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Amazon moves Fire tablets to Android: what the report says
A recent report claims Amazon is preparing a major overhaul of its Fire tablet lineup by replacing its long-standing Fire OS fork with a build based on Android. The transition is said to be the result of years of development and mounting customer feedback about Fire OS limitations. The first Android-based Fire tablet is reported to arrive next year with a $400 price tag, significantly higher than typical Fire models.
Product features and platform changes
Hardware and price
The new model is expected to position Amazon higher in the tablet market, targeting users willing to pay around $400 for a more capable device. Details on processors, display resolution, RAM, and battery life are still unconfirmed, but the higher price suggests improved hardware compared with entry-level Fire tablets.
Software and ecosystem
Amazon will reportedly build its tablets on the open-source Android (AOSP) rather than continuing with its Fire OS fork. A crucial caveat: using AOSP does not guarantee Google Mobile Services or preinstalled Google apps, so the Amazon Appstore and Amazon services will likely remain central.
Comparisons and advantages
Compared with current Fire tablets, an Android-based device could unlock better app compatibility and a more familiar Android experience for users and developers. Advantages include improved access to standard Android APIs, easier porting of apps, and potential performance and stability gains from years of Android development.
Use cases and who benefits
This shift could appeal to power users, professionals, and families who want a more versatile tablet for productivity, streaming, and Android-native apps. Developers may find it simpler to support Fire devices if behavior aligns more closely with mainstream Android.
Market relevance and implications
If true, the move signals Amazon's intent to compete more directly with midrange Android tablets from other manufacturers. The strategy could boost tablet sales, but absence of Google apps may limit appeal in regions where Google services are expected out of the box. For the broader tablet market, the change underscores growing convergence between vendor-customized platforms and stock Android implementations.
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