Palm’s App store for the Palm Pre has got off to a slow start so far, but this may be about to change as Palm intends to launch Paid apps for the Pre in September.
Palm has started taking applications from developers who want to sell apps for the Pre, and Palm’s App Catalog e-commerce beta program will launch in the middle of September.
Palm has stated that the reason there is currently a low number of apps in their app store is because they had only offered the Palm Pre SDK to a limited number of developers. This changed on the 16th of July when it was made available to everyone.
The Importance of Paid Apps
The launch of paid apps for the Palm Pre is great news for Palm owners, as developers will now start to develop more apps for the Pre if they can make money from it. This move is expected to significantly boost the number of available applications, enhancing the overall user experience. Paid apps often come with more features and better support compared to free apps, which can sometimes be limited in functionality.
Developers will get paid 70% for the sale of a Palm Pre app, with the remaining 30% going to Palm, which is very similar to what Apple pays its developers for iPhone apps. This revenue-sharing model has proven successful for Apple, and Palm is likely hoping to replicate that success. By offering a financial incentive, Palm aims to attract a larger pool of developers who can create high-quality, innovative apps for the Palm Pre.
Developer Opportunities and Challenges
For developers, the opportunity to monetize their apps on the Palm Pre platform opens up new avenues for revenue. However, there are also challenges to consider. The Palm Pre, while innovative, does not have the same market penetration as the iPhone or Android devices. This means that developers may need to invest more in marketing and user acquisition to make their apps successful.
Moreover, the Palm Pre’s unique webOS operating system requires developers to adapt their existing apps or create new ones from scratch. This could be a barrier for some, but it also presents an opportunity for those willing to invest the time and effort. The webOS platform offers unique features like multitasking and a gesture-based interface, which can be leveraged to create compelling user experiences.
Palm’s decision to open up the SDK to all developers is a strategic move to foster a more vibrant app ecosystem. By lowering the entry barriers, Palm is encouraging more developers to experiment with the platform, which could lead to a surge in innovative apps. This is crucial for the long-term success of the Palm Pre, as a rich app ecosystem is often a key factor in a smartphone’s popularity.
In addition to the financial incentives, Palm is also likely to offer various support resources for developers. This could include documentation, forums, and possibly even direct support channels. Such resources can be invaluable for developers, helping them to overcome technical challenges and optimize their apps for the Palm Pre.
The launch of paid apps for the Palm Pre marks a significant milestone for Palm and its users. By opening up the SDK and offering a competitive revenue-sharing model, Palm is laying the groundwork for a thriving app ecosystem. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential rewards for both developers and users are substantial. As we move into September, it will be interesting to see how the app landscape for the Palm Pre evolves and whether it can compete with more established platforms.
via Gadget Lab
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