Fire OS vs Android: Key Differences Explained
Amazon Fire Tablets and Their Operating System
Amazon's Fire tablets utilize a customized operating system known as Fire OS. This system is fundamentally built upon the Android platform, yet it diverges significantly from the standard Android experience.
Key Differences Between Fire OS and Android
While Fire OS shares a common code base with Android, it notably lacks integration with Google's suite of applications and services. This distinction is central to understanding the unique functionality of Amazon's tablets.
It’s more accurate to describe Fire OS as a derivative of Android rather than a direct implementation. A substantial portion of the underlying code originates from the Android open-source project.
Despite the differences in the operating system, users can still access and run applications designed for Android. All apps available on a Fire tablet are, in fact, Android applications.
The absence of Google services impacts the user experience, directing users towards Amazon's own ecosystem of apps and content. This includes the Amazon Appstore, Amazon Music, and Amazon Video.
Essentially, Amazon has created a tailored Android experience optimized for consuming Amazon content and services. This approach provides a distinct alternative to tablets running stock Android.
Understanding the Core Differences
For most users, the primary distinction between a standard Android tablet and an Amazon Fire tablet lies in the absence of the Google Play Store on Fire devices. Instead, users are restricted to Amazon’s Appstore and its available applications. Access to Google applications and services is also unavailable, with Amazon’s own suite of apps being utilized – such as the Silk Browser in place of Chrome.
App Ecosystem and Services
It’s important to note that other differences exist as well. Amazon prevents users from altering the default launcher, meaning the Amazon home screen experience is fixed. This home screen displays not only apps but also Amazon’s videos, music, and ebooks.
The interface even integrates Amazon’s shopping platform, facilitating purchases and further engagement with Amazon’s services.
Kid-Friendly Features
Fire OS includes a beneficial, child-focused feature called "Kindle FreeTime." This can be paired with an "Unlimited" subscription, granting access to a vast library of age-appropriate educational apps, books, movies, and television programs.
Amazon also offers Fire Tablets specifically designed for children, complete with bundled services and a durable, protective case. These parental control features represent a unique strength of Fire OS.
Practical Implications
What does this divergence truly signify? If your needs are limited to basic tablet functions like web browsing, email management, and video streaming, the difference may not be substantial. However, if you require the full range of Android applications without workarounds, a conventional Android tablet might be a better choice.
Amazon’s Business Model
Amazon’s core strategy centers around affordability. A $50 Kindle Fire tablet is available, but this comes with the trade-off of using Amazon’s appstore and services instead of Google’s. Amazon aims to generate revenue through digital sales.
Even the most affordable tablet models include lock screen advertisements, with an additional fee required for their removal. This highlights Amazon’s approach to maximizing revenue streams.
Ultimately, the choice between Fire OS and Android depends on individual priorities and usage patterns.
Android, Google Mobile Services, and AOSP
In reality, there exist two distinct versions of Android. The commonly encountered Android, found on devices from manufacturers like Samsung, LG, HTC, and Sony, is the Google-certified version. This encompasses not only the Android operating system itself but also certification by Google.
These certified devices utilize the Android OS and are equipped with Google Mobile Services. This suite includes essential applications such as the Google Play Store, Gmail, and Google Maps.
Understanding the Android Open Source Project
Android also exists as an open source project, officially known as the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The AOSP code is distributed under a permissive open-source license.
This licensing allows any manufacturer or developer to freely utilize the code base for their specific needs and applications.
The Role of Google Mobile Services
It’s important to note that Google Mobile Services are not integrated within the core Android open source project. Many features commonly associated with "Android," like the Google Play Store and other Google applications, are not inherently part of the AOSP.
These services are instead licensed separately by Google.
AOSP in Practice
The most affordable Android tablets, often available for around $30 directly from manufacturers in China, typically run solely on the AOSP code. Adding Google Play Store functionality to these devices requires a separate, post-installation process.
Users must manually install Google’s applications after receiving the tablet.
Therefore, a distinction must be made between the complete Android experience with Google Mobile Services and the base AOSP version.
The Rationale Behind Amazon's Development of Fire OS Over Android
Amazon’s objective was to develop a dedicated operating system tailored for its tablet devices. Instead of independent development, Amazon leverages the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code as a foundation, subsequently modifying it to produce Fire OS.
