Amazon Introduces Vega OS on Echo Show 5, Moving Away from Android
Amazon has quietly launched its in-house Vega OS on the latest version of the Echo Show 5 smart speaker, signaling a strategic shift in the competitive tech market. While Huawei and Vivo have already unveiled HarmonyOS and BlueOS systems in China, Amazon has chosen to keep Vega OS under wraps, not revealing its specific features and benefits.
Vega OS: A New Direction for Amazon
Version 1.1 of Vega OS has made its debut on the third-generation Echo Show 5 model, and it bears a striking resemblance to Amazon's well-known Fire OS interface, commonly found on its screen-equipped devices. However, one notable difference is that Vega OS does not support Android apps, unlike its Fire OS counterpart.
The latest Echo Show 5, released in May 2023, offers significant improvements in key areas such as speakers, microphones, and the display compared to its predecessor. But it's in recent shipments that Amazon has decided to pre-install Vega OS on this smart speaker.
Moving Away from Android
Amazon's transition to Vega OS signifies a significant departure from its reliance on the Android-based Fire OS, which was built on Android 9. This strategic move allows Amazon to achieve better integration of its hardware and software, potentially leading to higher profits. The development of Vega OS, a Linux-based system, demonstrates Amazon's ambition to gain more control over its devices, ranging from smart displays to Fire TV.
The switch to Vega OS may also have implications for advertising revenue and software updates, as Amazon will have more control over these aspects. However, some users have expressed concerns about the potential loss of power user features like sideloading. Additionally, the introduction of a new OS means that developers will need to create new versions of their apps specifically for Vega OS. Given Amazon's devices' popularity, with over 200 million units sold globally, developers are likely to adapt to this new platform.
Conclusion
Amazon's introduction of Vega OS on the Echo Show 5 marks a strategic move away from Android and towards a more integrated software and hardware ecosystem. While the specific features and benefits of Vega OS remain undisclosed, this transition could potentially lead to higher profits for Amazon and grant the company more control over advertising revenue and software updates. However, concerns about the loss of power user features and the need for developers to adapt to a new platform persist. Only time will tell how successful Amazon's move to Vega OS will be in the competitive tech market.
