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.

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I almost didn’t write this post because I didn’t want to appear insensitive to the disaster in Japan. Nor do I want people to think I only care about how the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear meltdown affects the technology we enjoy in the US and around the world.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Japanese people first and foremost. I can’t imagine what they are going through and I hope they can get on the path to rebuilding soon.

That said, a lot of the components going into the iPad 2 come from Japan. So there are going to be supply issues down the road.

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Ever since I got my iPad last December, I’ve been using it to help me with my various writing projects, including posts for this blog. It’s easy to pound out a few paragraphs here and there when I’m going about my day, without lugging my laptop everywhere.

Technology has made it incredibly easy for writers to be uber-productive. Thanks to devices like the iPad, we can work on projects anywhere, at anytime.

The following are apps that every writer with an iPad should be using:

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In a press release issued today, Kobo announced new funding to continue growth. Kobo is rapidly rising in the eReader market. They tout 2.7 million users.

According to the press release, the new funding will help them expand:

The new funding will support Kobo

Some are saying Amazon should give away their popular Kindle away for free. Not a bad idea. After all, the price of eReaders has dropped drastically over the last several years.

I paid around $300 for my Sony PRS-500 in 2007. Now you can get a Kindle or Nook with a lot more functionality for less than $150.

Amy Gahran from CNN argues that giving away the Kindle would be a smart move for Amazon:

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My original iPad is officially outdated. Apple announced the new iPad 2 today. The newest tablet to join the Apple family is sleek, stylish and faster. Would we expect anything less?

So let’s get down to the nitty gritty; here are the new iPad 2 features:

• Faster dual-core A5 Processor
• 2 Video Cameras (front and rear)
• 1.3 Pounds
• Available in Black or White
• Supports AT&T or Verizon Networks
• 10-Hour Battery Life
• $499 Introductory Price For Wi-Fi, 16GB Model
• 8.8mm Thick – Thinner than the iPhone 4

My wallet says I have to have it. But my bank account says otherwise.

I love my iPad! I love Amazon’s Kindle app!

Now that the Motorola Xoom has been released, reviews are popping up all over the web. From what I’ve read so far, the new tablet is receiving a warm reception.

I was watching the news this morning while checking my email and they did a quick story on the Xoom. One commentator said the device could be the first big competitor of Apple’s iPad. But I think it’s too premature to make those kind of predictions.

One review from Endgadget gives the Xoom a particularly good review:

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A lot of content providers have already weighed in on Apple’s new subscription rules, requiring that they allow for in-app content purchases

Tablet computers are flooding the market this year. If you haven’t already done so, you should check out my Exclusive 2011 Tablet Computer Guide.

One of the tablets I covered was the Motorola Xoom. The website TheStreet.com posted an exclusive video of a demo of the Xoom. I’ll admit, it’s pretty impressive. The tablet is snappy and the screen renders video and other content beautifully.

The Xoom is available now from Verizon and will retail for a whopping $800 (without a 2-year contract), $600 with the contract.