Amazon, on Thursday (Aug. 30), announced the arrival of the company's Appstore feature in Europe ahead of the expected Kindle Fire launch. The Appstore will now be available in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
The Appstore overseas launch decision is being seen as a strong hint that the company's next-generation Kindle Fire tablets may also launch in Europe.
According to Jim Adkins, VP of Amazon Appstore, the customers in U.S. have "purchased millions of apps, games, in-app items and subscriptions since the store launched last year, and we've received great feedback about discovery features like Free App of the Day. We evaluate and test games and apps before making them available in the Appstore so we ensure customers have a great experience with the games and apps they purchase."
Amazon's Appstore currently offers a host of games and apps. This list includes local favorites like "Jamie Oliver's 20 Minute Meals" and "Skyscanner," established bestsellers like "Fruit Ninja" and "Cut the Rope," and new apps from top-tier brands like Rovio and Glu Mobile.
However, as far as European customers are concerned, according to the official press release, in addition to localized content and a localized mobile store for each specific country, European customers will gain access to popular Amazon Appstore features like the "Free App of the Day," which offers a paid app for free every day. Apps and games purchased from Amazon can be used across a user's Android devices, enabling them to buy an app or game once and enjoy it everywhere.
"Amazon's Free App of the Day program is really unique," said Peter Vesterbacka, Rovio Mighty Eagle and CMO. "Over the past year we have offered Amazon customers some of our best-selling premium games like "Angry Birds Rio" and "Angry Birds Seasons" for free, and the response has been truly overwhelming."
The Appstore will also feature popular Amazon features like personalized recommendations, Customer Reviews and 1-Click payments. The apps will be Amazon tested and backed by the company's customer support, which will ensure that customers have the best possible experience with the apps they purchase.
Amazon is scheduled to hold a press conference in Santa Monica, California on Sept. 6 and is expected to unveil a slew of new Kindle devices.
