Tech giant Amazon readies debut of Android App Store and Tablet PC of their own

Amazon is set to make a significant foray into the consumer device market with the development of a new tablet PC, aiming to challenge the dominance of Apple's iPad. The upcoming device, expected to be available on Amazon.com and their own Android marketplace, will be USA-based only.

The tablet's specifications are hinted at by Amazon's acquisition of Touchco, a company specializing in screens. This move suggests that the new tablet will feature full color capacitive multi-touch screens, a feature not commonly found in budget tablets.

Amazon is also reportedly developing its own dedicated app store for Google Android devices. The store, which shares similarities with Amazon's Beta Program for paid blog services available on the Kindle, will allow developers to submit both free and fully paid applications.

Developers on Amazon's app store will make 70% of each sale of the application, similar to how authors are paid by Amazon. The store will also come with Digital Rights Management (DRM), meaning only devices sanctioned by Amazon will likely be able to install the applications.

Amazon will regulate developer applications internally and will release a Software Development Kit (SDK), charging a fee of $99, similar to the iOS app fee. The company has established partnerships with big-name companies like EA for dedicated paid Kindle Applications, hinting at their plans for the new store.

It's worth noting that Amazon's app store will not compete directly with the Google Android Market Place. Instead, it aims to offer a more curated selection of applications, with Amazon reviewing and publishing them based on certain criteria.

Meanwhile, Samsung is also making waves in the tablet market with the Galaxy Tab S9 series, Android tablets designed as direct competitors to Apple's iPad. These devices offer high performance, AMOLED displays, and advanced features like the S Pen and water resistance.

In response to this competition, Amazon is drafting Terms and Conditions for their new application store, which states they have sole discretion over features, operations, retail price, and other terms of sales.

As the release date for the new Amazon tablet PC approaches, it remains to be seen how it will fare against the Apple iPad and Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 series. However, with Amazon's reputation for innovation and customer-focused approach, it's sure to be an exciting addition to the consumer device market.