If the amount of pre-release press Amazon's Appstore has managed to garner is indicative of the success it will enjoy when it launches, then the Android Market faces tough times.

Indeed, such has been the attention afforded Amazon's marketplace that some might have assumed it had already launched.

Instead, while the firm itself remains tight lipped, online chatter suggests the Appstore may make its debut on March 22.

Launch imminent

Wired is currently citing what it describes as a "trusted source" - unnamed due to a non-disclosure agreement with Amazon – who says the platform is essentially ready to go.

That backs up the assessment made by AndroidNews.de, who managed to get a sneak peak at the portal pre-release by simply visiting www.amazon.com/apps.

The site, since withdrawn, suggested Android Appstore will launch with almost 50 apps – one of which will be the Android version of Angry Birds Rio, already named as an Amazon exclusive.

The paying game

Just how much of an impact the Appstore will have on Android Market, however, will depend on the user experience it offers, as well as the developer support it can muster.

Wired's source claims users will be able to purchase apps both through a custom app on Android, as well as the firm's website.

The store will also tap into the payment set up already practiced by the firm's shopping portal, arguably giving it a vital advantage over Android Market's Google Checkout, given its availability in a wider array of territories.

[source: Wired]