Amazon is on the verge of launching its Linux-based operating system, codenamed Vega, designed for a versatile streaming device. This information has surfaced from a variety of job listings and insights from industry insiders. While the new OS is unlikely to support Android applications, Amazon is collaborating with major media outlets to create streaming services that are compatible with Vega.
It is unusual for a company to invest years in developing software, release it to the public without an official announcement, and remain silent about its expansion to other devices. However, that’s precisely what Amazon did when it implemented its custom Linux-based OS on the Echo Show 5, Echo Hub, and Echo Spot. Recently, reports have indicated that Amazon is actively working on a successor to the Android Open Source Project-based Fire OS, primarily for its first-party tablets and TVs.
Recent revelations, based on informative job listings, suggest that Amazon will introduce a streaming device—potentially a compact streaming stick or set-top box—later this year. This device will likely feature apps from major services that are already in development. Although internally referred to as Vega, Amazon has yet to officially announce the operating system or provide a name.
Currently, Vega is present on three smart home devices, which had been launched over a year ago. However, the demands of a TV or streaming stick are significantly more complex than those of smart speakers and basic displays. Amazon has utilized this time to ensure that Vega is ready for a broader audience.
While some details regarding the software development kit, labeled as Kepler SDK, and attention to Meta’s React Native UI framework provide insight into the development process, it remains uncertain when the new Fire TVs equipped with this OS will be available. Nonetheless, the information confirms the impending rollout of Vega. One drawback of Fire OS devices has been their limited integration with Google services, though installing the Google Play Store and various Android apps has been a simple workaround.
A new OS that operates independently from AOSP could alleviate some of the performance limitations associated with Fire OS, enhancing the user experience on budget-friendly devices. Unfortunately, with the shift to a Linux-based Vega system, it appears that Amazon’s bespoke OS will not support Android apps. This shift is likely why Amazon is rapidly hiring developers and working closely with major media publishers such as Paramount, Rakuten, and BBC’s UKTV to produce Vega-compatible applications.
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