After Amazon Appstore having been launched roughly a year ago, a Test Drive beta version has been let loose for Android handsets. The service basically acts as a platform for testing paid apps by various developers.
Customers can access applications supported by the software and even download them while they are still in Test Drive mode. For now, the utility lends support to apps that take advantage of accelerometer functions or touchscreens. Those which make use of the camera, Java Native Interface, multi-touch, camera, microphone, keyboard, gyroscope, GPS or NFC are not presently compatible with Test Drive.
As soon as these applications are integrated into the beta version, the concerned apps will be automatically retested. Potential users simply need to tap the ‘Test Drive’ button and get started with the touchscreen and accelerometer of their devices. The experience should be similar to accessing a freshly installed app.
Currently, there are about 5,000 apps ready to be trialed on Test Drive, with more additions set to drop in. The functionality of this beta version is based on the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud web service that allows prospective users to delve into new apps in the same way as they do with fully developed ones running on their devices.
This capability will first be offered on select handsets and gradually reach some more phones. For the devices that accommdoate Test Drive, the corresponding button will automatically be placed on the product pages of compatible apps. Test Drive beta can be downloaded on phones running v2.6.53 or higher of Amazon Appstore for Android.