Amazon Appstore offers in-browser Android emulator
updated 09:30 am EDT, Tue March 22, 2011
Free trials available for certain apps
As part of Amazon's new Android Appstore, the company has integrated a unique feature that allows customers to try out certain apps without leaving the browser. The 'test drive' system reportedly works with an Android emulator that resides on the retailer's EC2 cloud. Users can view a virtual handset and try out apps using the mouse or keyboard input.
It is unclear if Amazon plans to expand the range of existing apps that support the test drive feature, as the initial availability appears to be limited. Only a few of the top listings are supported, including titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Newsweek Mobile.
Aside from the test drive feature, Amazon is implementing aggressive pricing strategies designed to woo customers. Visitors to the app portal can download a different premium app each day for free. According to a TechCrunch report, the retailer still gives developers a 20 percent cut of the original price for each app.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2010
Cool!
That's what the iOS App Store needs!