Amazon App Removed From Google Play Store Due To Shady Business Tactics
It looks as though Amazon has been up to some shenanigans with its
main app on Google Play. The online retailer launched
a hidden and functional app store inside of its Android application, which
resulted in Google removing it from the Play Store.
Back in September, Amazon rolled out a new feature within its main app that contained a fully functional Appstore, circumventing Google’s standard operating procedure for installing apps from rival app stores. Within two weeks of releasing its "app store within an app", Google updated its Developer Distribution Agreement to forbid the practice.
Performing a search now for the Amazon app on Google Play no longer shows up in the results, though a direct link is still active. A new app called Amazon Shopping (which doesn’t include the built-in Appstore) appears in its place.
Amazon released a statement on the policy change and removal of its app that reads in part, “We launched a new Amazon App for Android Phones on September 9 that provides an award-winning mobile shopping experience.
"Google subsequently changed their Developer Distribution Agreement on September 25. As a result, we removed the app from Google Play and published the Amazon Shopping app. Customers who want the best Amazon experience on their Android phone, including access to Prime Instant Video and Amazon’s entire digital catalog, can still get the Amazon App for Android Phones at amazon.com/androidapp.”
Back in September, Amazon rolled out a new feature within its main app that contained a fully functional Appstore, circumventing Google’s standard operating procedure for installing apps from rival app stores. Within two weeks of releasing its "app store within an app", Google updated its Developer Distribution Agreement to forbid the practice.
Performing a search now for the Amazon app on Google Play no longer shows up in the results, though a direct link is still active. A new app called Amazon Shopping (which doesn’t include the built-in Appstore) appears in its place.
Amazon released a statement on the policy change and removal of its app that reads in part, “We launched a new Amazon App for Android Phones on September 9 that provides an award-winning mobile shopping experience.
"Google subsequently changed their Developer Distribution Agreement on September 25. As a result, we removed the app from Google Play and published the Amazon Shopping app. Customers who want the best Amazon experience on their Android phone, including access to Prime Instant Video and Amazon’s entire digital catalog, can still get the Amazon App for Android Phones at amazon.com/androidapp.”
