Amazon Android Appstore to launch in UK

Amazon's Appstore will open for business in European countries, including the UK, this summer, and may be followed by the company's Android-based tablets.

 

"We're excited to open the door to app sales outside the US," said Amazon Appstore chief Jim Adkins in a statement. "We see tremendous potential for developers to grow with the international expansion. We also encourage new developers to join."

The company said apps would be available in local languages and currencies, in a bid to encourage developers to create new apps and to bring new European coders on board.

Its Appstore is a direct competitor to the Google Play Store, which comes pre-installed on the majority of Android handsets. This could make the European app market a tough nut to crack for Amazon.

"The Amazon Appstore struggled to take off after its big launch in the US early last year," said Jack Kent, senior mobile analyst at IHS Screen Digest. "It wasn't pre-installed on any devices and most consumers were already well-served with the Play Store and operator stores from companies like Vodafone."

However, Amazon may be bringing the Appstore to Europe in preparation for a release of its Kindle Fire tablet, a low-cost, Android-based iPad competitor focused on bringing customers always-on access to Amazon's online shop. With the Amazon Appstore preinstalled, the Fire offers millions of books, films and songs to download instantly along with its app

Like Apple, which has successfully created an iTunes store around its iPhone, iPad and iPod touch range, or Amazon's own successful Kindle e-readers, Amazon hopes the Kindle Fire will create a captive audience for its own store.
"We expect the Kindle Fire to launch in Europe before the end of this year," said Mr Kent. "Releasing the Appstore first means Amazon is preparing the ground, getting developers to produce apps and content that will be available immediately on its release."
Since its release in November 2011, the Kindle Fire has captured more than half of the Android tablet market in the US, beating earlier models from Samsung and Motorola. In recent months, rumours have pointed to a new model in development which could be the one released in Europe.
Existing UK Android handset owners may also be excited by the move as Amazon, unlike Google, offers a promotional free app each day and regular cut-price offers, a feature which has found some popularity in the States.

Sourced:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/amazon/9347374/Amazon-Android-Appstore-to-launch-in-UK.html#

Amazon may trim Kindle Fire price, add new 7-inch and 10-inch models

The Amazon Kindle Fire tablet may be cut to just $150 (£100) as the company looks to boost the line-up with new models, according to reports.
Digitimes reports that the online giant plans to knock $50 (£30) off the base price in order to facilitate a new 7-incher later this year and 8.9-inch and 10.1-inch models, perhaps in early 2013.
According to the article, which cites supply chain sources, the new 7-inch iteration will boast a better screen (1200 x 800 resolution) and 'a more competent computing platform,' with a price point of $199.

Changing the game (again)

A lower-priced Kindle Fire would put further pressure on rival Android tablet manufacturers to offer their own wares at a cheaper rates.
Amazon has dominated the lower-end tablet market with hugely impressive Kindle Fire sales since its launch in November 2011.
The etailer, unlike rivals Samsung, Motorola and LG, can afford to take losses on the hardware as makes back more than its share in ebooks, app sales and Amazon Prime subscriptions.

Sourced: http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/amazon-may-trim-kindle-fire-price-add-new-7-inch-and-10-inch-models-1085413