Amazon Mp3 Store for Android launches in the U.K

Amazon Mp3 Store launches in U.K

Amazon Mp3, which has been available in the U.S since Android’s release in October, 2008 has finally launched in the U.K. Until now, U.K Android users were limited to using “Mewbox,” which had a limited library of 4 million DRM-free tracks availble. The launch of Amazon Mp3 (10 million+ DRM-free songs) for Android puts it in direct competition with iTunes in the U.K, which also has 10 million+ (DRM-free) songs available. Just as with an iPhone, users will be able to purchase and download tracks on the go.

The Amazon Mp3 Store comes as part of the Android 2.1 update (soon to be released for the HTC G2/Hero and Magic), and is accessible now through a Nexus One. The addition of the music store in the U.K does not put Android ahead, but in fact finally puts it just on par with the iPhone in the music department. The Amazon Mp3 Store does currently lack support for video downloads, putting it just one step behind the iPhone in general media content (at least for now). Hit the link for more.

One perk to the Amazon Mp3 Store is that there is no proprietary software required, you can drag and drop Mp3s directly from your phone to your desktop with no need for a middle man. The Amazon Store application is not quite as easy on the eyes as the iPhone’s iTunes application, but it is more than functional, and does it’s job perfectly well.

“The launch is quite an interesting prospect in terms of how it could impact iTunes sales,” said Ronan de Renesse, a senior mobile media analyst with Screen Digest. “Apple iTunes remains the runaway leader in terms of digital music downloads, but Amazon is also doing fairly well in this area.

“If the roles were reversed, and Amazon was the market leader, things would be more interesting. As it is, I think this is important for the Android platform, but Apple will not be that worried.”

Ernest Doku, an analyst with mobile comparison site Omio.com, said the launch of a UK version of Amazon’s MP3 store was a “powerful weapon” for Google against Apple.

“It complements subscription streaming music services, such as Spotify, giving users access to a wealth of music on their device in one click, and at that perfect ‘impulse purchase’ price point.

“However, the popularity of the iPod has entrenched Apple in our lives over the last nine years, resulting in iTunes being most people’s first port of call to download music, movies and applications.

“While the Amazon MP3 store is an asset for Android, it is the minimum that Google could have done to remain competitive and relevant to tech-savvy consumers, and competitive to the strength of iTunes.”

In other news, Lars Ullrich of Metallica, reportedly suffered a stroke when he heard the news that iTunes and Amazon Mp3 were offering DRM-free downloads to users. One witness was quoted with “You should have seen his face! lol.” Ok ok, I made the Lars Ullrich part up….
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