Prediction 9: App stores will start to compete with each other for downloads and - 2009 Predictions

2008 was a defining year in mobile application distribution. This was the year that Apple launched its App Store and its success spurred a bunch of copycat stores with the launch of the Android Market, Palm's Software Store and RIM's BlackBerry Application Center.

This flurry of app stores promises to revolutionize the way applications are distributed to consumers. In fact, as smart phones proliferate, consumers will become accustomed to getting their applications and content from an app store. Does this mean that carriers will start launching their own app stores? We've heard rumors that T-Mobile USA may be launching its own app store [1], and we believe that other carriers will consider this strategy.

What we know for sure, however, is that competition among the app stores will become fierce, as each one vies for their share of the market.  And we also expect the stores will start to compete for the most compelling applications, putting developers in the driver's seat when it comes to deciding which app store offers the most value to them.