Amazon has launched its own Android Appstore in the US to compete with Google’s Android Market store, and offers an innovative “Test Drive” try-before-you-buy service.
Amazon has finally launched its Amazon Appstore for Android, offering consumers in the US the choice of either downloading applications for Android smartphones and tablets on their site or on the official Google Android Market.
Opening for business with about 3,800 applications in all, Amazon Appstore for Android – which will be accessible at Amazon.com and via a downloadable mobile app client but as yet only in the US – promises an enhanced user experience along with the usual one-click purchases and the other features that users expect from Amazon.
The site launches with a free first day offer of a give away of Angry Birds Rio and promises to give away a free app every day after.
Amazon is also introducing a new feature called “Test Drive” which enables customers to test apps on a simulated Android phone. Customers control the app through their computer using a mouse.
“Test Drive lets customers truly experience an app before they commit to buying. It is a unique, new way to shop for apps,” says Paul Ryder, vice president of electronics for Amazon.com. “Our customers have told us that the sheer number of apps available can make it hard to find apps that are high quality and relevant to them. We’ve spent years developing innovative features that help customers discover relevant products. By applying these features – plus new ones like Test Drive – we’re aiming to give customers a refreshing app shopping experience.”
Applications available in the Amazon Appstore for Android will operate on all devices running Android 1.6 and above; Amazon promises a series of automated marketing features such as it’s product recommendation engine, as well as a top 100 free and paid sellers list – Angry birds is already at the top.
Amazon has also said that it will test all apps before introducing them in the store, guaranteeing a positive user experience and protecting consumers from malware and other potentially harmful situations.
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