While most Android users still get their apps from the Google Play Store, online retail giant Amazon is still trying to make their mark through their own Android-based appstore. They know the only way to attract users to them is by borrowing a little something from how Amazon has lured consumers to their site: through discounts, freebies, and sometimes, even more “disruptive storefront promotions”. It looks like they’ll be continuing with this strategy as they’re preparing to launch an “Unlocked” section in the appstore.
Based on an international presentation leaked to a tech website, Amazon Unlocked will be offering for free some of the more popular paid apps and even in-app purchasing as well. It seems like it would work like Amazon Prime, where you pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee and then get unlimited access to music, video, books, etc, that are included in the program. Some of the app developers that will be included, at least based on the presentation, are Sega America (Sonic Dash), and even indies like UsTwo (Monument Valley). When it comes to the non-gaming apps, included in the deck were OfficeSuite 8 + PDF Converter and Ultimate Guitar Tabs & Chords.
To be able to access this Unlocked feature, not only will users need the Amazon Appstore of course, but they also need to download the main Amazon app itself. The focus seems to be on the app and not the Appstore to make it easier for users and not to be overwhelmed with the thousands of apps available. If you browse the appstore through the app, you’ll still be able to filter the search so you can only see the Unloocked apps. And just like with most Amazon experiences, you’ll be given recommendations based on what you’ve downloaded or what you mostly search for.
There are no details yet as to when this will be launched and as to how much the subscription will be. But for Android users looking for free but awesome apps, this will definitely be good news, even if you may have some issues with Amazon’s business model.
VIA: Tech Crunch
