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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, 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.
The top 9 wireless predictions for 2009
Comments
Posted by Kev | January 5, 2009 - 4:41pm
Why am I still carrying around a Palm Tungsten E with my RAZR phone? Because the merged products do not work with my computer and require a much more expensive phone plan. I have a laptop for email and web browsing. Why should I therefore want to do those things with a horribly small interface that would strain my eyes? I would love one of those new smart phones, without the online expense which I don't trust or need... and I am sure I am not alone.
Posted by Q | January 5, 2009 - 5:45pm
Kev,
A Palm Treo or Centro has the same resolution screen as your Tungsten E. I'm not sure what you mean about them not working with your computer--the sync options are the same.
And smartphones do not require data plans--it is possible to get one with discounts and without a data plan--though with less of a discount (depending too on which carrier). Admittedly, you may have to be forceful about it as many sales reps may not admit it.
For that matter, if you wanted to buy a used/refurb smartphone (from a reputable seller), you could do that too. On AT&T or T-Mobile, just move your SIM card over. On Sprint or Verizon, you'd just have to go into a store, ask them to program your number into the smartphone, and tell them you don't want to make any changes to your plan.
Posted by Pavel | January 7, 2009 - 4:00pm
Don't carriers already have their own app stores (i.e. Verizon’s Get It Now and AT&T’s MEdia Mall)? Doesn't the idea of a carrier app store bring us back full circle to the old anti-deck arguments of 1) a closed environment and 2) discoverability of apps?
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