Despite the threat from an Apple lawsuit and the presence of a couple of opening day bugs, Amazon's Appstore for Android launched yesterday in the US to generally positive reviews.

Rovio's Angry Birds Rio was the inaugural beneficiary of the Amazon Appstore free app of the day promotion, the giant e-retailer deliberately pulling up its store shutters with a bang.

Today, it’s the turn of Glu Mobile's World Series of Poker Hold-em Legend, which for 24 hours only is available for download at no cost.

Ace in the hole

The presence of one of the most successful mobile game publishers in the world – racking up 26 million iOS and Android downloads between October and December 2010 – is hugely significant, signalling vital early interest and support from one of the industry’s major players.

"We are excited to be a featured developer in the launch of Amazon's Appstore for Android," Niccolo De Masi, CEO of Glu, said.

"The launch of the Amazon Appstore will introduce new players to our top premium Android games, and over the long term support our goal to bring rich 3D social mobile gaming experiences to new audiences."

In fact, 11 of Glu's back catalogue are already listed on the Amazon Appstore at prices ranging from $1.99 - $7.99, including Diner Dash 2, Super KO Boxing 2, Guitar Hero 5, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

[source: PR Newswire]