Guardian: Why Amazon's tablet will challenge Apple in a way that Google cannot

[thomass]

quoted from this page

Amazon, by building its own app store, has the chance to overturn the established order; it's the first proper challenge that the iPad will face in terms of a rival that can offer not just a product, but also something to fill the product. If it really succeeds, it could even draw developers out of the wider Android Market and into the Amazon app store exclusively. Once that starts to happen, Google will have a dilemma: is it good or bad if more of the money being made out of Android app sales is going to someone else? Will Amazon lock out rival tablet makers such as Samsung from its app store? (I expect so.) Is that good or bad for Android on tablets? What should Google do?

And there's Google's problem. Its relationship with its users is too like Microsoft's. Instead it needs to be more like Amazon. But competing there would cause problems too. Android for tablet sits on the horns of a dilemma: what it needs to succeed – a content retailer about to challenge Apple – might be what kills off rival makers. And if Google tries to change the rules of the game – say, by insisting that Amazon open its app store – then it could break everything.

[thomass]

sorry, already mentioned

[OtterBooks]

Will Amazon lock out rival tablet makers such as Samsung from its app store? (I expect so.)

I like the article but that's one line I don't get. You expect so? Really?

On Amazon's AppStore page there is an offer: "Buy Toshiba's Thrive Tablet, Get a $25 Credit for the Amazon Appstore." Oh boy they are sure getting off to a bad start with this whole locking-out business.

I have an HTC Evo as a registered device on my Amazon account, along with more than 30 downloaded apps, some of them costing money.

Maybe the'll do the lockout once they release their own device. I'm sure that will go over well for the people Amazon encouraged to download the Amazon Appstore App, and have an account full of digital purchases.

I seriously doubt it.

[RainingLemur]

I doubt they'll lock other devices out of the amazon app store. But, I could see them offering additional incentives to people with amazon tablets that other devices may not get.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by OtterBooks

I have an HTC Evo as a registered device on my Amazon account, along with more than 30 downloaded apps, some of them costing money.

My Nook Color is registered on Amazon. I get those free apps every day.

Like you, I don't see Amazon locking anyone out. For some tablets, the Appstore is the only viable source for apps.

The first step in selling is to attract customers; and you can't sell if you turn them away.