Amazon, the global technology giant, is reportedly making a groundbreaking shift in its software strategy for Fire TVs, smart displays, and other connected devices. Sources close to the matter reveal that Amazon plans to transition from the Android core to a new, Linux-based operating system, internally codenamed “Vega.”
- The Genesis of Vega: This strategic move has been in the works for years, with Amazon initially proposing the idea to chipmakers back in 2017. The development of Vega has been a significant undertaking, involving “hundreds of people” from Amazon’s Device OS group. Notably, Zibi Braniecki, a former Mozilla engineer who joined Amazon in 2022, has been a key figure in this project.
- Technical Advancements: Vega is designed to run on a range of devices, from Fire TV Sticks and TVs to other smart home and automotive products. This shift to a Linux-based system is expected to streamline Amazon’s software, eliminating the bloat inherent in Android, which was designed for a wide array of devices.
- Developer Engagement: Amazon is currently focusing on finalizing an SDK and strategizing incentives to attract developers. The use of React Native for app development, a framework created by Meta, is expected to facilitate cross-platform development, leveraging a single codebase for both iOS and Android.
- Strategic Independence: Moving away from Google’s Android Open Source Project, which forms the basis of the current Fire OS, Amazon aims to gain more control over its software ecosystem. The current-gen Fire TV software, based on Android 9, highlights the limitations of relying on an external platform, as it lags behind the latest Android versions.
- Future Prospects: While the report does not specify a release timeline, it suggests that most of the OS development is complete. The new Vega OS is set to revolutionize Amazon’s product line, potentially extending to diverse systems like car infotainment and other future hardware products.
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Amazon’s decision to develop its own operating system reflects a growing trend among tech giants to create independent ecosystems. This move could have significant implications for the smart device market, offering enhanced performance and a more tailored user experience.
