Fire OS is a mobile operating system based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). It is developed by Amazon for their devices. Fire OS includes proprietary software, a customized user interface primarily centered on content consumption, and heavy ties to content available from Amazon's storefronts and services.
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Screenshot  Fire OS 7.3.1.7 running on the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (10th generation) | |
| Developer | Amazon |
|---|---|
| Written in | C (core), C++, Java (UI)[1] |
| OS family | Android (Linux) |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Based on the Android Open source project,[2] with Proprietary software & Proprietary components[3] |
| Latest release |
|
| Marketing target | Budget/Low priced tablet/phone market, Members of the Amazon Ecosystem |
| Package manager | APK |
| Platforms | 32-bit and 64-bit ARM |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (modified Linux kernel) |
| Userland | Bionic libc,[5] mksh shell,[6] native core utilities with a few from NetBSD[7] |
| Default user interface | Graphical (Multi-touch) |
| License | Proprietary EULA; based on Apache License 2.0[8] Modified Linux kernel under GNU GPL v2[9] |
| Official website | developer |
History
Amazon began referring to the Android derivative as Fire OS with its third iteration of Fire tablets. Unlike previous Fire models, whose operating system was described as "based on" Android, Fire OS 3.0 was described as "compatible with" Android.[citation needed]
Fire OS 5
Based on Android 5.1 "Lollipop",[10] it added an updated interface. The home screen has a traditional application grid and pages for content types, as opposed to the previous carousel interface. It also introduced On Deck, a function that automatically moves content out of offline storage to maintain storage space for new content; the Word Runner speed reading tool; and screen color filters. Parental controls were enhanced with a new web browser for FreeTime mode featuring a curated selection of content appropriate for children, and an Activity Center for monitoring children's usage.[11][12][13] It removed support for device encryption, which an Amazon spokesperson stated was an enterprise-oriented feature that was underused. In March 2016, after the removal was publicized and criticized in the wake of the FBI–Apple encryption dispute, Amazon announced it would restore the feature in a future patch.[14][15]
Fire OS 6
Based on Android 7.1.2 "Nougat", its main changes and additions include:[16]
- Adoptable storage, allowing users to format and use their SD card as internal storage
- Doze/App standby, aiming to improve battery life by forcing devices to sleep when not actively used, adding restrictions to apps that would normally continue to run background processes
MediaTek exploits (2019)
In early 2019, security exploits for six Fire Tablet models and one Fire TV model[17] were discovered that could allow temporary root access, permanent root access, and bootloader unlocking[note 1] [18][19] due to security vulnerabilities in multiple MediaTek chipsets.[20][21][22]
Fire OS 7
Based on Android 9.0 "Pie",[23] it was released in 2019 for all 8th-11th generation Fire tablets.
In February 2022, Amazon announced that the Docs app would be replaced (in August 2022) by document creation functionality in the Files app;[citation needed] and introduced an improved home editing system.[24]
Fire OS 8
FireOS 8 is the latest release of FireOS for 12th generation fire tablets, based on Android 11, information about the release became available via Amazon developer documentation around May 2022.
FireOS 8 incorporates changes from Android 10 and Android 11, such as TLS 1.3 support enabled by default, High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF) support, Dark mode, One-time permissions, Sharing improvements, Device auto backups (user needs to opt-in to device backups), etc.
Although it is noted in the Amazon developer documentation that some Android 11 features such as File Based Encryption (FBE) are not supported yet.[25]
Report of migrating away from Android
Around November 2023, a report surfaced of Amazon's plans to migrate away from Android to a custom Linux-based operating system known as "Vega". Apps will be HTML5 based, specifically using React Native. Amazon was reported to be developing the operating system since 2017, and planning to launch TVs running Vega OS in 2024. It is unclear on whether existing Android-based Fire TV devices will get replaced with Vega OS.[26][27]
Features
Fire OS does not come with Google mobile services pre-installed; therefore, Amazon cannot use the Android trademarks to market the devices.[3] Users are able to sideload the Google Play store;[28] however, full compatibility is not guaranteed if the app depends on Google services.[29]
Because Google services are not pre-installed, Amazon develops and uses its own apps in their place, some of which include Amazon Appstore, Amazon Alexa, Prime Video, Amazon Music, Audible, Kindle Store, Silk Browser, Goodreads and Here WeGo.[30][31]
Fire OS uses a customized home screen (launcher). As of Fire OS 7.3.2.3, the launcher features three sections:
- "For You" shows the weather, recently used apps, Alexa integration, then shows recommended content such as apps, books movies, etc.
- "Home" is the section for the icons of all of the apps currently installed on the device, apps on the Home section can be moved around or put into folders, a search bar is also available at the top of the launcher to search though local content on the device or search online using the Bing search engine.
- "Library" shows purchased items from Amazon services, such as apps, books, movies and TV shows from Prime Video, etc.
The OS features a multi-user system, which allows multiple people to set up and use separate user profiles.[32]
Along with Amazon Kids and Amazon Kids+, a suite of parental controls is included which allows parents to create managed child profiles,[33] set limits and set restrictions for minors.[34][35]
Devices
Current Amazon devices running Fire OS:
- Fire Tablets - manufactured by Quanta Computer
- Fire TV - manufactured by Foxconn
- Amazon Echo / Amazon Echo Show - manufactured by Amazon
Discontinued devices running Fire OS:
- Fire Phone - manufactured by Foxconn
List of Fire OS versions
| Fire OS version | Base Android Version | Android API level | Compatible Devices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.3.3 Gingerbread | 10 | Kindle Fire | Reported as "Based on Android" |
| 2 | 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich | 15 | Kindle Fire HD | Reported "Based on Android" |
| 3 | 4.2.2 Jellybean | 17[36][37][38] | Fire HD (2nd generation), Fire HDX | Reported as "Compatible with Android" |
| 4 | 4.4.2 KitKat | 19[39][40] | Fire HD (3rd generation), Fire HDX (2nd generation) | |
| 4.5.1 | 4.4.3 KitKat | 19[41][42][43] | ||
| 5.0 | 5.1 Lollipop | 22[44] | Fire 7 (7th generation) | |
| 6 | 7.1.2 Nougat | 25[45] | Fire HD 8 (8th generation), Fire 7 (9th generation) | Devices shipped with Fire OS 6 were later upgraded to Fire OS 7 when Amazon abandoned development. |
| 7 | 9.0 Pie | 28[46] | Fire 7 (9th generation), Fire HD 8 (8th generation), Fire HD 8/8+ (10 generation), Fire HD 10/10+ (11 generation) | |
| 8 | 11 (Red Velvet Cake [note 2] [47]) | 30 | Fire 7 (12th generation) Fire HD 8 (12th Generation) | Some Android 11 features such as File Based Encryption (FBE) are not supported in Fire OS 8 [25] |
Notes
See also
- Nokia X software platform, a similar fork by Nokia
- Tizen, a Linux-based OS by Samsung Electronics with an optional Android runtime
- Sailfish OS, a Linux-based mobile OS by Jolla which includes an Android runtime
- BlackBerry 10, a QNX-based mobile OS by BlackBerry which includes an Android runtime and comes with the Amazon Appstore preloaded
- Comparison of mobile operating systems