Amazon is preparing a significant transformation for its Fire tablet line as it considers replacing its custom operating system with standard Android, Reuters is reporting.
According to insiders, the initiative, known internally as “Project Kittyhawk,” is expected to yield a higher end tablet as early as next year, marking a pivotal departure from Amazon’s long held strategy of relying on homegrown software.
This proposed Android powered model would enable broader app compatibility and appeal to users seeking more powerful devices.
Since debuting in 2011, Fire tablets have run on Fire OS, a forked version of Android heavily modified by Amazon. This approach creates challenges for app developers who must repackage apps for Amazon’s app store rather than distribute them through the common Android ecosystem.
While affordability has always been a core pillar of the Fire tablet mission, the company may now introduce a higher priced unit. Sources estimate the Android version could carry a price tag around $400, nearly doubling the cost of the current top model Fire Max 11, which sells for approximately $230 in the U.S.
Amazon is also expected to maintain its lower cost models running a Linux based system known as Vega OS, which already powers a selection of Fire TV devices. Over time the plan may involve transitioning the entire Fire tablet portfolio to Android, while reserving Vega for budget tiers.
If this plan goes forward Amazon would join other major tech players in leaning into Android for its user friendliness and access to widely supported app ecosystems. Analysts suggest the move could help Amazon better compete with major tablet makers.
Currently Amazon holds the position of fourth largest tablet vendor globally, just behind Lenovo, and far behind leaders such as Apple and Samsung.
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