Verizon is apparently keen on getting into the app store business and is willing to step on its smartphone partners' toes to make it happen. According to new reports, the VZW-branded downloads storefront will look to merge downloadable content from all major platforms released with the company under one roof. That, as it turns out, will include those for existing marketplaces such as the Android Market and Blackberry App World.
The main selling point of such a set-up is that Verizon will integrate app catalog purchases with its regular billing cycles, allowing customers to download apps with no separate payment processing necessary. It's undoubtedly a more convenient process for end consumers. For their part, developers are being promised "competitive" revenue shares, although details aren't clear as of yet.
What's turning out to be a big deal is the competitive stance that Verizon is taking with their app store efforts. According to the carrier, all phones released under their banner will no longer come bundled with the respective handsets' default app store software (e.g. App World for Blackberry, Marketplace for Android), which means users will have to acquire them separately.
There's no reaction yet from the hardware and software companies, though I can't imagine Microsoft, Google or Research In Motion (and, for that matter, every manufacturer angling to set up their own downloads storefront) taking it all that amicably. Expect Verizon to present their plans in greater detail (along with the possible backlash from other companies afterwards) during the upcoming Verizon Developer Community Conference on July 28th.
Photo Credit: Engadget
Well it might be useful for power users who shop online for applications, games etc. It would be even better if they can give discount coupon on purchases.