Amazon to Close Android App Store After Over a Decade

If you're a fan of the Amazon Appstore on Android, we've got some unfortunate news to share. According to a recent report by TechCrunch, Amazon has officially notified developers that the store will be shutting down on Android devices come August 20th this year. This marks the end of a journey that began back in 2011, which is quite an impressive run, but offers little consolation to developers and users who've come to rely on it.

The support page clarifies that any Android apps you've installed via the Amazon Appstore won't be guaranteed to receive updates or support moving forward. However, there's a silver lining for those invested in Amazon's ecosystem: the Appstore will continue to be available on their 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. However, it's understandable given that the Amazon Appstore never quite became a household name. The reasons for this are varied, but it largely boils down to a lack of compelling incentives for users. For instance, the Epic Games Store has successfully attracted users with its free games program.

This closure serves as a reminder that even with the backing of a major company like Amazon, longevity isn't guaranteed. But don't worry—plenty of exciting new releases are still out there. Why not explore some of the top five new mobile games we've highlighted this week?