Diversifying App Distribution: An Overview of the Amazon App Store
⚠️ This article serves as an immediate response to Google Play’s recent controversial policy changes, and I suggest we start planning for a multiple App Store distribution approach. At one of my previous workplaces, they already distribute their Android Apps on Google Play, Amazon, Roku and Huawei App stores for full coverage. Even if you do not act today, knowing your options and potential effort is still worth the time.
The digital landscape for mobile apps is vast and ever-evolving, with the Google Play Store and Amazon App Store as pivotal platforms. While Google Play has long been the go-to for Android users and developers, the Amazon App Store is a compelling alternative, offering unique advantages and challenges.
This guide aims to quickly understand what we can have as an alternative, from setting up developer accounts to key development considerations, empowering developers to make informed decisions and expand their app’s reach.
Understanding the Platforms
The Google Play Store is renowned for its extensive app collection and integration with Google’s ecosystem.
In contrast, while smaller in scale, the Amazon App Store provides a tailored experience, especially for users within the Amazon ecosystem, including those using Amazon Fire devices. This platform distinction is crucial for developers aiming to maximise their app’s visibility and user engagement.
Setting Up an Amazon Developer Account
- Account Creation: Visit the Amazon Developer website. Sign in with your Amazon.com account or create a new developer account.
- Verification: Enter the OTP sent to your email for verification.
- Phone Verification: Add and verify a mobile phone number for account security.
- Developer Details: Complete the Developer and Contact Details sections.
- Accept Terms: Agree to the Amazon Developer Services Agreement.
- Profile Customization: Finalise your account setup by submitting your details and customising your profile.
Development Considerations and App Porting
To port an app to the Amazon App Store, a developer should follow these steps:
- Determine if your app uses APIs or services not supported by Fire OS and find alternatives.
- Update the minimum API level as needed for Fire OS devices.
- Remove unsupported features from the app.
- Recompile the app for the Amazon Appstore.
- Submit the app for review and publication.
API and Feature Compatibility
Ensure your app’s APIs and features are compatible with Fire OS. Remove any unsupported features and recompile your app for Amazon’s platform.
Service Replacements
Replace Google-specific services like Google Sign-In and Google Play In-App Billing with Amazon equivalents, such as Amazon In-App Purchasing APIs.
💡 If we have implemented a good App architecture, we should easily manage and swap the implementation through abstractions.
Firebase Library Compatibility
Check if Firebase libraries used in your app are supported on Amazon Fire devices. Use alternative solutions where necessary.
API Level Settings
Amazon recommends a minimum API level of 10 for broad compatibility with Fire tablets.
💡 This is usually not a problem for existing Google-Play-oriented Apps, as they require a stricter API level.
Unsupported Features
Avoid including features not supported by the Amazon Appstore, such as custom keyboards and home screen widgets.
Amazon App Store on Android Devices and Embracing a Multi-Platform Strategy
Amazon App Store Accessibility on Android Devices
💡 The Amazon App Store can also be installed on most Android devices.
This provides an alternative to the Google Play Store. This installation requires enabling the ability to install apps from unknown sources, a practice that Google generally discourages.
Benefits of a Multi-Platform Strategy
Embracing the Amazon App Store and Google Play Store allows developers to tap into different user bases, increasing their apps' reach and potential success. While Google Play offers a vast user base, the Amazon App Store can provide a less competitive environment, especially for niche apps. This diversified presence can mitigate risks associated with policy changes on a single platform and offer more stability in the rapidly changing app market.
Conclusion
While distinct from the Google Play Store in scale and user experience, the Amazon App Store presents significant opportunities for app developers. Understanding each platform’s unique requirements and advantages is crucial for effectively leveraging their capabilities. By deploying apps on both platforms, developers can enhance their app’s visibility, user engagement, and overall success in the digital marketplace.
