Amazon AppStore started offering app test drives on computer four years ago. Android users were delighted to try it because they could test new apps using a virtual Android phone. Only 30 minutes of playtime is given per game but that’s good enough to see what new apps are coming and what is worthy to be downloaded. About 20 apps were first added to the test drive program in March 2011 but the number since increased.
Taking the apps for a spin before downloading seemed to be a great idea because people can have a glimpse of what an app is all about, saving their precious time and device storage space or even their mobile data allocation. The past four years, Amazon has been letting the customers experience the apps first, as well as, discover new features before committing to purchase and download especially paid apps.
However, just like all good things that come to an end, the Amazon Appstore TestDrive Service is about to end. Amazon has formally announced that the service will be discontinued mainly because of the declining number of customers using TestDrive. This is also because of the ‘free to play’ business model app developers are adapting.
Apps are now usually released in their free or lite versions while premium or pro versions are also listed for those who are willing to commit to spend a few bucks. One can easily download any app now at a faster rate too and it’s even easier to delete if you’re not satisfied. If you like an app, you can avail of the Pro version or just add in-app purchases.
So on April 15, 2015, Amazon decommissioned the TestDrive service. Apps that are included in the TestDrive program will still be available on the Appstore but users won’t be able to test drive them anymore. This also means TestDrive category will no longer be accessible from the Appstore client. New app submissions will have the TestDrive anabled already.
This change is understandable because the landscape of mobile applications has changed over the years. Those who’ve been spending hours playing apps on the test drive program will be the ones greatly affected by this.
SOURCE: Amazon
