amazon began to say goodbye to Android on some of its devices. More than a decade after using the open source version in Fire OS, the e-commerce giant deployed its own operating system in the most recent version of the Echo Show 5.
In accordance with Zatz Not FunnyAmazon already uses a new operating system in the third generation of the Echo Show 5. A photo of the screen reading “Your device is running OS 1.1” as well as a warning message that the device is not compatible with Netflix are the most compelling pieces of evidence.
The first indications about the deployment of an Android replacement emerged a few days ago, when journalist Janko Roettgers reported that Amazon was about to present its own operating system. Vega OS, as it is known internally, would be finalized and only a few details of the developer tools needed to be adjusted before its official debut.
Internal sources confirmed to Roettgers that Vega OS It has been tested for some time on Fire TV and some Amazon partners are aware of the transition. What we did not know is that the new operating system was hidden in some consumer devices. It is possible that the technology company selected the Echo Show 5 Kids as a test product, since it has a shorter range than the Echo Show 8.
For now it is difficult to know if Amazon will launch it on more devices or wait until 2024 to present it with the new generation of Fire TV and smart screens. Judging by the photo, the user interface is similar to Fire OS. The third generation of the Echo Show 5 is compatible with services such as Amazon Music, Prime Video, Spotify and Apple Music.
Amazon is betting on a new operating system to have control
The transition to Vega OS will end dependence on Android, the operating system that has powered Amazon devices. Fire OS, a fork of AOSP based on Gingerbread, debuted in 2011 with the 7-inch Kindle Fire. The technology company included proprietary software and modified the user interface to enhance its services.
After eight versions it is time for a definitive change and Amazon is confident that it has a good product on its hands. According to internal sources, hundreds of people from the software and devices group are involved in the development of Vega OS. The company would have hired Zibi Braniecki, a former Mozilla engineer in charge of Gecko and Firefox OS.
The Roettgers report mentions that Vega OS is based on Linux and uses a web apps approach. Amazon asked developers to use React Native, this way they can build native applications for other operating systems such as iOS and Android.
Perhaps the most important thing about this strategy is that the new Vega OS will not be limited to Fire TV or Echo Show. The technology company has plans to venture into the development of infotainment systems for cars, so it could launch a personalized version later.