The smart TV landscape might be getting a major new development. After years of rumors, reports suggest that Amazon is preparing to move away from its Android-based Fire TV platform in favor of a new, custom-built system called Vega OS. Amazon has not officially acknowledged the project. However, an accidental job listing and industry sources indicate a potential launch as early as next year.

Amazon’s Vega OS: The Linux-based replacement for Fire TV OS

For years, Amazon’s Fire TV devices have run on a version of Android. But a recent job posting for a software development leader accidentally referenced the “Vega OS.” Plus, a Prime Video app for the new platform could be launched in 2025. After being contacted by The Verge about the listing, Amazon removed the reference to Vega but did not comment on the matter. This latest leak is the most concrete sign yet that the project is nearing completion.

Vega OS is reportedly a Linux-based system built by Amazon that uses React Native as its application framework. This allows developers to use JavaScript to build apps that can run across a variety of devices and operating systems. While this may sound promising, the news has created some uncertainty among developers. After all, they already have to support a multitude of smart TV platforms. With Amazon reportedly having no plans to bring Vega to existing Fire TV hardware, app creators would need to support two different Amazon operating systems for the foreseeable future.

Interestingly, this reported strategy for Amazon’s TV division stands in stark contrast to rumors about its tablet lineup. The company’s TV division may be moving to a custom-built OS. Meanwhile, there are reports that Amazon may be dropping its forked Fire OS on tablets in favor of a full Android experience. This would give tablet users access to the full Google Play Store ecosystem.

It could arrive as soon as next week

A formal announcement about Vega OS might come at an upcoming Amazon press event. Sources suggest the reveal will be a “low-key” affair, but the company’s invite teases new TV hardware. The first device to run Vega could be a lower-powered Fire TV Stick, but there is no confirmation yet. It is also important to note that Amazon has previously postponed Vega’s public announcements multiple times. This leaves a small possibility that it could happen again.

Despite the secrecy, the job listing also hinted that Vega will feature a content-first home screen. Instead of simply presenting a list of apps, it will likely feature individual shows and movies from various services, deep-linking to content directly. With the project already running on existing devices like the Echo Show 5 and Echo Hub, the upcoming launch would represent a major step for Amazon in unifying its smart device ecosystem.
The post Amazon Fire TVs May Replace Android with New Vega OS Soon appeared first on Android Headlines.

Source: ndroidheadlines.com