Following Apple’s Google’s leap into 3D mapping technologies, Amazon has acquired a 3D mapping startup of its own. The online retail giant today sealed a deal to purchase UpNext in a move that could signal the company’s intentions to bring 3D maps to its Kindle Fire slate without any assistance from Google.
If you use the Amazon App Store, you’ll be happy to know the “Test Drive” feature is now available via the mobile app thanks to a recent update. Version 2.6.53. of the Amazon App Store brings bug fixes, performance enhancements, and the ability for users to test out certain apps before purchasing. The mobile “Test Drive” feature is currently in “beta” form and only seems to be active on certain devices but you can expect it to gradually make its way to more devices in the future.
Back in March, Amazon offered up certified refurbished Amazon Kindle Fires for an amazing $139. It was only a 24-hour deal but sold out in half the time. Well, the deal is back, and yes, it’s another 24-hour deal. It’s already about half-way through the deal but they still appear in stock so you might want to take this opportunity to pick up a nice little tablet for cheap.
It’s only been a week since Amazon made its in-app purchasing API available to all and already they’ve lifted the $20 cap developers were allowed to charge for an in-app purchase. This comes after Amazon implemented stronger parental controls to prevent children from running up mommy and daddy’s credit card. At least that’s the reason Amazon is giving in an email being sent to developers:
While the majority of app markets have already adopted this digital scheme, Amazon has just today announced the open availability of their in-app purchasing API. The in-app purchasing API will allow developers to offer digital content to its users in the form of microstransactions. Content such as expansion packs, weapon upgrades, etc. become available to purchase from within the app and usually cost less than a dollar. This monetization model has gained much traction as of late and while the majority of developers implement it in a morally acceptable manner, others simply try to nickel-and-dime users by making their apps virtually useless unless you pony up for the additional content.
