BlackBerry App World minimum paid price: $2.99

RIM's newly-named BlackBerry App World might be all set to compete with the other mobile app stores on the scene, but it's not going head-to-head on price: according to the developer docs, the first price tier above free is $2.99. That doesn't seem like much, but it's a little puzzling in light of how successful various less-expensive iPhone apps have been. Of course, RIM might just want its apps to seem more valuable to customers -- and maybe keep fart apps far from its business-oriented platform -- but we'll see how developers react when things go live.

[Via CrackBerry]

[GenesisDH Posted Mar 5th 2009 2:49PM]

1) If that inclusion cost requirement is a per app basis then I'd agree. Apple requires a one time payment to develop for AppStore inclusion ($100/developer) and we still see a gazillion redundant and useless apps.
Having the developer 'pay to play' in the App World won't necessarily discourage small-time, freeware development.

2) This is a big thing, I agree. Unlike most devices, the inability to keep a number of apps of the phone may help and hinder development. Large Maps/GPS apps won't happen, but apps that are fairly light will do well in this store, such as business-oriented apps.

The biggest thing that makes the BB App World stand out compared to the AppStore: the purchase process. It's Paypal or nothing... no gift cards, no direct CC/bank transfers, just Paypal. IMO, that's smart thinking by RIM. Since kids-to-teens don't normally have the means to open a Paypal account, that'll weed out most of the appeal to offer a gazillion games, fart apps, flashlights and other redundant application junk.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 5th 2009 10:30AM]

But most importantly, have the dev tools improved? There are reasons other than the store, pushing us to develop for the iThings. And, $.99 produces plenty of crap, but it is also a discretionary price point. $2.99 less so.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 1st 2009 4:00PM]

there are apps that are free for the basic service. i dont know wut took me so long, but i finally dL'ed the iHeartRadio to my berry storm and im loving it! i rilly like the gps for locating radio stations, and the app looks pretty cool on the phone. Its also easy to navigate, which was a major concern....but all smiles now. its so much better than XM!! im glad i switched!

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 13th 2009 8:01PM]

I have a Curve and a Storm that are both work issued. For my personal use, I own an "iPhone." I also have a PC and a Mac side by side on my desk. I work as a designer and need to work on both platforms for cross referencing. I use both computers equally and like them both for what they're used for. I will say that my Mac is a lot more fun to use and it's much more stable. I have iTunes on both machines simply because it's the standard these days. Everybody uses iTunes. I use all of this technology every day and I'll admit, the BB's suck. The BB App World sucks. I'm just saying this because I also own an iPhone and use Apple's App Store through "iTunes." If I didn't know any better, I might think the BB App World was pretty spiffy. If you like the App World, stay away from Apple's iPhone and the App Store. You'll get really angry and throw your BB in the trash.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 13th 2009 8:02PM]

The Fart app is available for BB. Sorry! Hahaha!