Amazon has announced plans to replace Android with its proprietary Linux-based Vega OS on Fire TV devices starting in 2025. The move, first revealed through a job listing that Amazon subsequently edited after press inquiries, is part of a broader strategy to reduce its reliance on Google’s ecosystem. The job description originally referenced the Vega OS experience and the dedicated Prime Video app launching in 2025, but Amazon removed those details following media interest.
The Vega OS, which is already used on several Amazon devices including the Echo Hub, Echo Show 5, and Echo Spot, runs on the Linux kernel 5.16, according to Amazon’s source code notices. This shift from Android is expected to eliminate Google’s influence over Amazon’s streaming hardware business and remove unnecessary smartphone code for TV devices. Current Fire TV devices will not receive updates to the Vega OS, meaning users will continue to use Android-based systems until the new operating system is fully rolled out.
Amazon’s decision to move away from Android highlights its growing independence in the tech space, as the company seeks to control its own software ecosystem and reduce costs associated with licensing Google’s operating system. Analysts suggest that this move could also enhance the performance of Fire TV devices by allowing for more tailored optimization of hardware and software integration. However, the transition may pose challenges for developers and third-party app creators who may need to adapt their apps to the new operating environment.
While the details of the Vega OS’s features and capabilities remain unclear, the shift marks a significant step in Amazon’s efforts to consolidate its control over the smart home and streaming markets. The company has also been investing in its own cloud services and hardware, positioning itself as a major player in the digital entertainment space. As Amazon moves forward with this transition, it will be important to monitor how the Vega OS performs in the market and how it impacts the broader ecosystem of streaming and smart home devices.