Amazon looking to launch international apps

Amazon's overseas customers will soon have access to apps from the online retail giant, which suggests the Kindle Fire is going international.

Developers can submit apps to Amazon for international distribution this summer, the company announced today. While Amazon is looking for apps for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, the company said in a press release that it has "plans for further global expansion in the near future."

The press release also included praise from various companies, like Rovio and EA, commenting on the success of their apps in the U.S. Amazon Appstore and among Kindle Fire users, and excitement over the international expansion.

"We are delighted with the strong relationship that we've cultivated with the U.S. Amazon Appstore since its launch, and Kindle Fire has been hugely successful for our titles," said Peter Vesterbacka, chief marketing officer of Angry Birds maker Rovio. "As a strong global brand with an international fan base, we are very excited to expand our offerings to Amazon's customers worldwide."

This announcement also comes with changes to Amazon's app distribution terms for developers, which give developers more flexibility in when they launch their apps and pays developers 70 percent of the list price on each app sale. Developers can get started by visiting the Amazon Mobile App Distribution Portal.

This may be Amazon's opportunity to revive its Kindle Fire sales. The tablet, which initially sparked interest as an affordable alternative to the iPad, has been losing steam. Some international sales would boost those numbers.