Amazon's Android Appstore to Close its Doors
Fans of Amazon's Android Appstore will soon be saying goodbye. TechCrunch reports that Amazon has notified developers of the store's closure on August 20th, 2024.
This marks the end of a more than decade-long run for the Appstore, a surprisingly long lifespan considering its relatively small market share. While this might be seen as a long run, it’s undoubtedly disappointing news for developers and users alike.
According to Amazon's support page, apps already installed from the Appstore are not guaranteed to receive future updates or support. However, the Appstore will continue to operate on Amazon's Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices.
The Ironic Timing
The closure is particularly noteworthy given the recent rise in popularity of alternative app stores. Amazon's failure to gain significant traction in this market is likely due to a lack of compelling features, unlike competitors offering initiatives such as free game programs.
This serves as a reminder that even large corporations aren't immune to market forces and shifting consumer preferences. Their inability to attract and retain users ultimately led to this decision.
Don't worry though, if you're looking for new mobile games, check out our top five new mobile game releases this week!