Vega is already official. Amazon presented its new operating system for Fire TV devices and Echo In an event loaded with news. Although we had been hearing rumors about this development years, it has now been when the firm has decided to make the leap. Among the devices that incorporate this operating system is the Fire TV Stick 4K Selectbeing the first of his family to leave Android. Although with him, Amazon leaves one of his main assets on the way: his application catalog.
A change of views. Vega Os It is not a modified version of Android as Fire OS, but an Linux -based operating system built from scratch. This has an immediate consequence, and none of the applications that work on current Fire TV It will be compatible with Vega Os. Each developer will have to create specific versions of their applications for this new ecosystem. It is starting from scratch.
A first step. Amazon’s bet looks for two clear goals. On the one hand, create cheaper devices. In this sense, Vega is lighter and requires fewer hardware resources than Android. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select works with only 1 GB of RAM, half than other 4K models, and yet Amazon promises that applications open remarkably fast. On the other, gain technological independence. Depending on Android means depending on Google, and Amazon has been looking for for years to control all the experience of its devices without intermediaries.
Applications, Achilles heel. The greatest risk of Vega os that will have to face the end user is evident: an ecosystem of applications much more limited, at least for quite some time. At the moment, Amazon has confirmed Compatibility with services such as Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Prime Video, Paramount+, YouTube, PLUTO TV or PLEX, but many other applications are missing that Fire TV users usually use. In addition, the company has confirmed that “only Amazon Appstore applications are available to download.” At first, this also seems to close the door to Sideloadingalthough in the case of a Linux -based system, we may not be late in seeing alternatives.
How it works inside. From a technical point of view, Vega works radically different from Fire OS. As they have from AFTVNewsVega applications are, in essence, web pages, and the operating system acts as a specialized browser. This works perfectly for streaming applications, which on many platforms are already built with web technologies, but severely limits other types of apps such as more complex games or utilities. The archives of their applications will go from extension. ADB on Androidthe process will be more restrictive than in Fire OS.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select (last generation): Start reproducing 4K content in streaming, see hundreds of thousands of films and series episodes, and access free TV and live TV
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Amazon does not leave Android (yet). The company has made it clear that Fire will not disappear. All current Fire TV devices will continue to work with the Android -based system and receive updates. In addition, Amazon has confirmed that it will continue to launch new Fire TV devices with fire and is even working on a New version based on Android 14. At the moment, Vega is an alternative, not a replacement.
The business model behind. The interesting thing about Vega is not just savings in manufacturing costs. Amazon is building a completely own ecosystem where he controls every aspect of the experience. Here we talk from the hardware to the operating system, through the application store. It is a movement similar to Apple’s, but from the opposite end of the market, that is, offering cheap and accessible devices where Amazon can then monetize through content and services.
In Spain it does not come with Vega os. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select will arrive on October 15, and It can already be reserved on Amazon at a price of 54.99 euros. At the moment, the device will arrive without Vega in the country, although it is possible that it will be included as future update. There is no specific calendar yet, so it only remains to wait. Given the technical characteristics of the device, possibly the public see more attractive to take advantage of the offers of the latest generation Max than to opt for this new option, especially if there are no vega in between.
Cover image | Rubén Andrés
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