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Mon, Oct 27, 2008 15:46 EDT

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Posted by: Al Sacco in Questions Topic: ApplicationsBlog: Mobile WorkHorse
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If you haven't already heard, Research In Motion (RIM) plans to launch two new BlackBerry application distribution channels in 2009, to make it easier for both software developers and wireless carriers to deliver mobile apps to BlackBerry smartphone users. That's all fine and good, but as a BlackBerry device owner, as opposed to a developer or carrier, I want to know what's in it for me?
According to RIM, "the new online application storefront and a new on-device application center will help application developers and carriers reach millions of BlackBerry smartphone users worldwide and will provide consumers with greater choice, enhanced application discovery and an easy method for managing installation, upgrades, and purchases."
First of all, a quick breakdown: The BlackBerry Application Storefront will be a Web locale that can be visited by all BlackBerry users, most likely via the default BlackBerry browser. The storefront is expected to open in March 2009, but developers can begin submitting their apps and content to RIM in December.
The BlackBerry Application Center is expected to be an on-device version of the application storefront, though official details aren't yet available—in other words, there will likely be an icon to launch the service on users' home screens. The app center will reportedly be populated and maintained by wireless carriers. Participating carriers will likely have their own BlackBerry App Centers. That means that those carriers, not RIM, will have the final say on which applications make the grade—and perhaps more importantly, which ones don't. (No worries, BlackBerry admins, you'll still be able to block any unwanted apps via IT policy.)
RIM's announcements were appropriately made at the BlackBerry Developer Conference, and while I think they represent truly great news for developers looking for ways to gain exposure for new applications and for carriers looking to sell apps, I question the value of both the BlackBerry Application Storefront, and in particular, the BlackBerry Application Centers, to the everyday Joe BlackBerry. (Yes, I'm—shamelessly--channeling Governor Palin here...)
I don't know about you, but I'm not seeing any shortage in BlackBerry application selection, nor do I have any problem finding new software for my BlackBerry—just search Google for "BlackBerry apps" and I think you'll agree.
Also, I can count the number of BlackBerry applications I've purchased on one hand—though I've downloaded and used hundreds of free apps, and I also get quite a few commercial apps from vendors—so I really don't need a new place to dole out cash for BlackBerry software. (Plus, there are already a number of places to securely pick up paid apps, including the CrackBerry Store, which also has an on-device shop launcher; BerryStore.com; MobiHand; and Handango.
There's also the very important matter of which applications will make it into the BlackBerry Application Storefront and BlackBerry Application Centers. There's no doubt RIM will be less tyrannical tight-fisted with its app approval process than Apple is with its iTunes App Store vetting. But something rubs me the wrong way about going through RIM, or even worse, carriers—some of which are notorious for blocking certain smartphone features and applications—for my BlackBerry software.
In my mind, the truly valuable aspect of both offerings is the fact that application updates will likely be brought to users' attention whenever they visit one of the new locations. (Of course, there's value in the whole one-stop-shop thing, mainly for beginner users, but again, there are
My man Kevin from CrackBerry.com has posted some very interesting details on both the BlackBerry Application Center and the BlackBerry Application Storefront. I won't go into detail here, but according to Kevin, both BlackBerry app distribution channels will only be available to BlackBerry users with handhelds running OS v4.7 or higher. The touch screen BlackBerry Storm is the first RIM device to run OS 4.7, and it will be the first device to access to both the App Center and Storefront, Kevin says.
All good stuff, though it seems odd that RIM wouldn't make both services available to users with devices running OS 4.6, like the new Bold and Pearl Flip 8220. Especially since though devices were only recently released and could prove to be big sellers throughout 2009 and beyond.
Check out Kevin's post for more.
AS
It is true that you can find many applications at the mentioned websites but not for the blackberry storm, which is mainly what the app store is for. It is much more difficult to find Blackberry storm apps. I know this will change in the future but an app store would be great so I don't have to search the net looking for applications that are compatible with my storm.
I just purchased a Blackberry Storm, and though I know of some of the sites you listed, I have no idea where to get what I want for the Storm. Having a central store helps with credibility issues, and lets me go to one place instead of 5 to look for what I want. I think it will be immensely helpful, particularly for people, like me, who are new to Blackberry.
Are there any lists of credible places to download applications? Does Crackberry check the applications they have in their store for memory leaks or other problems? Also, where can I find some new themes?
I am looking forward to the application center...hopefully VZW doesn't screw it up.
Hi NewtoBB,
I agree, the BlackBerry Application Center could be very valuable to BlackBerry newbies, but I question its value to mid-level and advanced users. I even wonder whether or not BlackBerry beginners will find value in the App Center over time, because, as I pointed out in my post, wireless carriers will be responsible for determining which applications are listed for download—and which aren’t. That means most BlackBerry App Center’s will likely be populated with only the most popular applications. And--as you can see in my video walkthrough of the Verizon Wireless App Center--the carriers’ branded apps, like Verizon’s V Cast Music app and the VZ Navigator.
As for reputable places to download Storm apps, check out my recent article, "Free BlackBerry Storm Apps: Seven Essential Downloads." You may also want to download the recently released Associated Press Mobile News Network app for Storm.
Oh yeah, you should also keep reading the Mobile WorkHorse. I frequently mention new apps, and I try every one before recommending them.
AS