Amazon Instant Video for iOS update allows for streaming to Apple TV via AirPlay

Amazon has brought an update to its instant video iOS app that allows its content to play nice with Apple's set-top box hardware. Amazon Instant Video customers can now stream content to Apple TV with AirPlay for the first time.

The app allows Amazon Prime customers to enjoy a selection of video content like TV shows and movies for free. The updated instant video app comes along with improved content recommendation and what sounds like much deeper IMDB integration as well as the new AirPlay feature. You can now search down through other projects from the same director or by customer recommendations, for example.

Apple's 12 Days of Christmas giveaway underway in Canada and Europe

Apple has started their 12 Days of Christmas promotion that runs from December 26 until January 6 in Canada and select parts of Europe. The app will provide users with free music, movies, books and applications each day until the promo expires.

To get things started, users are able to download a free Coldplay album that features three tunes from the band's iTunes Festival: London performance earlier this year. The tracks include Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, God Put a Smile Upon Your Face and Fix You. Accompanying the free songs are videos of each live performance, according toPocket Lint.

The fourth annual event is designed to promote the iTunes and App store, specifically targeted towards users who might have received a new iOS device for the holidays. The free service gives customers an opportunity to familiarize themselves with Apple’s purchasing model. Existing users are welcomed as well as a way for the company to thank them for their continued support.

Attempts to download from the US were unsuccessful in my testing as I was greeted with a message that said the item I requested isn’t available in the US store, but is available in the Finnish store. I tried switching stores as per the suggestion but again had no luck.

Since each offering is only available for 24 hours, Apple is allowing customers to sign up for email reminders so they don’t forget to check in each day. You can visit the iTunes Preview page to see if the app is available in your area.

Amazon Android App Store goes live, gets sued

Amazon is officially launching its Android App Store today with around 3,800 free and paid apps from all the big developers names on there. The storefront for Android mobile applications will compete directly with Google's official marketplace, and it looks like Amazon is ready to take on the fight by offering a few things that its rival lacks, throwing the full weight of its marketing and e-commerce expertise behind the app store.

For one thing the Amazon Android App Store will use the recommendation algorithm that the online retailer uses on its website to suggest certain apps and boost app discovery. In fact, it might recommend applications to users even when browsing physical goods on Amazon -- say, if you are looking for a camera you could see a camera app suggestion.

Apparently there will also be some exclusive (or at least timed-exclusive) Amazon-only Android apps, such as Angry Birds Rio, as well as a 'free app-of-the-day' feature where Amazon will select one premium application each day and make it free to consumers. Also, for those wondering whether an app is worth the asking price, Amazon will offer a 30-minute Test Drive facility that will let you try out a program you might fancy for your phone before purchasing.

One notable difference compared to Google's approach is that the Amazon App Store will have an approval process for apps to gain access. The company says it's going to take a somewhat relaxed stance as far as what's allowed on the store -- basically just blocking porn and anything related to illegal activities -- and that's probably a good thing. As Google certainly knows by now being "too open" can lead to a flurry of malware apps compromising devices.

The launch didn't go without a hitch, though. Apple has decided that the name is just too similar to its own App Store andissued a formal complaint. According to the iPhone maker, Amazon is "improperly using" Apple's trademark in connection to its mobile software developer program and its application download service.