Disqus
Lots of BlackBerry Storm news and ‘leaked’ documents hitting the web lately. But none of note have been as big as this in my opinion. Here comes the BlackBerry Application Center!
In the image above, you’ll see a first look at RIM’s response to the iPhone App Store. The App Center is slated to launch on the BlackBerry Storm 4.7 OS and will allow users to find, browse, install/upgrade 3rd party apps on their Berry. The Application Center will in essence be the main interface between the end user and the carrier.
The App Center will have a device side application and a server side backend app hosted by RIM. However, the carriers will be responsible for hosting the apps they wish to offer to their own customers. This will give the carriers control over what apps to put up in their branded version of the App Center.
BlackBerry App Center Key Features:
- The Application Center will be available on 4.7 Storm devices and will be designed for the Storm touch screen UI.
- Carriers will be responsible for hosting the application data and sending updates to the directory to RIM.
- The main application screen will provide the user with a list of all applications that are available for install from the particular carrier for the specific device model and OS version. Incompatible applications will not be displayed.
- The main screen will provide the user the ability to quickly browse the application list, then view the available information about each application in a detailed description screen which shows the logo and full description. Installation will occur with one click (launches the web browser).
- The user will be able to access the Options > Applications screen from within the App Center (allowing the user to delete applications directly from within the App Center).
- The user will be provided with various status info: date the app list was most recently updated; notification that updates are available; option to reapplication list was completed, etc.
- Since the download and installation will be handled by the browser in this first release, the Application Center will not be capable of restarting the application / download intelligently.
- The Application Center will automatically check for updates daily.
Big thanks to Kevin for breaking this. Look for more and more news on the App Center in the days and weeks ahead. Exciting stuff!
[Via: CrackBerry.com]
About The Author
James Falconer
James was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada. Almost 15 years ago he started out in the 'real world' as a web and graphic designer. Through the years he has finely tuned his skills in SEO, internet marketing, conversion strategy, and project management. To date, he runs his own successful consulting business where he advises companies all over the globe. A co-founder of www.crackberry.com, and sole proprietor of www.mactropolis.com, James in recent years has become very active in the tech blogosphere. Online community building and strategy is fast becoming one of his passions. Watch for James' no frills attitude, unique perspective and to-the-point comments here on IntoMobile!
