Amazon Ready to Launch Appstore

Mike Phillips — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 02:30:00 GMT

Amazon is all set to launch an app store – a move that will put it in direct competition with Google's Android Marketplace.

Anya Waring, an Amazon spokesperson said, "We're starting with Android apps since it's an open ecosystem. Amazon officially hasn't made an announcement as to when our app store will launch, but all I can say right now is soon – it's coming soon."

The interesting part of this is Amazon's recommendation technology, a system consumers have become accustomed to – make a purchase and you get several related, relevant recommendations of other products.

"It will really raise apps to the surface," said Waring. "Apps right now don't get much exposure and it can be tough to find things in a lot of app stores. But we're changing that. If you buy a set of knives on Amazon.com, then you'll see maybe a cooking app show up as a recommended item alongside a cookbook or whatever else appears now."

Another interesting bit is Amazon's willingness to sell apps regardless of the operating system. "If the customer demand is there, and if it's the right move for us, then we'd be open to selling apps for other ecosystems in the future," said Waring.

The Amazon Appstore is a logical move for Amazon and could be an excellent non-partisan marketplace for app consumers. Amazon will take its customary 30% cut from every app sold.

For developers, watch this video about submitting apps to the Amazon Appstore.

'Net Features : Amazon Appstore

Amazon Ready to Launch Appstore