Amazon is getting into the app space with the planned release of its software development kit (SDK) for the Kindle. The SDK, which will have limited beta starts next month, will allow software developers to build and upload content that will be available in the Kindle Store later this year.

“We’ve heard from lots of developers over the past two years who are excited to build on top of Kindle,” said Ian Freed, vice president, Amazon Kindle, in a statement. “The Kindle Development Kit opens many possibilities — we look forward to being surprised by what developers invent.”

Participants in the limited beta release will have access to the Kindle development kit and developer support. They also will be able to test content on the eReader and submit finished content to Amazon. The Kindle Development Kit includes sample code, documentation and the Kindle Simulator, which simulates the 6-inch Kindle and 9.7-inch Kindle DX on Mac, PC and Linux desktops.

Amazon reports that some developers have already begun building applications for the eReader. Handmark is building an active Zagat guide featuring its ratings, reviews and more for restaurants in cities around the world, and Sonic Boom is building word games and puzzles.