Amazon.com has opened a new-look portal that aims to help developers create Android apps for its Appstore and take advantage of its cross-platform APIs with the help of better tools and documentation.

In a blog post about the redesign, Amazon’s Mark Hines said the new portal

“improves the look and feel of the site and helps you save time when planning, building, and submitting applications to the Amazon Appstore.”

(Click to enlarge)

When you develop an Android app, you can get it tested for Appsstore compatibility easily by dropping it into the updated testing widget in the portal, with the results being returned straight away. Once it’s fully compatible, you can create a free developer account and submit it using the Developer Console.

You can also use the portal to download the Amazon Mobile App SDK. The free download gives you access to APIs and services for Android and iOS. The new site also has more resources including documentation, development tools, marketing tips, promotional tools, videos, case studies, blog posts and a schedule of upcoming training events.

One useful improvement is the addition of a page where you can find all of the Amazon Appstore APIs, and see their compatible platforms. The page links to more detailed information including documentation, sample code and plug-in information for each service.

Game developers have their own similar dedicated page, with links to game engine plug-ins and cross-platform APIs that can help you maximize revenue from In App Purchasing. Other pages are aimed at HTML5, iOS, and PC and Mac game developers.

If you don't want to go immediately to the Amazon Developer Portal, this video introduces it: