Stories with Tag software distribution

• The Amazon Appstore for Android devices will be discontinued on August 20, 2025

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  Posted: 2025-02-20 11:13:46

  Verbose tl;dr

  Amazon is shutting down its Appstore for Android devices on August 20, 2025. Users will no longer be able to download or update apps from the Appstore after this date, and some services associated with existing apps may also cease functioning. Amazon will refund any remaining Amazon Coins balance. Developers will continue to be paid royalties for existing apps until the shutdown date. While Amazon states they're shifting focus to Fire tablets and Fire TV, the actual Android Appstore listing has been pulled from the Google Play Store, and development of new Android apps for submission is now discouraged.

  Amazon has formally announced the impending cessation of its dedicated Android application storefront, the Amazon Appstore, slated for August 20, 2025. This signifies the end of availability for downloading new apps from the Amazon Appstore and the termination of support for existing apps acquired through the platform. After the specified date, users will no longer be able to access, download, or receive updates for applications obtained via the Amazon Appstore. This includes apps installed on Fire tablets, Fire TVs, and any Android-based mobile devices utilizing the Appstore.

  This decision follows a thorough evaluation of Amazon's app distribution strategy and aligns with the company's overarching goals. While the Amazon Appstore itself is being discontinued for Android devices, the company emphasizes its continued commitment to the app ecosystem, particularly focusing on Android-based Fire devices. Amazon intends to enhance the native app experience on Fire tablets and Fire TVs, streamlining the process of discovering and enjoying applications through the integrated Amazon experience. This implies a shift towards pre-installed apps and a more curated selection of software tailored specifically for Amazon's hardware ecosystem.

  For developers who have published apps on the Amazon Appstore, this closure presents a significant change. Amazon encourages these developers to transition their focus towards creating and distributing apps through the Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablet app stores. This suggests a consolidation of resources and a directed effort towards enhancing the software experience on Amazon's proprietary devices. Developers are advised to adapt their distribution strategies accordingly and prioritize these platforms for future app development.

  Users who have previously purchased applications from the Amazon Appstore will, unfortunately, lose access to these apps after the discontinuation date. While Amazon hasn't elaborated on specific refund policies, the FAQ indicates that they are working to address this issue and will provide further information closer to the shutdown date. This suggests potential avenues for users to reclaim some value from their past app purchases, although the precise mechanisms for this remain unclear.

  In essence, Amazon is strategically refocusing its app efforts towards its own hardware platform, choosing to streamline the app experience for Fire devices while sunsetting the broader Android Appstore offering. This change signals a departure from the company's previous approach of catering to a wider Android audience and emphasizes a renewed commitment to its own ecosystem.

  • Amazon
  • Appstore
  • Android
  • Discontinuation
  • Mobile Apps
  • software distribution
  • Digital Distribution
  • e-commerce
  • Google Play Store
  • Alternative App Stores

  Summary of Comments ( 121 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43113397

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users react to the Amazon Appstore shutdown with a mixture of apathy and mild surprise. Many point out the store's general irrelevance, citing its limited selection and lack of discoverability compared to the Google Play Store. Some speculate about Amazon's motivations, suggesting they're refocusing resources on more profitable ventures or admitting defeat in the mobile app market. A few users express disappointment, having used the store for specific apps unavailable elsewhere or to take advantage of Amazon Coins promotions. The overall sentiment suggests the closure won't significantly impact the Android ecosystem.

  The Hacker News post "The Amazon Appstore for Android devices will be discontinued on August 20, 2025" has generated several comments discussing the implications of Amazon's decision.

  Many commenters express a lack of surprise at the news, citing the app store's perceived lack of popularity and competitiveness against the Google Play Store. Some suggest that the Amazon Appstore primarily served as a platform for Amazon's own apps and services, such as Kindle and Audible, and its closure won't significantly impact most Android users.

  Several comments highlight the challenges faced by alternative app stores on Android, pointing to Google's dominance and the difficulties in attracting developers and users. Some speculate that the regulatory scrutiny surrounding app store practices may have played a role in Amazon's decision.

  A few commenters discuss the potential impact on developers who relied on the Amazon Appstore for distribution, especially those targeting Amazon's Fire tablets. They raise concerns about the loss of an alternative distribution channel and the potential difficulties in migrating users to other platforms.

  One commenter questions the long-term viability of alternative app stores in general, suggesting that the network effects of the dominant platforms make it difficult for smaller players to compete.

  Some users express indifference to the news, indicating they were unaware of the Amazon Appstore's existence or never used it.

  A few commenters express disappointment, mentioning specific features they appreciated about the Amazon Appstore, such as the occasional free app offer. They lament the loss of choice and competition in the Android app store ecosystem.

