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Following a private beta, the BlackBerry App World has been updated to 2.0, complete with credit card billing, QR barcode scanning, an updated user interface, and RIM’s new ID system. Billing app purchases directly to your wireless bill is also present, but it’s only “supported by certain carriers”. A special surprise with the public launch, however, is that RIM is now allowing developers to sell apps for $0.99 and $1.99.
RIM used the excuse for awhile that they were aiming for high-quality apps or something, but I never really bought it. $0.99 and $1.99 are price points that are low enough that end-users barely have to weigh the pros and cons when making a purchase, and the inclusion of credit card billing makes it all the easier. Of course, the low-value apps may lead to App World being flooded with fart apps, but hey, it could use some populating.
The update is currently being rolled out, and folks with BlackBerrys should get notifications within the next couple of hours. Check out our hands-on video to get the full tour.
About The Author
Simon Sage
Simon Sage’s education largely surrounded writing, technology and online community, leading him to begin his blogging career at www.BlackBerryCool.com and to quickly discover a vibrant and active community surrounding BlackBerry and mobile technology. In exploring RIM’s platform, he has learned what enterprises are looking for in mobility as well as what makes the innocuous BlackBerry so appealing to them. Recently Simon’s been covering RIM’s gradual move into an already-crowded consumer market, and the impact of burgeoning challengers, such as the iPhone, as well as long-time leaders, like Nokia, on BlackBerry’s advancement. With plenty of content under his belt, Simon will be branching off a bit to see what other smartphone manufacturers are working on while still using BlackBerry as a barometer. At IntoMobile, you can count on his posts being even-handed, well-informed and thought-out.
