Amazon Removes Android on Some Products for its Own OS

Amazon is quietly replacing the Android software on some of its products with its operating system.

Latest Echo Show 5 speakers have started using Amazon's custom OS, displayed as "OS 1.1," rather than the usual Fire OS, digital reporter Zatz Not Funny! reported.

The e-commerce market is set to also replace the operating system for its Fire TV and Smart TV devices with an in-house software codenamed Vega.

Other Amazon products like smart displays, its smart home line, or streaming hardware are likely to get the changes as well.

The new OS is expected to arrive on Fire TV in early to mid-2024.

Reports of the new OS came last week from Janko Roettgers' Lowpass newsletter.

Amazon has yet to release an official announcement on the matter.

Amazon OS Features and Backwards Compatibility

Roettgers reported that Amazon's new OS will run on a Linux base and use a more web-forward application model.

There is no confirmation yet if the new OS will be backward compatible with older Amazon products.

This also means that streaming apps must readjust their systems for the new software.

Amazon has sold more than 200 million Fire TV devices since it came out in 2014.

The rollout of the Vega OS is expected to mark Amazon's decision to move away from Android software for its products.

Having its own OS will allow Amazon to generate more advertising revenue from its hardware products. It also allows the company to have control over the software's update and release.

Amazon Fire TV: Prices, Watching Experience, and Quality

The e-commerce giant announced the latest expansion to its family TV line last March.

The Fire TV Omni QLED Series, available in three sizes (43", 50", and 55"), offers customers little room space to still enjoy the Ambient Experience in their comfort.

The Omni QLED is equipped with 4K Quantum Dot Technology, Dolby Vision IQ, and HDR10+ for that immersive, cinematic experience.

The Omni QLED can be purchased for as low as $449.99.

For those with a smaller budget, the brand-new Fire TV 2-series starts at $199.99.

The 2-series features 32" and 40" sizes with access to popular streaming sites like Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV, Paramount+, and many more.

Equipped with Alexa Voice Remote, owners can browse through their 2-series TV with relative ease.