Amazon has an interesting plan to attract developers to create apps for its new Fire Phone — offer them massive amounts in virtual currency.
Amazon is reportedly offering developers up to $15,000 in Amazon Coins, its own virtual currency that is exclusively used in the Amazon AppStore and Amazon.com, in exchange for apps optimized for the Fire Phone. Essentially, Amazon is paying developers $5,000 per optimized app, for up to three apps.
There are a number of caveats, though, outlined by AndroidPolice.
One of the stipulations dictates that developers must ensure that their apps work with Amazon’s new 3-D “Dynamic Perspective” feature, which is similar to iOS 7’s Parallax but lets users interact with the handset and apps by simply moving the phone around. The feature utilizes extra cameras attached to the front of the device to give off a “3-D” effect. In addition, Amazon is also requiring apps be optimized for the Fire Phone’s unique multitasking feature, Carousel, to make sure that apps work with each other in harmony.
By paying developers in Amazon Coins, Amazon is enticing developers to make “money” by making the best apps and not worrying about monetizing them. Amazon Coins can only be used for Amazon products and services, so the Coins that are paid to developers will eventually make their way back to Amazon.
Amazon’s strategy of handing out its virtual currency to developers is a win-win. Developers earn up to $15,000 that they must use with Amazon, yes, but you can get just about everything on Amazon. And on Amazon’s side, every Coin they pay out, they will see back again.
Amazon is already playing from behind, so to speak. The retail giant entered the smartphone game later than handset competitors such as Apple and Samsung, and, if Microsoft and its Windows Phone is any evidence, it is a hard sell convincing developers to produce apps for an operating system that isn’t iOS or Android. By offering Amazon Coins as a reward, Amazon is doing its best to make sure the Fire Phone will have the app store it needs to attract users.