  Overall, the sentiment in the comments is largely one of resignation and unsurprise. The Amazon Appstore's closure is viewed as a consequence of its inability to gain significant traction against the Google Play Store, highlighting the challenges faced by alternative app stores in the Android ecosystem.

• Show HN: Distr – open-source distribution platform for on-prem deployments

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  Posted: 2025-01-29 16:21:55

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  Distr is an open-source platform designed to simplify the distribution and management of containerized applications within on-premises environments. It provides a streamlined way to package, deploy, and update applications across a cluster of machines, abstracting away the complexities of Kubernetes. Distr aims to offer a user-friendly experience, allowing developers to focus on building and shipping their applications without needing deep Kubernetes expertise. It achieves this through a declarative configuration approach and built-in features for rolling updates, versioning, and rollback capabilities.

  This Hacker News post introduces Distr, an open-source platform designed to simplify the deployment and management of applications within on-premises infrastructure. Distr aims to provide a streamlined, user-friendly experience akin to cloud-native platforms like Kubernetes, but tailored specifically for environments where cloud adoption is not feasible or desirable due to security concerns, regulatory requirements, or other constraints.

  The platform offers a declarative approach to application deployment, allowing users to specify the desired state of their applications through configuration files. Distr then takes responsibility for orchestrating the deployment process, ensuring the applications are deployed and maintained according to the specified configurations. This automation reduces manual intervention and helps maintain consistency across deployments.

  Distr supports a variety of deployment strategies, including rolling updates and canary deployments, allowing for controlled and gradual rollout of new application versions while minimizing disruption to existing services. It also provides mechanisms for managing application dependencies and ensuring the necessary resources are available.

  Key features highlighted include a focus on simplicity, making it easier for developers and operators to manage on-premises deployments. The project is built using Rust, which contributes to its performance and stability. Furthermore, being open-source, Distr fosters community involvement and allows for customization and extension to fit specific deployment needs. The GitHub repository linked in the Hacker News post serves as the central hub for the project, providing access to the source code, documentation, and issue tracking. The project aims to empower organizations to manage their on-premises deployments effectively while leveraging the benefits of modern deployment practices typically associated with cloud-native environments.

  • distr
  • glasskube
  • open-source
  • distribution
  • platform
  • on-premise
  • deployment
  • software distribution
  • Private Cloud
  • self-hosted
  • container registry
  • helm chart
  • Kubernetes
  • docker
  • DevOps

  Summary of Comments ( 4 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42866951

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users generally expressed interest in Distr, praising its focus on simplicity and GitOps approach for on-premise deployments. Several commenters compared it favorably to more complex tools like ArgoCD, highlighting its potential for smaller-scale deployments where a lighter-weight solution is desired. Some raised questions about specific features like secrets management and rollback capabilities, along with its ability to handle more complex deployment scenarios. Others expressed skepticism about the need for a new tool in this space, questioning its differentiation from existing solutions and expressing concerns about potential vendor lock-in, despite it being open-source. There was also discussion around the limited documentation and the project's early stage of development.

  The Hacker News post for Distr, an open-source distribution platform for on-premise deployments, has generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on comparisons with existing tools, potential use cases, and some skepticism about the project's scope and practicality.

  Several commenters drew parallels between Distr and established configuration management and deployment tools. Ansible, in particular, was frequently mentioned, with users questioning the advantages of Distr over a well-established and feature-rich solution like Ansible. Some acknowledged that Distr might offer a simplified approach for specific use cases but questioned its broader applicability and whether it solved a problem that wasn't already adequately addressed. The discussion around this comparison delved into the complexities of managing dependencies and the potential for Distr to become yet another tool to learn and maintain.

  Another line of discussion revolved around the specific niche Distr aims to fill. Commenters pondered whether the focus on on-premise deployments was truly a significant differentiator in a world increasingly moving towards cloud-based solutions. Some suggested that the target audience might be limited to organizations with strict regulatory or security requirements necessitating on-premise infrastructure. The potential for Distr to streamline deployments in air-gapped environments was also raised.

  A few comments expressed skepticism about the project's long-term viability and the practicality of managing complex deployments solely through YAML files. Concerns were raised about the potential for these YAML files to become unwieldy and difficult to maintain as deployments scale. The lack of a robust web UI or other management tools was also pointed out as a potential drawback.

  Finally, some commenters offered constructive feedback, suggesting integrations with other tools and platforms, such as Kubernetes, to expand Distr's functionality and appeal. The importance of clear documentation and practical examples was also emphasized to help potential users understand the value proposition and get started with the tool.

  While generally receptive to the concept, the overall tone of the comments leans towards cautious optimism, with many questioning the project's differentiation and long-term prospects in a crowded landscape of deployment and configuration management tools. The discussion highlights the need for Distr to clearly articulate its value proposition and demonstrate its advantages over existing solutions to gain wider adoption.