TechCrunch has learned that Amazon may be about to take a couple of big steps into the Android world. First up could be its own Google Android app store. An Android tablet could also be in the cards later on.
Early details suggest that Amazon’s own app store will offer a wider selection of payment methods but would have more restrictive rules than the Google Android Market. For example, apps will be laced with Amazon’s DRM, limiting them to devices they approve. If apps are offered on other stores, the Amazon price will need to be no more than that of the others and developers will need to ensure that any updates to one store version are also reflected on the Amazon store.
The Amazon app store will be available in the US only although future expansion is likely. Developers will need to pay US$99 to be able to add their apps to the Amazon store.
Amazon may also release its own Android-powered device. Unfortunately, there is little information available at this point. TechCrunch feels that the tablet rumour is credible considering that it comes from the same source that outed the Amazon app store (a rumour supported by other TechCrunch sources apparently).
It remains to be seen whether the Kindle family about to grow or will Amazon keep the two products separate?