Summary
Amazon Fire Tablets are an incredible deal just to get a tablet in your hands, but there’s no doubt that the Fire OS software holds them back. But now, it seems the company is finally ready to ditch its old ways and build a proper Android tablet.
I say “proper” Android tablet because you may not recognize it, but Fire Tablets do actually run the same Android you find on a Samsung or Pixel tablet. However, it’s so heavily modified that Amazon is not allowed to include the Google Play Store. This has always been Amazon’s way of doing things—build its own walled garden to lock you into its ecosystem. The problem is that there’s always been a huge gap in the available apps on the Amazon Appstore vs the Play Store.
Since Fire OS isn’t exactly the same as Android on most phones and tablets, developers have to put in extra work to make their apps compatible. Many of them just don’t bother, leaving the Amazon Appstore feeling pretty sparse. This means youcan’t get some of the most popular appson Fire Tablets withoutsome extra effort. For some people, that’s not a big deal. The Fire tablet is a cheap way to watch movies, read books, and check your email. But for others who want a more versatile device, it’s a non-starter.
All of this is reportedly changing with a new project called “Kittyhawk.” According to the rumors, Amazon is planning to release a higher-end tablet with the full-blown Android operating system as early as next year. This would be a massive shift in philosophy for a company that has always prided itself on doing things its own way. If it works, it could make the Fire tablet a legitimate competitor to the likes of Apple and Samsung.
But what would this new tablet look like? The reports suggest it could cost around $400, which would put it in direct competition with some of the more affordable tablets on the market. However, that’s still a huge price jump from the current highest-priced Fire Tablet, which is the $230 Fire Max 11. The benefits could includeaccess to the full Google Play Store, a wider selection of apps, and the ability to more easily integrate with other Android devices.
Of course, this is all just rumors at this point. Amazon hasn’t commented on it, and the project could still be delayed or canceled. Also, it should be noted that there have been older reports of Amazonditching Android entirely for Fire TVs and other devices. Going with a more standard build of Android would be easier for the company, and it would be a huge win for people who want an affordable tablet without the compromises that have always come with Fire OS.
