Amazon is planning to shift from its customized Fire OS to the Android operating system for its upcoming high-end tablet, marking a significant change in its device strategy.

This new tablet, expected to be priced around $400, aims to compete more directly with premium tablets like the iPad and improve Amazon's market share.

The move to Android is intended to enhance app compatibility, access to the latest Android features, and better integration with other Android devices, addressing previous limitations of Fire OS.

Switching to Android could also benefit app developers by providing access to the broader Google Play Store, overcoming the restrictions of Fire OS which limited app variety.

This transition is expected to expand the tablet's capabilities through access to a wider range of Android features and applications.

The new Android-based tablet is anticipated to feature improved hardware and possibly more advanced functionalities, although specific details remain undisclosed.

This initiative signals Amazon's strategic commitment to evolving its device ecosystem and fostering closer integration with Google's Android platform.

This shift represents a philosophical change for Amazon, which has traditionally avoided third-party software, focusing instead on low-cost devices with limited features.

The upcoming tablet will utilize the open-source version of Android, reducing dependence on Google and allowing for greater customization.

Currently, Amazon's Fire tablets run on FireOS, a forked version of Android that limits app compatibility, a challenge the new device aims to overcome.

Amazon's decision to adopt Android reflects a strategic move to enhance device appeal and performance, though there may be delays or cancellations due to financial or other considerations.

While the full lineup transitions to Android, Amazon will still offer some lower-priced tablets running on its Linux-based Vega OS.