Vega OS: Is Amazon Preparing the Next Major Proprietary Ecosystem?
After years of speculation and discreet development, Amazon is set to announce “Vega OS,” a brand new operating system intended to replace Android on its Fire TV devices.
The official announcement could take place as early as next week during an event scheduled for September 30, according to a report from Lowpass as reported by The Verge.
Vega OS: Why This Change?
According to multiple reports since 2023, Amazon has long been working to free itself from its dependency on Android. Vega OS would represent a strategic shift towards a fully proprietary system, better integrated into its services (such as Prime Video, Alexa, etc.) and uninhibited by the constraints of the Google ecosystem.
Here’s what we already know about Vega OS:
- The system has been actively developed for several years.
- Tests have already been conducted with third-party developers to prepare new compatible applications.
- A modified job posting mentioned a planned launch for Vega OS in 2025, confirming the goal of a global rollout.
What Will This Mean for Fire TV Users?
It’s important to note that the transition won’t be immediate. Vega OS will not be available on existing Fire TVs, which will continue to receive Android updates. The new system will be reserved for future devices, delaying widespread adoption for several years.
Current devices will continue to receive classic Android/Fire OS updates for some time.
A Dual Strategy for Tablets
Meanwhile, Amazon seems to be adopting a dual strategy. For its Fire tablets, the company plans to more firmly rely on pure Android, moving away from its Fire OS fork. However, some entry-level models may be shipped with Vega OS, representing a hybrid positioning between the two environments.
With Vega OS, Amazon is following a trend initiated by other major players (like Huawei with HarmonyOS, Samsung with Tizen, etc.) to:
- Regain control of the user experience
- Reduce dependency on Android/Google
- Create a proprietary service ecosystem that integrates better with Alexa, Prime Video, and potentially the future of generative AI.
With Vega OS, Amazon seeks to further emancipate itself from Google and work towards building its own ecosystem. However, success will largely depend on developer adoption and the richness of the application offering at launch.
