If you're an avid user of the Amazon Appstore on Android, I've got some disappointing news for you. According to a recent report from TechCrunch, Amazon has officially announced that it will be shutting down its Android app store on August 20th, 2023. This news comes after over a decade of operation, with the Amazon Appstore having been launched back in 2011.
While the closure might be a blow to developers and their user base, it's worth noting that the Amazon Appstore will continue to be available on Amazon's proprietary devices, such as the Fire TV and Fire Tablet. For Android users, however, this means that apps installed via the Amazon Appstore may not receive further updates or support, as per the information provided on the support page.
It's somewhat ironic that Amazon is pulling the plug at a time when alternative app stores are gaining momentum. Yet, Amazon's Appstore never quite managed to become a household name. This could be attributed to various factors, but primarily, Amazon failed to offer compelling incentives to attract users. For comparison, the Epic Games Store, which launched more recently, has successfully drawn users with its free games program.
This development serves as a reminder that even with the backing of a major corporation, longevity is not guaranteed. Nonetheless, there's no need to worry. If you're looking for new mobile games to explore, why not check out our list of the top five new releases to try this week?
