If you're a fan of the Amazon Appstore for Android, I've got some unfortunate news for you. As reported by TechCrunch, Amazon has sent out a notice to developers announcing that the store will be shut down on Android devices on August 20th this year. Despite the Amazon Appstore's impressive run since its launch in 2011, this news comes as a disappointment to the many developers and users who have relied on it over the years.
For those with Android apps installed from the Amazon Appstore, there's no guarantee of further updates or support, according to the support page on this topic. However, there's a silver lining: the Amazon Appstore will continue to be available on Amazon's proprietary devices, such as the Fire TV and Fire Tablet.
It's somewhat ironic that Amazon is pulling the plug on its Android app store at a time when alternative app stores are gaining traction. While Amazon's decision might seem surprising, it's understandable given that the Amazon Appstore never quite became a household name in the app store market. Unlike competitors like the Epic Games Store, which attracts users with its free games program, Amazon hasn't offered compelling incentives to draw in users and developers.
This closure serves as a reminder that even with the backing of a major company, longevity isn't guaranteed. But don't worry—there's no need to fret. If you're looking for great new releases, why not check out some of the top five new mobile games we've listed for you to try this week?