Opera, Stefan’s favouritest mobile browser in the whole wide world, has launched a broad app store for BlackBerry, Android, Symbian, and Java apps. Helping Opera out with this store is Appia, previously known as PocketGear as of a month ago. The Opera Mini and Mobile browsers will offer a shortcut to the store for easy access in over 200 countries.
I’m still a little bewildered at the need for third-party app stores, but I suppose they’re pretty convenient for developers who want to get a foothold in multiple platforms without having to go through the hassle of submitting to each official channel individually. I just don’t see the pick-up being that good compared to app stores that are preloaded and curated by those that manufacture the phones themselves. Any of you guys prefer third-party app stores to the official ones?
If you want to see what Opera’s got to offer, go to mobilestore.opera.com on your phone’s browser.
[via Opera]