Amazon has introduced Vega OS, a new custom-built operating system for its entertainment devices, during a recent hardware event. It coincides with the launch of the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, a streaming device equipped with Vega OS.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Select was revealed alongside other Fire TV models that continue to operate on Amazon’s modified version of Android. This dual-platform situation may create challenges for developers, as some major publishers have shown reluctance to fully support Vega given the existing Android ecosystem.
To alleviate potential app shortages at launch, Amazon plans to utilize cloud technology. The company will allow popular Android apps that have not yet been adapted for Vega to run in the cloud, meaning they will be streamed to the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. Amazon spokesperson Melanie Garvey confirmed that select developers will be able to leverage existing apps while they create native versions for Vega.
Developers have been provided with documentation regarding Vega OS, focusing on app compatibility. Vega OS is based on Linux and utilizes React Native as its primary app framework. Amazon’s alternative, the Amazon Cloud App Program, aims to deliver existing Fire TV apps to Vega OS devices via cloud streaming, as outlined in its developer resources.
Amazon’s cloud streaming approach will primarily target major app publishers, with a promotional period of nine months during which cloud streaming will be offered at no cost. Post that period, a potential fee could be introduced based on user activity.
Notably, Amazon’s cloud app streaming follows similar strategies used in the broader tech industry. Previous efforts by startups and other companies have seen cloud streaming as a method to enable app access on devices with limited processing capabilities. Amazon’s existing cloud gaming service, Luna, also relies on similar streaming techniques.
In light of ongoing hardware cycles in the television market, it may take time for Vega to become the dominant operating system across all devices. Amazon has so far sold nearly 300 million Android-based Fire TV devices, suggesting continued support for both operating systems will be necessary in the near future.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/column/790144/amazons-vega-os-streaming-cloud