It appears Amazon is finally going to launch their in house OS on some devices later this year. No word on if they will have a developer bridge similar to ADB or not. Of course, this could all be clickbait and nothing ever happens. I'm sure we will be hearing more in the coming months if they are making a change.
Unfortunately I don't believe it will be clickbait or vapor. I have been a little surprised they hadn't gotten it on the market yet. As mentioned they already have 3 Echo products out using it. Based on how they do everything else they will lock this down tight and SQUEEZE even more revenue out. I would bet anything there will be no side loading and anyone wanting on the platform "appstore" will face Roku, Apple, Google style fees (but at least Google has continued to support sideloading...probably only to try and head off android monopoly breakup threats )
They will probably add even more "special" launch buttons for the highest bidder.
Just spent a little time experimenting with a Xumo Stream box for the native support of spectrum app. It is also a terrible device...slow, locked down, with only a handful of apps.
Two things:
One.
Elias Saba, owner of AFTVnews and a former member of Amazon’s Fire TV team, has sounded the alarm about the implications of this transition. In a recent statement, Saba warned, “None of the apps you currently sideload will run on Vega OS.
We don’t know if sideloading will be possible on Vega OS, but even if it is, they will have to be apps that are specifically made for Vega OS, which currently do not exist.” He added, “If you rely on sideloaded apps, you likely won’t ever want to buy a Fire TV running Vega OS device.” Saba’s comments highlight the potential loss of flexibility that has made Fire TV devices, such as the Fire TV Stick and Cube, popular among users who customize their streaming experience with third-party apps like Kodi or
IPTV emulators.
Two.
Google illegally dominates two markets for online advertising technology, a judge ruled on Thursday.
...The Justice Department's proposed remedy framework includes steps such as divesting from Chrome, Google's internet browser, and possibly Android
Good thing LineageOS has Android TV builds that support ADB.
Tried Fire TV with there first messed up version of Android and did a shootout with Google TV. Most things I wanted to run ran on Google TV. Mostly not on FireTV. Then Amazon improved the FireTV and even less ran on it.
As for channels compatibility, well there is no Linux desktop app. We will see what happens....
Just to calm the waters a bit (especially for those who haven't read the article or other ones about it yet), we are talking about a single device that may launch this summer. Should it prove successful, Amazon will be interested in creating more, but that is a big IF. This is especially true because it will require 3rd party buy-in to devlop their apps for a Linux-based system. Not impossible, not even improbable, but still highly speculative.
In the meantime, they'll have to support the existing FireOS (Android) ecosystem for years and years to come. It's not like they'll be able to backwards replace the base assumptions built into these devices by swapping out an OS in the middle of the night. By necessity, there must be a long transition, if one does come to fruition. In other words, please don't rush out to buy new devices now or throw out perfectly functioning ones if they are doing what you need them to do!
Fire TV streaming media devices Software Security Updates at Least Through
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device, supports Wi-Fi 6E, Ambient Experience, free & live TV without cable or satellite
31 December 2029
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device, includes support for Wi-Fi 6, Dolby Vision/Atmos, free & live TV
31 December 2029
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD, free and live TV, Alexa Voice Remote, smart home controls, HD streaming
31 December 2029
Fire TV Stick Lite with Alexa Voice Remote Lite (no TV controls), HD streaming device
31 December 2029
Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote (includes TV controls), HD streaming device
31 December 2029
Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device with latest Alexa Voice Remote (includes TV controls), Dolby Vision
31 December 2029
Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device, Wi-Fi 6, Alexa Voice Remote (includes TV controls)
31 December 2029
Fire TV Cube, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, Wi-Fi 6E, 4K Ultra HD
31 December 2029
I'm sure the fire cubes and sticks will continue to work for years to come. I could see Amazon dropping their Fire App Store if they ever do switch away from an Android base. Not trying to create any fear among people, but it definitely is something to keep an eye on in the coming months. I remember the same news about a Google Android replacement that never had much of an impact as well as the same Amazon in house OS about a year or so ago too. This is not something to panic buy over.
This topic was automatically closed 30 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.