What you need to know
The countdown has begun for the Amazon App Store on Android devices, with its impending closure set for August 20. This decision marks a significant shift in Amazon’s strategy as it pivots away from supporting Android devices to concentrate on enhancing the experience for its own line of products, including Fire Tablets and Fire TV.
Initially announced in February, this move has been met with mixed feelings. The Amazon App Store, while a viable alternative for users seeking applications not available on the Google Play Store, will soon become a relic of the past for Android users. Amazon has made it clear that its focus will now be solely on its proprietary devices, where the majority of its customer engagement occurs.
Available in over 200 countries, the Amazon App Store provided a platform for a diverse array of games and applications. However, the company has concluded that the incentive to maintain this service for Android users has diminished. In a statement, Amazon emphasized that the overwhelming majority of interactions with its app store come from its own devices, leading to this strategic realignment.
In conjunction with the shutdown, Amazon Coins, the digital currency used within the app store, will also be discontinued. Users can expect refunds for any remaining coins by the same closure date, August 20. This transition raises concerns about the increasing dominance of Google in the app distribution landscape, as the departure of Amazon’s third-party store leaves fewer alternatives for Android users.
