Amazon to Replace Android with Homegrown Fire OS for Fire Tablets and Other Gear

Amazon is reportedly developing an in-house replacement for its Android-based Fire OS, codenamed "Vega," which is built for easier app development. Vega, based on a flavor of Linux, uses the React Native application framework and could simplify development for Fire devices. The new OS could start shipping on Fire TV devices next year and eventually be extended to Echo smart displays, Fire tablets, and other Amazon products. This move would allow Amazon to have better control over advertising and paid services on their devices. Additionally, decoupling from Android has larger implications, as it frees Amazon from Google's restrictions on using a fork of Android. However, this may disappoint tinkerers who enjoy side-loading Google services onto Fire tablets.