Vega OS

Amazon has introduced its custom-built Vega operating system with the launch of the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which comes preinstalled with Vega. This new OS operates alongside Amazon's modified version of Android, creating challenges for developers who are hesitant to fully support Vega. To mitigate potential app shortages at launch, Amazon will allow the Fire TV Stick 4K Select to run Android versions of popular applications through cloud streaming. Amazon has also released documentation for developers on transitioning apps to the Linux-based Vega OS, which uses React Native as its default framework, and introduced the Amazon Cloud App Program to facilitate the deployment of existing Fire TV apps to Vega OS devices. Amazon is offering cloud streaming services free for the first nine months to encourage major publishers to develop native Vega apps, while also enabling cloud streaming for select popular Android apps. Developers can check if their apps are enrolled in the Cloud App Program via the Amazon developer portal. Although cloud streaming for TV apps is not new, Amazon's entry into this space is significant, especially following its previous use of cloud streaming for its Luna gaming service. The announcement of Vega OS comes nearly two years after its initial report and follows the launch of three Echo devices powered by Vega. With nearly 300 million Android-based Fire TV devices sold, it is essential for publishers to maintain support for Android apps. Amazon has stated its commitment to being a multi-OS company, continuing to launch new devices on Fire OS while supporting existing experiences.