Intel launches AppUp Center app store for Atom-powered devices (updated with hands-on impressions)
By Joanna Stern 
posted January 7th 2010 8:17PM
posted January 7th 2010 8:17PM
Updated: We downloaded the app store to an ASUS Eee PC 1005HA. Hit the break for our impressions.
Though we aren't completely sure why you would need an app store for a Windows netbook, considering the Internet contains all the apps you'd ever need, and they're pretty easy to find with that Google thing, we downloaded AppUp in a matter of seconds to an Atom-powered Eee PC.
Taking a cue from Apple, you have to create a username and password to access the store and it required us to put in our credit card. The store itself was easy to navigate and all the applications are categorized in the obvious games, social networking, etc. When we downloaded Yoono desktop, the application ended up in our program files, but we could also launch the app from AppUp. Basically, the beta is simply a place to discover new applications, which for some may be useful. Perhaps, we will be a bit more impressed with the store on non-Windows devices, but in the meantime AppUp everyone. AppUp.
Intel CEO: 'Computing No Longer Confined to the PC – It's Everywhere'
News Highlights
* Otellini described how "personal" computing is transforming Intel and the industry.
* Showcased innovative technologies and design wins across Intel's PC and other growth businesses.
* Introduced several PC platform products, including over 25 Intel® Core™ processors and Intel® Wireless Display technology.
* Unveiled upcoming LG Electronics* smartphone, Orange* media set-top box, and embedded technology concepts for home energy management and interactive, in-store shopping.
* Revealed beta version of a software application storefront aimed at netbooks called the Intel AppUp Center. OEMs Acer*, ASUS*, Dell* and Samsung* collaborating with Intel to bring innovative apps to consumers.
INTERNATIONAL CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW, Las Vegas, Jan. 7, 2010 – Intel Corporation President and CEO Paul Otellini today talked about how "personal computing" is expanding beyond the PC to nearly every kind of electronic device, transforming Intel and the industry in the process. He also unveiled several innovative technologies and design wins that spanned Intel's PC and other growth businesses, including netbooks, smartphones, CE devices and "connected" embedded technology.
"Computing is no longer confined to your computer – it's everywhere," Otellini said during his CES keynote speech. "Advances in connectivity, intuitive user interfaces, immersive content and computer chip performance have allowed computing to move into new areas. Computing moving into all manner of devices and experiences all around us improves our personal productivity and enjoyment."
Otellini described how Intel and the industry are delivering the vision he painted in his keynote 2 years ago at CES. Computing is being integrated into every relevant aspect of people's lives, he said, whether they are on their computer or smartphone, watching TV, in the car or out shopping. A seamless personalized experience tailored to individuals' interests, needs and social networks will deliver the information, entertainment and experiences people want, whenever, however and wherever they want. To illustrate his point, he demonstrated exciting advances in mobile device applications, 3-D content, smarter phones and TVs, and areas traditionally not associated with computing such as home energy management and digital signage.
Otellini described how bringing the world of simple and useful "viral" applets to Intel® Atom™ processor-based devices will further bring this vision of "personal" computing to life, creating new usage models and a unique and powerful distribution channel for software developers. Intel created the Intel® Atom™ Developer Program in September to address this opportunity. He revealed a beta version of a software app store for netbooks that Intel launched today called the Intel® AppUpSM Center. The first apps, which span education, entertainment, games, health and other categories, are now available for free download or purchase by visiting www.intelappup.com. Acer*, ASUS*, Dell* and Samsung* are the first OEMs to announce support for apps stores based on the Intel AppUp Center. Otellini said Intel and its partners expect to expand the stores over time to include applications for other large categories such as PCs, handheld CE devices, smartphones, CE appliances, TVs and other devices based on future Intel processor families.
As an example of new ways to connect computing devices in the home, Otellini also unveiled a product today called the Intel® Wireless Display. Using a laptop powered by select all new 2010 Intel® Core™ processors and enabled with this display technology, an individual can quickly stream videos, photos and other content from the PC to the HDTV over a WiFi connection. On Jan. 17 laptops by Dell*, Sony* and Toshiba* and a TV adapter by NETGEAR* – featuring Intel® Wireless Display – will be available at Best Buy* in the United States and Canada as part of its Blue Label 2.0 program.
