Amazon Reportedly Plans to Ditch Android OS for Fire TV This Year

According to some reports, Amazon plans to replace the Android operating system on its Fire TVs with a different system by the end of this year.

E-commerce titan Amazon is stealthily working to replace the Android-based operating system currently used by its Fire TV streaming devices. A recent report reveals that the new system, named Vega, is expected to launch later this year.

**A Homegrown Operating System**

First reported in 2023, Amazon is developing a Linux-based operating system, codenamed Vega, to eventually replace Fire OS. The current version, a modified form of open-source Android, powers devices like the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Fire tablet series, and Echo Show speakers.

**A Delayed Release**

Trusted Amazon news source LowPass states that the first TV streaming device powered by the yet-to-be-announced Vega OS will release this year. This launch is slightly behind schedule, with the company initially aiming for a rollout by the end of 2024, according to sources familiar with the matter. Vega OS requires all new apps to be written in a web-forward format, and Amazon has been engaging with “major publishers” to bring their applications to the platform.

**Questions About the Future of Sideloading**

Switching to Vega OS could significantly impact the sideloading of applications on Fire TV devices. Sideloading is a convenient feature for downloading and running apps not available on the Fire TV app store. With Vega, while sideloading will still be possible, it will be restricted to apps specifically designed for Vega. This limitation could greatly reduce its usefulness, despite some major publishers potentially joining the platform.

As Amazon gears up to launch its first Fire TV powered by the new Vega operating system this year, it is clear that the company needs to balance maintaining market dominance with the risk of diminishing the loyalty of its most devoted users.