- Amazon abandons Fire OS and prepares the launch of Vega OS, its own operating system based on Linux.
- The first Fire TV devices with Vega OS will arrive in late 2025 and will not support apps. Android.
- Amazon collaborates with major developers to create a new ecosystem of apps exclusive to Vega OS.
- The change will affect the user experience, eliminating features such as installing third-party apps and pre-customization.
Amazon is about to close an important stage with the final farewell to Fire OS., the operating system that has been featured on Fire TV and other media devices from the company for years. After much anticipation, leaks, and rumors, the tech giant is now preparing the official launch of its own operating system: VegaOSThis transition will mean a complete break from Android as we knew it in the Amazon ecosystem.
The change to Vega OS is not simply the introduction of a new interface, but represents a strategic bet for fully control the software of your devices, improve performance and, above all, leave behind the dependence on the ecosystem of GoogleThis entails advantages and challenges, both for Amazon and for the millions of users who have previously enjoyed the flexibility of Fire OS.
Why is Amazon moving away from Android and Fire OS?
For years, the foundation of Amazon's Fire OS has been Android Open Source Project (AOSP). While this has allowed them to maintain a sizable app catalog and great compatibility, it also entailed a number of significant limitations. Fire OS was always several generations behind pure Android, and furthermore, Integration with Google services was limited or non-existent.
This dependence meant, for example, that many of the newer apps may not be available for Fire OS, and users had to resort to Tricks, such as manual installation of Google Play Store and external apps, to access a wider range of services.
Another key issue is user experience control and monetization. Amazon has been removing customization features in Fire OS, such as the ability to install alternative launchers, to maximize the reach of integrated advertisingWith the move to Vega OS, the company will be able to manage these aspects even better and adapt the system to its own business interests.
Amazon is looking to break free from Google's roadmap and gain a free rein to develop its own digital ecosystem, both technically and economically.
Vega OS: Technical features and differences from Fire OS
Vega OS is an operating system based entirely on Linux and developed internally by Amazon. Although its name and details have not yet been officially presented to the public, there has been talk of multiple leaks, job vacancies and external collaborations that have been revealing Amazon's roadmap.
The system is already present in some smart home devices from Amazon, such as the Echo Show 5, Echo Hub, and Echo Spot, all of which are geared toward smart displays and speakers. But the big bet will come when the first Fire TVs and media players adopt Vega OS during 2025. The official release is expected to coincide with the launch of new devices, likely later this year. taking advantage of key campaigns such as Black Friday.
One of the central points of Vega OS is that will not have compatibility with Android applicationsThis means that the entire catalog of apps and services will have to be adapted or developed specifically for the new system. To facilitate the transition, Amazon has opted for modern technologies such as React native, allowing you to develop cross-platform applications that run efficiently on your new devices.
On the technical side, Vega OS promises higher performance in budget devices, thanks to a reduction in system requirements and better resource management. In addition, the team called “Vega Runtime” will take care of security, isolation, and energy efficiency, ensuring that applications are secure and that the hardware function optimally within the Amazon ecosystem.
Impact for users: Goodbye to customization and installation of external apps
One of the most significant changes that Vega OS will bring will be the inability to install external Android applicationsFor years, many Fire TV power users have taken advantage of the flexibility of Fire OS to side loading (manual installation) of third-party apps, whether to add alternative players, custom launchers or IPTV services and streaming unofficial.
With the change of system, All applications will have to be developed exclusively for Vega OSThis leaves out both users who relied on apps outside the official catalog and smaller developers, who will have to decide whether it's worth adapting their services to the new platform.
According to former members of the Fire TV team and specialized media, Amazon's Android app store will be discontinued in August 2025.Additionally, the sale of internal coins for in-app purchases has already been halted. Therefore, the move to Vega OS means the elimination of traditional customization methods and hacks, bringing the Fire TV experience closer to that of more closed platforms like Apple TV or Roku.
Application development and the future of the ecosystem
Amazon is aware that a successful transition depends, to a large extent, the availability of quality applications from the very beginning. Therefore, the company has been working with us for months major developers and relevant multimedia companies, such as Paramount, Rakuten or UKTV (from the BBC), so that their services are present on the platform immediately after launch.
To encourage development, Amazon has invested resources in the creation of the Kepler SDK (Software Development Kit), a development environment that facilitates the creation of both native and JavaScript apps. The goal is to make new applications efficient, secure, and specifically tailored to Vega OS hardware and policies.
The development model, more restrictive than in Fire OS, prioritizes security, energy management and system stabilityThis, according to Amazon, will allow for a more fluid and controlled experience, although it significantly limits the freedom and possibilities of smaller or independent developers.
What will happen to Fire TV and current devices?
The introduction of Vega OS raises an important question: What will happen to existing Fire TV devices? As of today, everything points to the fact that The transition will be gradual and only new models will incorporate Vega OS.Previous products will continue to receive Android-based Fire OS updates for a while, but will no longer be actively supported once the change becomes fully implemented.
Amazon has not revealed any specific plans for migrating older devices. This decision makes technical sense, since Replacing the entire system on equipment already in use could cause incompatibilities and performance issuesAdditionally, many Fire TV brand partners will also have to adapt their product catalog and agreements based on the success of Vega OS.
On the other hand, will be excluded from future improvements, exclusive services or security updates once Vega OS becomes the standard system on the next generation of Fire TV and devices Smart TV of the house.
Reactions and future prospects
The arrival of Vega OS symbolizes a Paradigm shift in Amazon's strategyWhile the company had already made progress in developing and testing the system on lower-demand smart home devices, the challenge of bringing Vega OS to televisions and streaming players is significantly greater.
The movement implies, on the one hand, Improve the efficiency and control of the Amazon ecosystem and, on the other hand, risking the loyalty of those advanced users who valued the freedom and customization that Fire OS offered.
The technology sector is undergoing constant radical changes. Other brands, such as Apple and Roku, are already betting on closed and exclusive ecosystems Where the manufacturer sets the rules. Amazon is following this trend, building on a very broad user base accustomed to greater flexibility, which adds a layer of uncertainty to the transition.
The implementation of Vega OS will mark a turning point in Amazon's streaming and smart TV offerings, with new possibilities and limitations. The company is committed to technological independence and complete control over the user experience.
This change will allow many to discover a faster, more efficient platform with new features, while others will see customization and access to third-party apps eliminated. The reality is that Amazon will no longer be a Google-dependent player in the streaming world.Vega OS is planned for release in late 2025, and after that, the future of Fire TV devices will look completely different.
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