Fire OS
{{Short description|Android-based operating system for Amazon devices}}
{{about|the Android-based operating system by Amazon|the HTML5-powered operating system by Mozilla|Firefox OS}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox OS
| name = Fire OS
| title = Fire OS
| logo = File:Amazon-Fire-Logo.png
| screenshot = File: FireOS 7.3.1.7.jpg
| caption = Fire OS 7.3.1.7 running on the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (10th generation)
| collapsible = no
| developer = Amazon
| programmed in = C (core), C++, {{nowrap|Java (UI){{cite web|title=Android Code Analysis|url=http://www.ohloh.net/p/android/analyses/latest|access-date=June 6, 2012|archive-date=September 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914185702/http://www.ohloh.net/p/android|url-status=dead}}}}
| working state = Current
| source model = Based on the Android Open source project,{{cite web |url=http://source.android.com/about/philosophy.html |title=Philosophy and Goals |work=Android Open Source Project |access-date= April 21, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120501080416/https://source.android.com/about/philosophy.html |archive-date= May 1, 2012 |url-status= dead}} with proprietary software & proprietary components{{cite web |title=Google's iron grip on Android: Controlling open source by any means necessary |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/10/googles-iron-grip-on-android-controlling-open-source-by-any-means-necessary |work=Ars Technica |access-date=December 8, 2013}}
| latest release version = * Fire OS 7.3.2.9 for 8th-11th generation devices
- Fire OS 8.3.3.3 for 12th-13th generation devices{{cite web|url= https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G2JXLC4L34GX73TE |title= Fire Tablet Software Updates|website= Amazon}}
| latest release date =January 27, 2025
| marketing target = Budget/Low priced market,
Members of the Amazon ecosystem
| language =
| package manager = APK
| supported platforms = 32-bit and 64-bit ARM
| kernel type = Monolithic (modified Linux kernel)
| userland = Bionic libc,{{Cite web|url=https://android.googlesource.com/platform/bionic/+/master/libc/|title=libc – platform/bionic – Git at Google|website=android.googlesource.com|access-date=March 3, 2021}} mksh shell,{{Cite web|url=https://android.googlesource.com/platform/external/mksh/+/master|title=master – platform/external/mksh – Git at Google|website=android.googlesource.com|access-date=March 3, 2021}} Toybox as the native core utilities with a few from NetBSD{{cite web|url=https://android.googlesource.com/platform/system/core/+/master/toolbox/ |title=toolbox – platform/system/core – Git at Google |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209072904/https://android.googlesource.com/platform/system/core/+/master/toolbox/ |archive-date=February 9, 2014 }}
| ui = Graphical (Multi-touch)
| license = Proprietary EULA; based on Apache License 2.0{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ref_=hp_mob_bc_nav&nodeId=GSWUQ53DVJBCN9VL|title=Amazon Device Terms|website=Amazon |access-date=December 3, 2023}}
Modified Linux kernel under GNU GPL v2{{cite web|url=https://source.android.com/source/licenses.html|title=Licenses|work=Android Open Source Project.|publisher=Open Handset Alliance|access-date=September 9, 2012}}
| website = {{URL|https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tv/fire-os-overview.html}}
}}
Fire OS is an Android-based operating system developed by Amazon for their hardware devices. Fire OS includes a customized user interface primarily centered on content consumption, and heavy ties to content available from Amazon's storefronts and services.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-01 |title=What is Fire OS? The Android operating system explained |url=https://www.trustedreviews.com/explainer/what-is-fire-os-4305618 |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Trusted Reviews |language=en}}
History
{{See also|Fire HD#Software}}
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.{{Cite web |title=Fire OS Overview {{!}} Amazon Fire TV |url=https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tv/fire-os-overview.html |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=developer.amazon.com}}
= Fire OS 5 =
