Amazon Reportedly Developing Linux-Based Operating System "Vega" for Future Devices

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ICARO Media Group
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09/11/2023 22h05

In a recent report, it has been revealed that Amazon is planning to remove the Android core from its future Fire TVs, smart displays, and other devices. According to veteran journalist Janko Roettgers, who cited multiple sources and supporting materials, Amazon is allegedly working on a new Linux-based operating system codenamed "Vega."

Sources familiar with Amazon's plans have stated that the company has been considering this move for years, even discussing the idea with chipmakers as early as 2017. The report also mentions that "hundreds of people" within Amazon's Device OS group have been working on the development of this new software, including Zibi Braniecki, a former Mozilla engineer who joined Amazon in 2022. Braniecki himself hinted at his involvement in a LinkedIn post, where he mentioned working on a next-generation operating system for various Amazon devices.

While a specific release timeline was not provided, it was mentioned that most of the development for the new OS is already complete. Amazon is now reportedly focusing on preparing a software development kit (SDK) and incentives to attract developers to invest their time and resources into the ecosystem.

One of the main advantages of Amazon's alleged shift to the Vega operating system is the potential to sever ties with Google's Android Open Source Project, which currently forms the foundation of Amazon's Fire OS. The reliance on Android has caused Amazon's software to lag behind the latest versions of Android. By adopting Vega, Amazon also aims to streamline its OS and remove unnecessary bloat, as Android is designed to accommodate various devices beyond the specific needs of Amazon's smart-home products.

According to the report, the Linux-based Vega OS is expected to utilize React Native for app development. This technology, developed by Meta, allows for the creation of a single codebase that can be used across both iOS and Android platforms. This move suggests that Amazon is eyeing cross-platform compatibility to simplify app development for its new operating system.

While it remains unclear if the Vega OS will eventually be extended to Fire tablets, the report indicates that Amazon intends to completely separate from Android on all future devices. The company has reportedly designed Vega to cater to various hardware products, including car infotainment systems and other upcoming devices.

In conclusion, if these reports hold true, Amazon's development of the Linux-based operating system "Vega" could mark a significant shift for the company, allowing it to break away from the limitations of Android and offer a more streamlined and versatile OS experience across its range of devices.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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