Amazon Appstore embraces HTML5 web apps

Online retailer Amazon has now introduced HTML5 web apps to digital marketplace, enticing developers in with the opportunity to have their creations discovered, downloaded and installed.

Developers can submit URLs for web apps and mobile sites, with users able to discover them in the same way they would do with a native app.

Those that sign up can integrate Amazon’s in-app purchasing API for JavaScript to drive revenues from digital items.

IGN Video Game Reviews, News & Previews from IGN Entertainment is one example that can already be found on the store.

Interested parties should visit: https://developer.amazon.com/appstore

Mike George, VP of Amazon Appstore, Games and Cloud Drive, said: "We’ve heard from developers that making their web apps available for mobile devices is hard because many times it means rewriting their app, which takes extra time and often requires third party tools.

"By launching support for HTML5 web apps in 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 monetisation, and the ability to reach new customers for greater exposure."

Mobile and digital goods accounted for Amazon’s top ten bestsellers in Q2, and the firm has recently introduced Amazon Coins virtual currency to the Appstore and expanded distribution to 200 countries.