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.