Amazon Launches Android AppStore, Apple Sues

Amazon officially launched their Android AppStore today, they said in a press release. The AppStore will allow customers to buy apps for any of their android devices, whether it be a phone or tablet.

One interesting feature of the AppStore is what they call ‘Test Drive.’ This allows you to try before you buy. According to the press release:

“Test Drive lets customers truly experience an app before they commit to buying. It is a unique, new way to shop for apps,” says Paul Ryder, vice president of electronics for Amazon.com. “Our customers have told us that the sheer number of apps available can make it hard to find apps that are high quality and relevant to them. We’ve spent years developing innovative features that help customers discover relevant products. By applying these features – plus new ones like Test Drive – we’re aiming to give customers a refreshing app shopping experience.”

Amazon also says they will be giving away a paid app for free, every day.

Apple Sues For Trademark Infringement

Apple had the first ‘App Store’, which they launched in 2008 for the iPhone. Shortly thereafter, the company filed to trademark the App Store name, which was approved in 2010. Apple is suing Amazon for using the AppStore name:

“Amazon has begun improperly using Apple’s App Store mark in connection with Amazon’s mobile software developer program,” Apple wrote in its complaint. Amazon hinted at its intentions to launch its own service to sell apps for the Android platform, and in January of this year told developers to begin submitting apps for what it calls the Amazon Appstore for Android.

Even Microsoft got involved:

Microsoft filed an objection in July 2010 on the grounds that the term was too generic, and later asked the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to issue a summary judgment denying Apple’s trademark application.

Everyone appears to be suing everyone else. While Apple and Amazon tussle over trademarks, Microsoft is suing Barnes & Noble for patent infringements on B&N’s Android-based Nook eReader.

How these companies keep all their lawsuits straight is beyond me.

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