Amazon stops blocking Android Market on Kindle Fire
updated 05:10 am EST, Thu December 22, 2011
Kindle Fire users can now browse Android Market
Amazon has stopped blocking Google’s Android Market on its Kindle Fire. The 6.2.1 software update released on Wednesday now allows users who navigate to the app market to view and browse apps. Prior to the update, Amazon’s browser blocked user attempts to visit the site, hijacking it and sending users back to its own AppStore.
However, while users can now see what is available on the official Google Android webstore, they cannot download yet download and install any of the apps. This function has not specifically been blocked, however, in Amazon’s customization of the Kindle’s Android OS, it completely removed Google’s ‘profit layer.’ In doing so, it has made it tricky to associate the Android Market with a user’s Google account.
While it may have appeared anti-competitive on Amazon’s part in blocking Google’s own app store, and somewhat ironic for an ‘open’ platform, it was apparently an attempt to avoid fielding inquiries about apps that the company does not sell. User will at least enjoy the freedom to view the whole web unimpeded. [via GigaOm]
