Amazon has unveiled updated Android 4.4 KitKat-based operating system for its Fire smarphones and tablets. The software is called Fire OS 4 and has been codenamed Sangria. Amazon says “Fire OS is not just a device OS – it deeply integrates with the Amazon cloud to further improve performance and ease-of-use, to enable cross-platform syncing, and to power services that require more processing than is possible on a mobile device,”
The Fire OS 4 arrives with a Fire TV feature called ‘ASAP’ (Advanced Streaming And Prediction) . Amazon claims that this feature can predict the TV episodes and movies based on the user’s choice and queue it up automatically for viewing .The new Fire OS 4 also upgrades the visual design of the User interface. It adds custom Profiles option for multiple users using the same device. Now this will enable multiple users to create a custom profile on the device with their own individual email, Twitter and Facebook accounts, bookmarks settings such as display brightness and game level.
‘Smart Suspend’ feature also comes with the Fire OS 4. This feature can save your battery life and help your device to last longer. It will develop a device-specific profile based on user behaviour, to turn off wireless connectivity in slow periods. When the user picks up the device then wireless connectivity is turned on immediately to ensure that you receive all notifications and emails . The new Family Library feature allows users to share apps, games, books, audiobooks, and Prime Instant Video content with their family members
The new OS also brings the Firefly feature. This feature helps users to instantly identify content like text, artwork and audio. Amazon has also assured the Users to provide free unlimited storage in Amazon Cloud Drive for photos they take on their devices
Amazon has introduced the new Kindle Fire HD 6 at $99, upgraded Kindle Fire HD 7 and Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 starting at $149,new ebook reader Kindle Voyage lineup and upgraded model of the Kindle e-reader. These Fire HD and HDX devices will come pre-loaded with the Fire OS 4. The Fire OS 4 will be available as a free, over-the-air update for third-generation of Fire tablets. Amazon Fire Phone users will be getting the Fire OS 4 upgrade next year.