BlackBerry App World 2.0 Available in Beta
Today, Research in Motion announced that the BlackBerry Application World 2.0 was launched in Beta Zone. There will be many new updates to the original BlackBerry App World, which is the official store for BlackBerry smartphone applications. BlackBerry users can search and download mobile applications on the App Store, which has over 30 million users, for business or personal use.
The updated BlackBerry App World 2.0 will have enhanced search and discovery features. There will be a Top 25 Free App list in addition to Top 25 Paid App and Themed App lists. Customers can easily scroll down these lists to find applications that interest them. Also, based on certain purchased or browsed applications, the new App World will suggest similar applications.
Example of BlackBerry App Selection
BlackBerry App World 2.0 also supports new payment options in addition to PayPal. With 2.0, users will be able to purchase apps with major credit cards, including Master Card and Visa. Users will also be able to purchase apps outside of the United States, in certain countries. RIM is even talking to the billing departments of selected phone carriers to see if app purchases can be applied directly to the customer’s monthly bill.
In addition, RIM created a new user identification system, BlackBerry ID. This system will save past downloads, credit card information and more. Users will easily be able to purchase new apps without looking up their credit card information. Also, if customers switch BlackBerry devices, they will easily be able to transfer their free and paid applications to the new device.
RIM is looking forward to the official release of the updated App World. The Senior Vice President for the BlackBerry Platform at RIM, Alan Brenner, commented on the new features of the 2.0 version. He said, “BlackBerry App World continues to grow with a rich catalog of personal and business oriented applications that further enhance the BlackBerry smartphone experience. The new features in BlackBerry App World make it even easier for customers to find, purchase and maintain applications for their BlackBerry smartphone.”
BlackBerry App World 2.0 is available in beta for customers who are in the BlackBerry Beta Zone, in the U.S. or Canada.
[Photo courtesy of vrzone.]
