Samsung Electronics will launch its application store on September 14, promising smartphone users in the UK, France and Italy more than 300 native apps at the virtual storefront's debut.
Content providers including Electronic Arts, Gameloft, Handmark, Capcom, Taito and Com2us will all offer apps at the store's launch.
Samsung says it plans to expand its inventory to more than 2,000 apps by the end of 2009, spanning a host of categories including games, reference tools, social networking, ebooks and health.
Samsung will initially limit Application Store availability to Omnia and I8910 HD devices – Omnia customers can download and install the mobile client from www.samsungapps.com, while I8910 HD customers must upgrade their software by selecting the Application Download icon on their phones.
The on-device client is available in English, French and Italian and supports credit card and operator billing – Samsung said it will expand service to additional languages, devices and features throughout the year.
The app store will compete against offerings from handset rivals Apple, RIM and Nokia, as well as planned storefronts from Vodafone and other carriers.
In July Samsung announced the launch of its Application Seller Site portal, promising developers and content providers a channel to sell their Symbian and Windows Mobile applications via the Samsung Application Store.
According to Samsung, developers can sign up for membership in the site for $1. As they register relevant apps or content, including suggested price and target markets, their software is filtered through a backend system and then promoted for download via the app store site.
Seller Site also will enable developers to purchase sales contracts and check their certification status in real-time--the site additionally promises sales records and revenue totals, and handles billing and payment.
Samsung said the Application Seller Site would complement its existing Samsung Mobile Innovator developer support program.
For more on the Samsung Application Store:
- read this release
- read this release