If you're a fan of the Amazon Appstore for Android, you might want to brace yourself for some disappointing news. As reported by TechCrunch, Amazon has officially notified developers that it will be shutting down its app store on Android devices come August 20th this year. Having been in operation since its launch back in 2011, the Amazon Appstore's run of over a decade is certainly noteworthy, yet this news likely offers little solace to the developers and fans who have utilized the platform.
For those who have downloaded Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, there's an important heads-up: these apps won't be supported moving forward. This means you shouldn't expect any further updates or technical support for these applications. However, it's worth noting that the Amazon Appstore will continue to operate on Amazon's proprietary devices, such as the Fire TV and Fire Tablet.
Interestingly, this move comes at a time when alternative app stores seem to be gaining ground. It's somewhat ironic that Amazon appears to be stepping back just as others are stepping up. The reasons behind Amazon's decision could be multifaceted, but a key factor may be the lack of unique incentives to draw in users and developers. For instance, the Epic Games Store, which entered the market more recently, has attracted attention with its free games program.
This development serves as a reminder that even with the backing of a major corporation, longevity in the tech industry isn't guaranteed. But don't let this dampen your spirits. If you're looking to discover new mobile games, why not check out our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week?
