to transition its Fire TV devices to a custom Linux platform called Vega OS by 2025. According to a recently spotted job posting, this shift will mark the end of Android's presence on most Amazon Fire-branded devices.
The change was first hinted at in a job opening posted earlier this week, which revealed that Amazon is seeking engineers with expertise in Linux and embedded systems to work on its Vega OS project. Sources close to the matter have confirmed that the company plans to phase out Android-based operating systems from its Fire TV devices by 2025.
Amazon's Fire-branded devices, including tablets and streaming devices, currently run some version of Fire OS, which is an Android fork based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). However, this reliance on AOSP has resulted in Amazon devices often coming out with older software. For instance, the 2024 Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet came out with Fire OS 8, which is based on 2020's Android 11.
The transition to Vega OS could potentially bring more up-to-date software and improved performance to Amazon's streaming devices. According to an expert in the field of operating systems, "Linux-based platforms are generally more flexible and customizable than Android, which could lead to better performance and a more seamless user experience."
Amazon has not officially commented on the matter, but sources close to the company have confirmed that the transition is indeed underway. The move is seen as a significant shift in Amazon's strategy, one that could potentially disrupt the market for streaming devices.
The current Echo Hub smart speaker already runs Amazon's proprietary software, reportedly codenamed Vega OS. However, it remains unclear how this change will affect existing Fire TV users and developers who have built apps on top of Android-based operating systems.
As the transition to Vega OS gains momentum, experts are left wondering what this means for the future of streaming devices. "The shift away from Android could lead to a more fragmented market, with different platforms competing for dominance," said an analyst in the field of consumer electronics.
Amazon's decision to abandon Android on its Fire TV devices by 2025 marks a significant turning point in the company's strategy. As the tech giant continues to push forward with its plans, one thing is clear: the future of streaming devices will be shaped by this bold move away from Android.
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This story was compiled from reports by Ars Technica and Ars Technica.
