Amazon planning app store?

Amazon

Amazon is planning to launch its own mobile app store on Google's Android OS, according to reports.

A number of developers have been approached by Amazon about the new app store, but they were not told what the store would be called or when it would open, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported.

Amazon would take a 30 per cent cut of app sales from its store, according to a document for developers seen by the WSJ. This would be the same percentage both Apple and Google take for their respective stores.

The document also reportedly contained a clause stating apps must not be offered at a lower price in other stores.

Currently, Apple's App Store has more than 270,000 apps, while Google's Android Marketplace has over 80,000.

At the time of publication neither Amazon nor Google had confirmed or denied anything on the introduction of a new app store.

It appears Amazon is looking to take on Apple in a number of different areas, given the merchant already competes with the Cupertino company in online music sales and ebooks.

Amazon is spreading its wings into other areas as well, having announced this summer the launch of a web-based grocery service.

Earlier this month, the company also introduced its Pet Supplies Store.

Tom Brewster

Tom Brewster is currently an associate editor at Forbes and an award-winning journalist who covers cyber security, surveillance, and privacy. Starting his career at ITPro as a staff writer and working up to a senior staff writer role, Tom has been covering the tech industry for more than ten years and is considered one of the leading journalists in his specialism.

He is a proud alum of the University of Sheffield where he secured an undergraduate degree in English Literature before undertaking a certification from General Assembly in web development.