Based on Android 5.1 "Lollipop",{{cite web |title=Fire OS Overview |url=https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tv/fire-os-overview.html |website=Amazon Appstore Developer Portal |publisher=Amazon.com, Inc. |access-date=November 20, 2021}} 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.{{cite web|title=What's new in Amazon Fire OS 5 Bellini?|url=http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/135336-what-s-new-in-amazon-fire-os-5-bellini|website=Pocket-lint|date=September 17, 2015 |access-date=January 28, 2016}}{{cite web|title=Amazon's Fire HD 10 tablet a rare misfire for company|url=http://fortune.com/2015/09/29/amazon-10-tablet-review/|website=Fortune|access-date=January 28, 2016}}{{cite web|title=Feature-stuffed Fire OS update makes Amazon's tablets even more kid-friendly|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3011171/tablets/feature-stuffed-fire-os-update-makes-amazons-tablets-even-more-kid-friendly.html|website=PC World|access-date=January 28, 2016}} 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.{{cite web|title=Amazon quietly disabled encryption in the latest version of Fire OS|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/3/3/11157752/amazon-fire-os-encryption-removed-upgrade|website=The Verge|date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=March 29, 2016}}{{cite web|title=Amazon pledges to bring device encryption back to Fire OS this spring|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/3/5/11165598/amazon-fire-os-encryption-feature-update|website=The Verge|date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=March 29, 2016}}
= Fire OS 6 =
Based on Android 7.1.2 "Nougat", its main changes and additions include:{{Cite web|date=September 13, 2021|title=Fire OS 6 for Fire Tablets|url=https://www.developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tablets/fire-os-6.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822133213/https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tablets/fire-os-6.html|archive-date=August 22, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2021|website=www.developer.amazon.com}}
- 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{{Cite web |title=Fire OS 6 for Fire Tablets {{!}} Fire Tablets |url=https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tablets/fire-os-6.html#dozeapp-standby |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=developer.amazon.com}}
= MediaTek exploits (2019) =
In early 2019, security exploits for six Fire Tablet models and one Fire TV model{{Cite web|title=Rapid Temporary Root for HD 8 & HD 10|url=https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/rapid-temporary-root-for-hd-8-hd-10.3904595/|access-date=September 13, 2021|website=XDA Forums|date=February 26, 2019 |language=en-US}} were discovered that could allow temporary root access, permanent root access, and bootloader unlocking{{efn|These exploits usually depend on certain factors such as: Fire OS version, bootloader/fastboot/recovery version, date the device was released (eg. in the case of hardware exploits because the exploit may be fixed with a new revision), etc.}}{{Cite web|title=Fire HD 8 (2018 ONLY) unbrick, downgrade, unlock & root|url=https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/fire-hd-8-2018-only-unbrick-downgrade-unlock-root.3894256/|access-date=September 13, 2021|website=XDA Forums|date=January 27, 2019 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=[UNLOCK][ROOT][TWRP][UNBRICK] Fire HD 8 2018 (karnak) amonet-3|url=https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/unlock-root-twrp-unbrick-fire-hd-8-2018-karnak-amonet-3.3963496/|access-date=September 13, 2021|website=XDA Forums|date=September 2019 |language=en-US}} due to security vulnerabilities in multiple MediaTek chipsets.{{Cite web|date=March 2, 2020|title=Critical MediaTek rootkit affects millions of Android devices|url=https://www.xda-developers.com/mediatek-su-rootkit-exploit/|access-date=September 13, 2021|website=xda-developers|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Android Security Bulletin—March 2020|url=https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2020-03-01|access-date=September 13, 2021|website=Android Open Source Project|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Amazing Temp Root for MediaTek ARMv8 [2020-08-24]|url=https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/amazing-temp-root-for-mediatek-armv8-2020-08-24.3922213/|access-date=September 13, 2021|website=XDA Forums|date=April 17, 2019 |language=en-US}}
= Fire OS 7 =
Based on Android 9 "Pie",{{Cite web|title=Fire OS 7 for Fire Tablets (Fire Tablets)|url=https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tablets/fire-os-7.html|access-date=November 11, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211111203537/https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tablets/fire-os-7.html|archive-date=November 11, 2021}} it was released in 2019 for all 8th-11th generation Fire tablets.
