Amazon launches Kiro, a Claude-powered rival to Windsurf and Codex

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched a preview of Kiro, an artificial intelligence-powered tool designed to help developers write software more efficiently and collaboratively. Announced by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy on X, Kiro represents Amazon’s latest move to compete in the rapidly evolving field of AI-assisted software development.

Jassy called Kiro “a chance to transform how developers build software,” underscoring Amazon’s commitment to what is being dubbed “vibe coding”—a growing trend where AI systems play a central role in software creation, requiring minimal manual input from human developers.

Competing in a New Era of Software Development

The announcement comes on the heels of a $2.4 billion licensing deal between Google and AI coding startup Windsurf, a move aimed at enhancing Google's Gemini AI models for developers. Microsoft has also stepped into the same space, upgrading its Visual Studio Code editor with “agent mode,” a feature meant to automate significant portions of coding work.

These developments reflect a broader industry push toward automated, conversational programming, where human instructions are translated into functioning software with far less manual coding.

What Makes Kiro Stand Out

Unlike many existing AI tools, Kiro isn’t just focused on writing lines of code. It aims to tackle the complexity and opacity that often accompany AI-driven development. According to AWS, current vibe coding tools can be difficult to manage, especially when it comes to understanding past decisions and sharing that context with team members.

Kiro attempts to solve this by:

• Using specifications to help define the app’s purpose and system design before coding begins.
• Generating visual diagrams that illustrate how data flows through the proposed software.
• Creating task lists to ensure that developers know what’s been completed and what still needs attention.

These features are designed to make the development process more transparent, collaborative, and easier to maintain.

Built on Anthropic’s AI, with More Options Coming

Kiro runs on models from Anthropic, an AI company backed by Amazon. However, AWS has confirmed that other models will be supported in the future, giving developers more flexibility.

Currently, Kiro only supports English, but AWS plans to expand language options over time.

Privacy and Pricing

When Kiro exits the preview phase, both free and premium tiers will be available. AWS has stated that paying users' content will not be used to train AI models. Free users will have the option to opt out of such training.

The Bigger Picture

The unveiling of Kiro is Amazon’s latest step in an ongoing battle among tech giants to redefine how software is made. With Google acquiring AI talent and Microsoft doubling down on agent-based development, Amazon’s Kiro enters a crowded, high-stakes field—aiming not just to compete, but to reshape how developers think about coding.

As the AI arms race continues, tools like Kiro could signal a future where writing software is less about syntax and more about strategic collaboration with intelligent assistants.