We're increasingly carrying more devices in our pockets or backpacks. We started with laptops, and now we have smartphones, e-readers, tablets, and even smartwatches. In response, many software companies are developing an idea often referred to as convergence. This convergence allows us to have the same experience across all our devices, and also enables a single smartphone app to be available on tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and so on. Open Source software is playing a fundamental role in this concept, not only because of its affordability but also because of the robust development it typically fosters. Believe it or not, this will happen, or at least be attempted, in the world of e-readers. The first company to try and bring this to fruition is Amazon, which, in addition to its e-reader, already offers a tablet and will soon offer a smartphone , a game console , and a home entertainment center . But is Amazon compatible with Open Source software?
Amazon and Ubuntu, a divorced marriage
For over two years now, Ubuntu, Canonical's open-source operating system , has used Amazon as a desktop plugin. This integration allowed users to access Amazon store results directly from their desktop. For example, searching for " Borges " on the Ubuntu desktop would not only display files from the user's computer but also potential Amazon purchases containing that keyword. Initially, this integration seemed like a good idea, but it gradually gained traction until Richard Stallman publicly criticized it, condemning Ubuntu. Since then, Ubuntu's relationship with Amazon has deteriorated, and recently Canonical announced it would no longer include these searches in its distribution , although it did allow users to install a plugin to enable the functionality.
Amazon and Android, a hatred that pays off
If the relationship between Amazon and Ubuntu may sound strange, the relationship between Android and Amazon sounds illogical. Android is an operating system for mobile devices and although its owner, Google, did not represent a threat to Amazon at first, Bezos' company refused to use this operating system, however the source code does use it. Currently the Kindle Fire uses a version of Android that has been modified by Amazon itself. In addition, the application system is the same as that of the Google Play Store, only with different names and, both, are based on the installation system of the Gnu / Linux distributions. In spite of everything, this hatred is the only one that is bringing benefits to Amazon since its tablets are possibly, together with Ipads, the tablets that are most used for reading.
What has Amazon given to Open Source?
Both Ubuntu and Android, two open-source products , have generated a lot of money for Amazon, but has this been reciprocated? Unfortunately, I believe the answer is no. To this day, everything Amazon has created from open-source software has been restricted or modified to restrict access. While it's true they don't charge us for searching their products or using a tablet with their operating system, we can't currently install their operating system version, nor do we have a secure application (or its source code) to purchase their products from our desktops. Furthermore, there isn't a single open-source project that Amazon actively supports. Sooner or later, this will backfire on the giant. For now, Ubuntu has abandoned the major library, and this lack of collaboration with open-source projects may prevent Amazon from meeting its needs, such as offering its customers a single operating system for all its devices.
Conclusion
Every day, Open Source software gains more and more followers. The advantages it offers are numerous, and the drawbacks are dwindling. However, it's clear that many companies are reluctant to use it, despite its benefits. I believe that Amazon will gradually abandon its stance against Open Source Software and adopt a more paternalistic approach, although it may prefer to be wasteful. In any case, as an Amazon customer, I personally consider this aspect very important. Whether or not there's a discount isn't as relevant as the fact that someone might buy an eReader or a tablet and not be able to enjoy any of its features or have to pay for accessories. Conversely, there are even movements against discounts, but nothing against the positions regarding Open Source Software or its contributions to society. Illogical, isn't it?