= Fire OS 8 =
FireOS 8 is the latest release of FireOS for 12th-13th 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.{{Cite web |title=Fire OS 8 for Fire Tablets {{!}} Fire Tablets |url=https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tablets/fire-os-8.html |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=developer.amazon.com}}
Although it is noted in the Amazon developer documentation that some Android 11 features such as File Based Encryption (FBE) are not supported yet.{{cite web |title=Fire OS 8 for Fire Tablets|url=https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tablets/fire-os-8.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220520132604/https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tablets/fire-os-8.html |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |access-date=June 14, 2022 |url-status=live}}
= 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 in 2024. It is unclear on whether existing Android-based Fire TV devices will get replaced with Vega.{{Cite web |last=Pandey |first=Rajesh |date=2023-11-10 |title=Amazon is getting ready to ditch Android on its Fire hardware |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/amazon-getting-ready-ditch-android-fire-hardware/ |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=Android Police |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-11-09 |title=Amazon may drop Android and build its own next-gen smart home OS |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/amazon-android-alternative-3384275/ |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=Android Authority |language=en}}
Features
Fire OS is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). It does not come with Google mobile services pre-installed; therefore, Amazon cannot use the Android trademarks to market the devices. Users are able to sideload the Google Play store;{{Cite web |title=How to Install the Google Play Store on the Amazon Fire Tablet or Fire HD 8 |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/232726/how-to-install-the-google-play-store-on-your-amazon-fire-tablet/ |access-date=March 3, 2021 |website=How-To Geek|date=November 23, 2017 }} however, full compatibility is not guaranteed if the app depends on Google services.{{cite web |last=Segan |first=Sascha |date=December 2013 |title=How To Run Free Android Apps On the Kindle Fire |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2396276,00.asp |website=PC Magazine}}
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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lifewire.com/history-of-fire-os-4582380|title=Here's What You Need to Know About Amazon's Fire OS|website=Lifewire|access-date=March 3, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://computer.howstuffworks.com/tablets/kindle-fire.htm|title=How the Kindle Fire Works|date=August 22, 2012|website=HowStuffWorks|access-date=March 3, 2021}}
Fire OS uses a customized home screen (launcher). As of Fire OS 7.3.2.3, the launcher features three sections:{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}
- "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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.androidauthority.com/profiles-amazon-fire-tablet-3233456/|title=How to add and switch profiles on an Amazon Fire tablet|website=Android Authority|access-date=March 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230319211527/https://www.androidauthority.com/profiles-amazon-fire-tablet-3233456/ |archive-date=March 19, 2023 |url-status=live}}
Along with Amazon Kids and Amazon Kids+, a suite of parental controls is included which allows parents to create managed child profiles,{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G3MTGN25XVMNWTFX|title=Create a Child Profile on Your Fire Tablet|website=Amazon.com|access-date=March 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230319212014/https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G3MTGN25XVMNWTFX |archive-date=March 19, 2023 |url-status=live}} set limits and set restrictions for minors.{{cite web|title=Hands On With Amazon Kindle FreeTime|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2411406,00.asp|work=PC Magazine|access-date=December 13, 2013}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G93XLZGRK98PQ9M4 |title=What are Parental Controls on Fire Tablet? |website=Amazon.com|access-date=March 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230319212522/https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G93XLZGRK98PQ9M4 |archive-date=March 19, 2023 |url-status=live}}
Devices
List of Fire OS versions
{{See also |Fire HD#Models}}
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
References and notes
{{Reflist}}
{{notelist}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tv/fire-os-overview.html}}
{{Amazon}}
{{Mobile operating systems}}
{{Linux distributions}}
Category:Android (operating system)
Category:Android (operating system) forks
Category:ARM operating systems