Amazon is preparing a major shift in its tablet strategy by moving away from its Fire OS and adopting the Android operating system for its upcoming premium Fire tablet. The project, known internally as Kittyhawk, could debut as early as next year, according to people familiar with the development.
This marks the first time Amazon will release a Fire tablet running on Android. Historically, Fire tablets have relied on Amazon’s own Fire OS, which limited access to Google Play Store apps. That restriction frustrated consumers and created extra work for developers who had to build separate versions of apps for Amazon devices.
See also: Amazon Developing Foldable Screen Laptop
Despite these limitations, Amazon managed to secure about 8% of the global tablet market by keeping its devices affordable, typically pricing them close to manufacturing cost. The upcoming Android-based model, however, is expected to carry a premium price tag of around $400 — almost double the current flagship Fire Max 11 at $230. While this would bring it closer to Apple’s entry-level iPads at $350, Amazon has yet to reveal any detailed technical specifications.
Industry analysts suggest this move could help Amazon attract users who want wider app compatibility and more frequent software updates. However, insiders caution that the project could face delays or even cancellation due to financial or strategic considerations. Lower-cost Fire tablets will continue running on Amazon’s Linux-based Vega OS in the short term, with a gradual shift to Android planned for the full lineup.
Meanwhile, Google announced its new Pixel 10 series during the annual “Made by Google” event in New York. The smartphones feature advanced AI-powered tools, such as a camera assistant that helps users take better photos and an intelligent assistant that pulls up relevant information automatically.
See also: Surface Laptop 7: Arm’s Amazon Return Flag Raises Concerns
The Pixel 10 starts at $799, while the foldable version is priced at $1,799. Alongside the smartphones, Google introduced the Pixel Watch 4, updated Pixel Buds 2a, and minor upgrades to the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Despite Android’s dominance worldwide, Google’s Pixel phones still represent a small portion of global smartphone shipments, highlighting the company’s focus on using hardware to showcase Android’s AI capabilities rather than solely competing with Apple.
With Amazon leaning into Android for its tablets and Google doubling down on AI features in its Pixel lineup, the competition in the tech ecosystem is set to intensify in 2025.
