Amazon has released a preview version of its latest Fire OS software that powers the firm’s Kindle Fire tablets and other own-branded hardware.
The Fire OS 5, which is again a heavily forked version of Android, will now at least be based on the latest available version, Android Lollipop.
While the preview version is available to the developer community
today, consumers rocking a Kindle Fire, Fire TV or, dare we say, a Fire
Phone will need to wait until the autumn to access the upgrade.
While the software’s visual features and Google apps will be off limits, Fire users should at least benefit from some of Lollipop’s back-end improvements. Amazon says the preview version should also make compatibility with Android apps easier than ever before.
The firm said: “
Read more: Amazon Kindle Fire tablet tips and tricks
It’s been a busy time for Amazon on the hardware sign of things. Earlier this week we brought news of a brand new Kindle Paperwhite reader, while the firm has also struck a new deal with Marvel to bring the studio’s comics back to the Kindle Store. Elsewhere BlackBerry 10 users can now access a host of Android apps via the Amazon appstore.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.