It’s almost like Amazon is doing everything it possibly can to be the biggest thorn in Apple’s backside possible. On Thursday the e-retailer introduced a Mac Download Store. Amazon says that it will start with about 250 game and application downloads.

While that may not be anywhere near as big as the “real” Mac App Store, the retailer is aiming to attract consumers through another draw: having software that Apple doesn’t. For example, Microsoft’s Office for Mac is available through Amazon, whereas it has yet to appear in the App Store.

“Mac Download store features an install-less download process where the customer gets just the product without any unwanted extras,” the company said in promoting the new offering. It also noted that all purchases would remain available for unlimited downloads for personal use — an important function for anybody considering moving away from software stored on optical discs.

I do find it interesting that Amazon didn’t call this an app store or an “appstore” — probably the lawyers told execs that it wouldn’t be a good idea to get roiled in another trademark battle again. Either way, it shows you that the retailer is serious about selling digital content of many sorts, in many venues.

If you’re looking to try the store, Amazon is giving $5 off any purchase through June 1. Use the code “SAVE5MAC” at checkout.

 
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