Amazon.Com, Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN) is developing a new operating system named Vega to replace Android on its connected devices, including Fire TVs, smart displays, and potentially in-car entertainment systems.
The project, which has been in the works for several years, is now in an advanced stage, with testing already conducted on Fire TV devices. The company plans to introduce Vega on specific devices by 2024, Lowpass reports.
The initiative, part of Amazon's Device OS group, involves a significant team, including former Mozilla engineer Zibi Braniecki, the report says.
Vega aims to reduce reliance on the Android Open Source Project, which has caused Amazon's device development to lag behind Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Google's updates. Amazon's devices operate on Fire OS 7, based on the outdated Android 9, while Google has moved on to Android 14.
Vega is built on Linux and adopts a web-forward application model, encouraging developers to use React Native for building apps.
This shift allows for a broader range of app development across various platforms and devices.
Amazon's move to Vega is strategic, aiming to gain more control over its technology and avoid conflicts with Google, with whom it has had a contentious history over Android's use, according to the report.
The transition to Vega is also a way for Amazon to expand its reach and monetize its user base more effectively through ads and services, leveraging its presence across many affordable devices.
Price Action: AMZN shares traded higher by 0.48% at $141.37 on the last check Friday.