Amazon's Android Appstore to Close its Doors
Fans of Amazon's Android Appstore will soon face a significant change. TechCrunch reports that Amazon has notified developers of the store's closure on August 20th, 2024. This marks the end of a service that launched back in 2011.
While the Appstore's longevity is notable, the news is undoubtedly disappointing for developers and users. Amazon's support page clarifies that existing Android apps installed from the store may not receive future updates or support. However, the Appstore will continue operating on Amazon's Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices.
The Rise of Alternatives and Amazon's Retreat
The timing of this closure is somewhat ironic, coinciding with the growing popularity of alternative app stores. Amazon's Appstore, however, never achieved widespread recognition. This lack of prominence can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of compelling incentives for users and developers, unlike initiatives such as the Epic Games Store's free games program.
This situation serves as a reminder that even large corporations can't guarantee the long-term viability of their services.
For those seeking new mobile games, we recommend exploring our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week.
