One of the benefits of building apps for Android and iOS is that developers can use push notifications as a way of keeping users engaged. A game can remind players of a special in-game event, or a dining app can remind users that their favorite restaurant is offering discounts. These kind of messages will now be available on Kindle Fire through the Amazon Device Messaging API.
Amazon announced today that its Device Messaging API has now entered a closed beta. The API will let developers send push notifications to users in an attempt to drive use and monetization. The API has three core features that Amazon thinks will entice developers into implementing it into their apps:
It’s noted that Amazon Device Messaging only works on the Kindle Fire HD and second generation Kindle Fire devices. There’s no word on if Amazon is planning to bring push notifications to first generation Kindle Fires, but it’s probably not going to happen.
Interested developers can sign up for the beta here. We’ll keep you posted on when the API becomes available for all.