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 |
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.
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 ]
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]
Based on Android 7.1.2 "Nougat", its main changes and additions include: [16]
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]
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]
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]
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". [26] [27]
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:
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]
Current Amazon devices running Fire OS:
Discontinued devices running Fire OS:
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] |
A closed platform, walled garden, or closed ecosystem is a software system wherein the carrier or service provider has control over applications, content, and/or media, and restricts convenient access to non-approved applicants or content. This is in contrast to an open platform, wherein consumers generally have unrestricted access to applications and content.
A tablet computer, commonly shortened to tablet, is a mobile device, typically with a mobile operating system and touchscreen display processing circuitry, and a rechargeable battery in a single, thin and flat package. Tablets, being computers, have similar capabilities, but lack some input/output (I/O) abilities that others have. Modern tablets largely resemble modern smartphones, the only differences being that tablets are relatively larger than smartphones, with screens 7 inches (18 cm) or larger, measured diagonally, and may not support access to a cellular network. Unlike laptops, tablets usually run mobile operating systems, alongside smartphones.
Android is a mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Android is developed by a consortium of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance, though its most widely used version is primarily developed by Google. It was unveiled in November 2007, with the first commercial Android device, the HTC Dream, being launched in September 2008.
Rooting is the process by which users of Android devices can attain privileged control over various subsystems of the device, usually smartphones and tablets. Because Android is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel, rooting an Android device gives similar access to administrative (superuser) permissions as on Linux or any other Unix-like operating system such as FreeBSD or macOS.
Amazon Appstore is an app store for Android-compatible platforms operated by Amazon.com Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon.
An app store, also called an app marketplace or app catalog, is a type of digital distribution platform for computer software called applications, often in a mobile context. Apps provide a specific set of functions which, by definition, do not include the running of the computer itself. Complex software designed for use on a personal computer, for example, may have a related app designed for use on a mobile device. Today apps are normally designed to run on a specific operating system—such as the contemporary iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux or Android—but in the past mobile carriers had their own portals for apps and related media content.
The Amazon Fire, formerly called the Kindle Fire, is a line of tablet computers developed by Amazon. Built with Quanta Computer, the Kindle Fire was first released in November 2011, featuring a color 7-inch multi-touch display with IPS technology and running on Fire OS, an Android-based operating system. The Kindle Fire HD followed in September 2012, and the Kindle Fire HDX in September 2013. In September 2014, when the fourth generation was introduced, the name "Kindle" was dropped. In later generations, the Fire tablet is also able to convert into a Smart speaker turning on the "Show Mode" options, which the primary interaction will be by voice command through Alexa.
A mobile application or app is a computer program or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone, tablet, or watch. Mobile applications often stand in contrast to desktop applications which are designed to run on desktop computers, and web applications which run in mobile web browsers rather than directly on the mobile device.
The Nook Tablet is a tablet e-reader/media player that was produced and marketed by Barnes & Noble. It followed the Nook Color and was intended to compete with both e-book readers and tablet computers.
A digital newsstand is a digital distribution platform for downloadable newspapers, magazines and journals. Examples include Apple's Newsstand and Google Play Newsstand – both of which have been discontinued – Amazon Kindle Newsstand and Magzter. It is an online development of the traditional news stand.
The Fire HD, also known as Kindle Fire HD in the generations prior to 2014, is a member of the Amazon Fire family of tablet computers. Fire HD refers to Amazon Fire family tablets with HD resolution. The many generations Fire HD subfamily includes: 7" and 8.9", 7", 6" and 7", 8" and 10.1", 8", 8" and 10.1", 8", 10.1", 8", 10.1", 8", 10.1" and 11". These devices run the Fire OS operating system.
The Nook HD and Nook HD+ are the third generation of Nook's line of color tablet e-reader/media players by Barnes & Noble for using their copy restricted (DRM) proprietary files, or other files. They are the successors to the Nook Tablet and both were released on November 8, 2012.
Amazon Coin is a digital payment method created by Amazon.com. Currently, the coins can only be used to purchase software and for microtransactions on apps downloaded from the Amazon Appstore on Kindle, Kindle Fire, and Android devices.
The Fire HDX, formerly named Kindle Fire HDX, was a high-end model in Amazon Fire line of tablet computers. It was announced on September 25, 2013, and was available in two models, 7 inch and 8.9 inch. The 7 inch WiFi model was released on October 18, 2013, and the 8.9 inch WiFi model was released on November 7, 2013, in the United States.
Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP), pronounced "twerp", is an open-source software custom recovery image for Android-based devices. It provides a touchscreen-enabled interface that allows users to install third-party firmware and back up the current system, functions usually not supported by stock recovery images. It is, therefore, often installed when flashing, installing, or rooting Android devices, although it does not require a device to be rooted before installation.
Android Lollipop is the fifth major version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google and the 12th version of Android, spanning versions between 5.0 and 5.1.1. Unveiled on June 25, 2014 at the Google I/O 2014 conference, it became available through official over-the-air (OTA) updates on November 12, 2014, for select devices that run distributions of Android serviced by Google. Its source code was made available on November 3, 2014. The first phone with Android Lollipop was the Nexus 6.
The LeapFrog Epic is an Android-based mini-tablet computer produced and marketed by LeapFrog Enterprises. Released in 2015, the Epic is LeapFrog's first device to run on Android; most of LeapFrog's mobile computing devices for children run on a customized Ångström Linux distribution.
Android 10 is the tenth major release and the 17th version of the Android mobile operating system. It was first released as a developer preview on March 13, 2019, and was released publicly on September 3, 2019.