This week, Amazon.com (AMZN +0.20%) has made it easier for developers to publish their apps across platforms: by cutting out the headaches involved in building for its Kindle platform.
With its new Mobile App Distribution program, Amazon has launched support for web apps built on a new programming standard for the web, HTML5. After developers send in the URL to their HTML5 app, the Mobile App Distribution program will help developers optimize the web app for mobile devices. Moreover, the app will be available for download to Kindle Fire and Amazon Appstore customers-just like native apps are.
Amazon launched the program after recognizing the trouble developers encountered in developing mobile content. Sometimes developers had to build a Kindle Fire version of their app from the ground up, and sometimes they needed to contact third parties to convert their apps. Whatever the case, developers also had to deal with debugging issues.
In the company's press release, Mike George, vice president of Amazon Appstore, Games and Cloud Drive, noted, "[With the Mobile App Distribution Program], we're giving web developers the tools they need and all the benefits that native apps already enjoy in the Amazon Appstore and on Kindle Fire. This opens up new possibilities -- starting with faster discovery, access to tools for increased monetization, and the ability to reach new customers for greater exposure."
The Mobile App Distribution program adds to the array of services Amazon offers its developers. From in-game engagement tools through GameCircle to servers through Amazon Web Services, the e-commerce company continues to build out the "most complete," end-to-end ecosystem.
