Amazon too Launch Linux-Based OS, Vega, for Fire TV devices
NEW YORK CITY – Amazon is poised to unveil Vega, a new Linux-based operating system intended to power its Fire TV devices, according to sources cited by Lowpass. The move signals a important shift away from Android TV,currently the foundation of Amazon’s streaming platform,and aims to give Amazon greater control over its rapidly expanding television and streaming ecosystem. An proclamation is expected at Amazon’s devices event in New York City on tuesday.
The development comes as television manufacturers increasingly prioritize software and service revenue over hardware sales.Companies like LG are integrating more personalized advertising and tracking features into their TVs, demonstrating the growing monetization potential of OS operators. Amazon’s adoption of a proprietary OS like Vega would allow it to directly participate in this trend, controlling ad integration, data collection, and service offerings on Fire TV devices.
Currently, Amazon does not expect to update existing fire TV devices with Vega, Lowpass reported.The transition will likely focus on new devices and televisions. This shift is also driven by a desire to lessen Amazon’s dependence on Google, with whom it reached an unconfirmed agreement in late 2022 allowing some manufacturers, such as Hisense, to produce Fire TVs alongside Android-based models. Prior to this, Amazon had accused google of hindering partnerships that would have resulted in third-party Fire TV production.
Beyond revenue opportunities, Vega is expected to facilitate deeper integration of Alexa+, Amazon’s new generative AI voice assistant. The company is actively seeking ways to monetize Alexa+,and Fire TVs are seen as a key platform for leveraging the AI assistant’s capabilities,such as content suggestions based on voice commands. Furthermore, a Linux-based OS eliminates the “cruft” of code unnecessary for smart TVs that comes with adapting android, originally designed for smartphones.
