In September, Amazon released a new version of its mobile app that had a hidden app store feature built in to it. While bloggers suggested that Google would remove this app, Amazon's app stayed where it was. However, as of today, if you search for the app on Google Play, you'll come up with nothing. It appears that Google has finally taken action. However, if you're still gung-ho about getting the app Amazon has you covered.
First, you can still go to the direct link in the Play Store. There's also the Amazon Shopping app which is essentially the same app but sans App Store. This change was first spoted by German web site Caschys Blog. TechCrunch also reached out to Amazon and received the same statement.
We launched a new Amazon App for Android Phones on September 9 that provides an award-winning mobile shopping experience, enables customers to discover and purchase all of Amazon’s digital catalog, and provides customers access to the Prime Instant Video player and unlimited streaming of over 40,000 movies and TV episodes. 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.
As the statement says, Google changed its policies after the app was uploaded to the Play Store and as such, Amazon submitted a new app. Like the previous app it appears that Prime Instant Video streaming from within the app is still available, the only thing that isn't is the app store there within. Of course, if the new app doesn't work for you and you want the Amazon mobile app with the app store unmolested, you can do so by going here. All you have to do is side load it like you would any other app.
source: TechCrunch
