Fire OS
| Developer | Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code: Google Modifications: Amazon |
|---|---|
| Written in | C (core), C++, Java (UI) |
| OS family | Unix-like |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Proprietary software based on Open source Android and in all devices with proprietary components |
| Latest release | Fire OS 5.3.2.1 / December 16, 2016 |
| Latest preview | Fire OS 5 Developer Preview for Amazon Fire TV / August 17, 2015 |
| Marketing target | Kindle Fire, Fire HDX (tablet computers), Amazon Fire TV, Fire Phone |
| Package manager | APK |
| Platforms | 32-bit and 64-bit ARM |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (modified Linux kernel) |
| Userland | Bionic libc,mksh shell, native core utilities with a few from NetBSD |
| Default user interface | Graphical (Multi-touch) |
| License | Proprietary EULA; based on Apache License 2.0 Modified Linux kernel under GNU GPL v2 |
| Official website | developer |
Amazon FireOS is an Android-based mobile operating system produced by Amazon for its Fire Phone and Kindle Fire range of tablets, and other content delivery devices like Fire TV; the tablet versions of the Kindle e-readers are the Fire range. It is forked from Android. Fire OS primarily centers on content consumption, with a customized user interface and heavy ties to content available from Amazon's own storefronts and services.
While the Kindle Fire line has always used customized distributions of Android, particularly 2.3.3 (API level 10) (Kindle Fire) and 4.0.3 (API level 15) (Fire HD), Amazon only began referring to the distribution as Fire OS beginning with its third iteration of Kindle Fire tablets, which includes the Fire HD 2nd generation and Fire HDX models. Unlike previous Kindle Fire models, whose operating system is listed as being "based on" Android, the Fire HDX "FireOS 3.0" operating system is listed as being "compatible with" Android; FireOS 3 is forked from Android 4.2.2, (API level 17). In the Fire HD (3rd generation) and Fire HDX (2nd generation) tablets, Fire OS 4 is included that is forked from Android 4.4.2 (API level 19). Fire OS 4.5.1 is based on Android 4.4.3. Fire OS 5.0 is based on Android 5.0 (API level 22).
Fire OS uses a customized user interface designed to prominently promote content available through Amazon services, such as Amazon Appstore, Amazon Video, Amazon MP3 & Audible, and Kindle Store. Its home screen features a carousel of recently accessed content and apps, with a "favorites shelf" of pinned apps directly below it. Sections are provided for different types of content, such as apps, games, music, audiobooks, and video among others. A search function allows users to search through their local content library or Amazon's stores. Similarly to Android, sliding from the top of the screen exposes quick settings and notifications. Fire OS also provides integration with Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter. X-Ray is also integrated into its playback functions, allowing users to access supplemental information on what they are currently viewing. On the Fire HDX and Fire Phone, an additional function called "Mayday" allows users to connect directly to a support agent for assistance via one-way video chat. Amazon claims that most Mayday calls would be answered within 15 seconds. The OS features a user system, along with Kindle FreeTime, a suite of parental controls which allow parents to set time limits for using certain types of content.
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