Amazon, Walmart challenge Apple app store with new web apps
(CBS) - The release of web-based apps from both Amazon and Walmart yesterday seem like a direct challenge to Apple's App Store; Amazon released a Kindle cloud reader app and Walmart released an app for its Vudu streaming video service.
Apple recently began enforcing a rule demanding 30% of all revenue from sales made through apps downloaded from the App Store. As these two new apps are accessed via browser, users can purchase content from Amazon and Walmart on their iPads - and Amazon and Walmart can cut Apple out of the deal.
The Atlantic writes that Amazon and Walmart have "challenged Apple to a duel." The Financial Times calls the moves by Amazon and Walmart, "the biggest shots yet across the bow of Apple's App Store."
What do you think? Will Apple lose control of the apps that run on its devices? Are Amazon and Walmart being greedy?