Amazon is set to launch its own app marketplace on Android, laying the groundwork for the launch of a forthcoming Android powered tablet from the online retailer.

That's the claim being made by TechCrunch, with the website citing one source in two different articles suggesting Amazon's efforts to combat iPad may move beyond Kindle in the coming months.

On board with Android

TechCrunch's unnamed source claims the marketplace will be US only at launch, with both free and paid apps accommodated for a $99 developer fee.

The site states Amazon will pay royalties equal to 70 percent of the purchase price, or 20 percent of the list price as of the purchase date – the latter something of a unique split when compared to rival marketplaces.

Apps may also be featured on Amazon.com, gaining them exposure to the site's estimated US customer base of 65 million.

Clauses for concern?

Developers considering using the platform will also have to take into consideration a number of other Amazon-specific conditions the firm is set to put in place, however.

For example, Amazon won't tolerate developers selling the same app cheaper on other marketplaces, with any updates also having to fall in line with those seen on other stores.

Most interesting, however, is the suggestion that the launch of Amazon's marketplace will be followed by the release of a tablet, giving the firm another tool in its arsenal when taking on iPad.

Apple's tablet is seen as a serious challenger to Amazon's Kindle e-reader, with the company having slashed the RRP of all SKUs following iPad's launch, as well as serving up new models back in July.

[source: TechCrunch 1/2]