This approach offers significant time savings for Amazon, allowing them to build upon Google’s pre-existing work rather than initiating a completely new project. Furthermore, it facilitates the seamless adaptation of existing Android applications to Fire OS, given their fundamental compatibility.
However, the question arises: why not simply utilize Google’s Android directly? Amazon’s core strategy centers on maintaining complete control over the user experience. They aim to direct users towards Amazon’s own ecosystem of services.
Instead of relying on Google Play for applications, video content, music, and digital books, Amazon intends for customers to utilize the Amazon Appstore, Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Kindle applications. The Amazon Fire tablet line is designed as an affordable gateway to Amazon’s suite of offerings.
The underlying principle is that once a customer invests in the hardware, they are more inclined to purchase additional services and products from Amazon, fostering greater customer engagement and revenue generation.
Key Advantages of Fire OS for Amazon
- Reduced development time and costs.
- Compatibility with a vast library of Android apps.
- Complete control over the user experience and ecosystem.
- Promotion of Amazon’s services and products.
By customizing Android, Amazon has crafted an operating system that aligns perfectly with its business goals. This allows them to create a cohesive and integrated experience for their customers, driving sales and loyalty within the Amazon ecosystem.
Google Play Services: A Google Android Exclusive
It’s becoming increasingly common for users to perceive “Android” as encompassing more than just the operating system itself. A significant portion of the Android experience now relies on Google Play Services and Google’s proprietary applications.
Dependency on Google Play Services
A large number of applications available through the Google Play Store are designed to utilize Google Play Services. This framework provides access to crucial functionalities like GPS location data and payment processing, among others.
Direct installation of these applications onto devices running Fire OS is not possible due to the absence of Google Play Services.
Porting Apps to Fire OS
Amazon must furnish alternative Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for developers wishing to make their apps compatible with Fire OS.
Developers may need to modify their Android applications to ensure functionality on Amazon’s platform, a process known as porting. This adaptation is necessary because of the differing underlying systems.
Impact on App Availability
The requirement for porting explains why not all applications found in the Google Play Store are available on Amazon’s Fire OS. The effort involved can be a deterrent for some developers.
Related: Discover how your device receives Android updates even without direct OS updates from Google.
Amazon Appstore vs. Google Play
For most Kindle tablet users, a key distinction lies in the utilization of Amazon’s Appstore in place of Google Play. Android application developers have the option of distributing their apps through both platforms.
However, not all developers choose to list on both; many opt for one or the other.
App Availability
Consequently, users may find that not all Android applications typically accessible on a standard Android tablet are available on Kindle Fire devices.
Despite this, a substantial number of apps are accessible.
It is recommended to check the Amazon Appstore online to confirm the availability of frequently used applications.
Installing the Amazon Appstore on Android
Amazon provides its "Appstore" application for download on conventional Android smartphones and tablets.
This allows users to download applications directly from Amazon instead of Google Play.
Since these are Android applications, they are fully compatible with both Android and Fire OS operating systems.
Therefore, functionality remains consistent across different Android-based devices.
Transforming a Fire Tablet into a "Google Android" Experience
Due to the close relationship between Fire OS and Android, several methods exist to configure a Fire tablet to function more like a standard Android device, without the need for rooting.
Key Modifications
- Installing the Google Play Store provides access to a wider range of applications.
- Employing a different launcher can deliver a more conventional Android interface.
- Disabling specific Amazon-integrated features further enhances the Android-like experience.
While neither Google nor Amazon officially supports these modifications, they are achievable and do not necessitate rooting the device.
It's important to acknowledge that implementing these changes requires user effort. Furthermore, Amazon retains the possibility of restricting these workarounds in future Fire OS updates.
Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablets represent a cost-effective solution for basic digital consumption, including video streaming, ebook reading, music playback, web browsing, email management, and social media use.
However, Android users who prioritize full access to the Google Play Store and the complete suite of Google applications, without engaging in complex modifications, may find a traditional Android tablet a more suitable choice.
The core distinction lies in the level of customization desired and the willingness to undertake the necessary steps to achieve it.