Amazon's New Android 101 Page: Android Video & Tutorials, Maybe Android Apps?

The latest in Android App rumors are claiming that Amazon's Android 101 web page-a page in which Android fans can learn about and buy anything and everything Android-is a precursor to the "inevitable' Amazon Android App Store. While Amazon has yet to officially claim the rumor as a reality, the recent stronger than ever Android market share screams a resounding, "YES!" Lord knows that Android smartphones and the inevitable Android apps everyone wants are the hottest thing under the sun so far, so it is only logical for Amazon to add the Android 101 web page to the site, but at what cost to Amazon?

Amazon's Android 101

Amazon's Android 101 web page features anything that an Android fan-or would be fan-could want to see. With video learning tutorials including, "What is (and isn't) Android," "How Android Works and How it Helps, and Amazing Tips and Tricks," not to mention numerous other sections such as "How will you experience Android" and "Bestselling Android Mobile Phones," this Amazon idea is probably one of their best yet. Not only can users buy their Android devices and gear from Amazon, they can learn about them, and other Android tidbits, too.

Some of the other videos feature "Coolest Apps," of which includes "Gesture Search." Gesture Search is an app that allows users to write a letter on the multitouch screen-anywhere on the screen, even over top a menu-and the intelligent Android app then displays everything that has that letter in the name. By scrolling down the list and taping the choice, the gesture search makes one stop searching easier. Other featured Android Apps in the Coolest Apps video include Open Home that allows users to change the home screen and Task Killer that acts as a Task Manager, much like the Windows Task Manager does.

Android Apps vs. Kindle Apps?

Android Apps is big business, especially considering the open OS platform and the fact that anyone can develop one. Amazon seems to be on their way to cashing in on the premise-is Amazon giving up on Kindle Apps? Yes, the other side of the coin; Kindle Apps, are "currently under development." After the Amazon released the KDK (Kindle Development Kit), which is available in "Limited Beta" to developers who wish to try their hand with a Kindle App, two apps, called Every Word,' and Shuffled Row," became available almost immediately. However, since the release, there has been no follow up.

Rumor had it at the time that Amazon Kindle apps were going to be big business. While it is true that the KDK is only in beta, if the Kindle Apps were going to be a hot ticket item, logic dictates that they should have exploded already-as most other app platforms did almost the minute their respective developer kits were released.

Why Android Apps on Amazon?

First, with such a late entry into the App game, one must wonder if the KDK move will succeed or if it will simply fizzle out (as it seems to have done already) under the weight of Android 101 and the possibility of an Amazon Android App Store-to-be on Amazon. On the other hand, the possibility of an Android App store from Amazon can mean an entire new world is opening up for Android users, but this still leaves some questions and speculations. For example, it is rumored that Amazon will release its own Android based tablet in the not too distant future.

Could this be why Android 101 has suddenly appeared? On the other hand, what exactly will Amazon get from the Android App deal? Does the company hope to offer a deal to Droid Developers in which Amazon would take a percentage of the money that the Android 101 apps rake in? Will Android App Developers be limited to selling their apps only on Amazon's Android 101? If and when any confirmations appear, I will be sure to update, since this is bound to be a great development for Amazon and Android fans everywhere, so stay tuned.

Sources:

"Android 101," Amazon.com

"Every Word Information & Download Page," Amazon.com

"Shuffled Row Information & Download Page," Amazon.com

"Kindle Development Kit for Active Content," Kindle Publishing, Amazon.com

Eric Englemen, "Amazon Debuts Android 101: Setting the Stage for Android App Store," TechFlash

Jeff Baker, "Amazon's Alternative Android App Store Gets Confirmed by WSJ [Wall Street Journal Confirms Amazon's Android App Store, World Still Wonders Why]," TFTS