3 Alexa tablets ditch Fire OS for Android, opening Google Play Store

Amazon has unveiled a new lineup of three Alexa tablets that run standard Android operating system software, marking a significant departure from its proprietary Fire OS platform. According to a report by TechCrunch, the new devices include the Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, the Amazon Alexa Tablet 11, and the Amazon Alexa Tablet 8. This transition allows users to access the Google Play Store directly on these devices, expanding the available application ecosystem beyond the limitations of the previous Fire OS environment.

The risk

For software developers and enterprise IT managers, the shift from Fire OS to standard Android represents a fundamental change in the deployment and security landscape for these devices. Fire OS was a fork of Android with significant modifications and restrictions, particularly regarding Google Mobile Services. The move to standard Android means that applications can now utilize the full suite of Google Play services without workarounds. According to ZDNET Security, this update positions the new tablets as stronger contenders for both entertainment and work purposes, effectively eclipsing the previous Fire line by offering a more familiar and robust software foundation for users.

Who is exposed

The primary audience for this change includes consumers and enterprise users who previously relied on Amazon Fire tablets for media consumption or basic productivity tasks. Developers who previously had to create separate builds for Fire OS due to its lack of native Google Play support can now target a unified Android environment. The three specific models named by TechCrunch—the 12 Pro, 11, and 8—cover a range of screen sizes and performance tiers, suggesting Amazon intends to replace its entire previous tablet hardware lineup with this new Android-based strategy.

Cost and compliance

The source material does not provide specific pricing details for the Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Alexa Tablet 11, or Alexa Tablet 8. However, the transition to standard Android may impact compliance strategies for organizations that previously managed Fire OS devices through Amazon’s specific enterprise management tools. ZDNET reports that Amazon has "upped its game" with these new Android tablets, implying a competitive repositioning rather than a cost-saving measure. No specific CVEs or security vulnerabilities were mentioned in the reports by TechCrunch or ZDNET regarding this software transition.

What should you do?

IT managers should evaluate whether the standard Android environment meets their organization's security and management requirements before migrating from Fire OS devices. Developers should review their application dependencies to ensure compatibility with the Google Play Store ecosystem on these new hardware models. Organizations should monitor for any changes in device management protocols as Amazon transitions its support infrastructure from Fire OS to standard Android.

What to do and how to stay safe: Amazon

• Audit current device management policies to ensure they support standard Android devices rather than the legacy Fire OS fork.
• Verify that critical enterprise applications are available and compatible via the Google Play Store on the new hardware models.
• Review data privacy settings and permissions associated with Google Mobile Services, which are now natively present on these devices.
• Monitor vendor communications for any updates to security patching schedules or enterprise management tool compatibility.

Step-by-step guide: Mobile Security Architecture: 8 Practices for Device Integrity

General security guidance from the Vector Tribune newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Which Amazon tablet models now run standard Android?

The Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Amazon Alexa Tablet 11, and Amazon Alexa Tablet 8 run standard Android, according to TechCrunch.

Can users install apps from the Google Play Store on these tablets?

Yes, the new Alexa tablets provide access to the Google Play Store, replacing the previous Amazon Appstore-only model.

What operating system did these tablets replace?

These new devices replace the proprietary Fire OS that previously powered Amazon’s tablet lineup, as reported by ZDNET.