Well that was quick. The ink isn’t dry yet, but the Amazon purchase of comiXology has already resulted in some changes to the digital comic store and its apps. Multiple updates have hit to their numerous apps, changing how things are done.

When it comes to their Google we received the following:

We’ve made changes to our Google Play Android Comics app so please update to version 3.6. In this new version, we have a new comiXology in-app purchase system and a great new cart feature, one of our most requested features.

In the new app, you may be prompted to update your payment information to continue purchasing books. This is a one-time action after which you can purchase inside the app.

I also received a $5 eGift Card in that email which has an expiration date, and can’t be used in certain parts of the world judging by the posts (ie complaints) to the company’s Facebook page.

When it comes to the Apple app we received this:

We have introduced a new comiXology iPhone and iPad Comics app, and we are retiring the old one. All your purchased books will be readable in the new app once you’ve downloaded it and taken the following steps:

• Sync your in-app purchases to your comiXology account by tapping the Restore button on the Purchases tab
• Download the new comiXology app. This will be your new home for downloading and reading comics.
• Start shopping on comixology.com. New purchases will appear in the “In Cloud” tab in our new app

What that means is, comiXology, and thus Amazon, have cut out Apple from profiting from sales through the app directly. This is similar to how Amazon handles their Kindle app, which also does not have in app purchasing. There’s good and bad due to this. The bad is, Apple users will have to purchase items through the website. The good is, indie creators should get more as Apple will no longer be taking a cut.

It also looks like payment through Google Play is no longer an option too based on responses online.

The reaction by the community is not a happy one as expected. People took to social networks to complain.

It’ll be interesting to see what’s next as far as comiXology’s numerous apps as well as the upcoming Amazon phone and if this opens up the digital comic space for an entrepreneurial upstart. I also expect the company’s apps to tank as far as our weekly report, which will have to be modified to better reflect what’s going on.