Amazon is launching a new free app program to make its App Store even more intriguing to customers looking for something different. It follows recent moves by Google to remove Amazon's Appstore from Android.

The new program is called Amazon 'Unlocked' and essentially offers a wide range of applications and in-app purchases for free. Normally customers pay for these apps and services, but Amazon will waiver the charge in the hopes customers will return to buy more.

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It's not the first time Amazon has used the tactic of freebies to win over customers. It offers a free app everyday on the Fire platform, allowing Kindle Fire and Fire Phone owners to grab something free from the App Store every 24 hours.

Even though this program has been previously criticized as a loss of income for developers, it seems the new Unlocked program has won over quite a few top-end developers, including Sega America and UsTwo, the creators of Monument Valley.

Unlocked won't just focus on games. It will have mobile productivity apps included as well, to win over all types of customers. Amazon wants to make its selection of free apps and in-app purchases spread across a wide range of its 600,000 apps on the store.

Details on the launch date for Amazon Unlocked remain unknown. It will work mostly through algorithms, highlighting some of the best apps of the day and working with the developers to offer free admission for subscribers.

The price of Unlocked remains secret as well, meaning Amazon could offer it with Prime or as a separate package. It might come for absolutely free to bring more customers over to the Amazon App store, but this could be a major financial burden.

Amazon has invested heavily in movies and TV shows with Instant Video, so there's no real way to know if it will do the same for apps and in-app purchases.

TagsAmazon, Amazon Unlocked, Google Play, Mobile Apps