"Computing in the home is rapidly expanding beyond the PC," Otellini said. "The TV will continue to be a focal point of the home while becoming smarter, much in the way phones are evolving into smartphones. New user interfaces and forms of connectivity will change the way we interact with entertainment in the home."
Intel's CEO also touched on one of the most buzzed about topics at CES – 3-D stereoscopic content – and said that creating 3-D content requires a "ton of computing power." Powerful microprocessors will play a central role in the transition to 3-D content creation. Otellini also said there are select powerful PCs available today that are expanding 3-D content creation from Hollywood studios to living rooms. To prove his point, he demonstrated how an individual could do real-time creation and editing of a 3-D video with the horsepower of an Intel® Core™ i7 processor-based PC.
This morning Intel launched several PC platform products including more than 25 all new 2010 Intel® Core™ processors, wireless adapters and related chipsets for laptops, desktop PCs and embedded devices. These new processors deliver Intel's best media and graphics technologies, including the ability to intelligently adapt, automatically providing an added boost of performance for such demanding applications as HD and 3-D video creation.
Otellini also described how advancements in microprocessor technology will continue to transform how people enjoy 3-D movies and TV in their homes. To prove his point, he showed new ways to visually search for TV shows, Internet access to videos and other applications on a yet-to-be introduced Orange* media set-top box powered by one of Intel's computer-on-a-chip products. The Intel® Atom™ processor CE4100, which is currently available, is optimized for the next generation of set-top boxes, media players and connected TVs.
"Smartphones truly embody personal computing," Otellini said. "Wireless connectivity is critical and 3G is great, but it's not fast enough. 4G technologies like WiMAX are needed to deliver on the promise and potential of these new devices."
All the Internet connectivity for demonstrations in Otellini's keynote used the CLEAR* 4G mobile Internet service that has been available in Las Vegas since July. The WiMAX Forum forecasts more than 700 million people covered by WiMAX at the end of 2010.
"Two years ago I showed a suite of futuristic, compute-intensive applications for handheld devices," Otellini said. "The computing was really done on a desktop PC behind the curtain because handhelds didn't have the processing capability yet. Two years later, the future is here."
To prove his point, Otellini showed how multi-tasking capabilities combined with new user interfaces are creating exciting new applications for smartphones today. This included the world's first demonstration of the LG Electronics* GW990 smartphone to help demonstrate the performance and software compatibility of "Moorestown," Intel's next-generation platform for handhelds and smartphones. He also showcased a smartphone reference design from Aava Mobile* and a tablet reference design from OpenPeak*. "Moorestown" is scheduled to launch during the first half of the year with devices coming to market in the second half.
Otellini also described how many machines and applications traditionally not associated with computing are now connecting to the Internet, creating more personal computing experiences at home and out in the world. Examples include infotainment systems for cars, digital interactive signs, shopping kiosks and medical devices. Intel's Atom processor is making inroads in these and other intelligent devices. Otellini said customers are in process of developing 2,500 different devices and machines powered by the Intel Atom processor including a concept device for managing energy consumption in the home. He also unveiled a digital sign based on an embedded Intel® Core™ i5 processor that brings the data-richness of online shopping to the in-store shopping experience.
More information about the applications demonstrated in the speech and Intel's news at CES is available at www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/events/ces2010.
News Highlights
* Otellini described how "personal" computing is transforming Intel and the industry.
* Showcased innovative technologies and design wins across Intel's PC and other growth businesses.
* Introduced several PC platform products, including over 25 Intel® Core™ processors and Intel® Wireless Display technology.
* Unveiled upcoming LG Electronics* smartphone, Orange* media set-top box, and embedded technology concepts for home energy management and interactive, in-store shopping.
* Revealed beta version of a software application storefront aimed at netbooks called the Intel AppUp Center. OEMs Acer*, ASUS*, Dell* and Samsung* collaborating with Intel to bring innovative apps to consumers.
INTERNATIONAL CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW, Las Vegas, Jan. 7, 2010 – Intel Corporation President and CEO Paul Otellini today talked about how "personal computing" is expanding beyond the PC to nearly every kind of electronic device, transforming Intel and the industry in the process. He also unveiled several innovative technologies and design wins that spanned Intel's PC and other growth businesses, including netbooks, smartphones, CE devices and "connected" embedded technology.
"Computing is no longer confined to your computer – it's everywhere," Otellini said during his CES keynote speech. "Advances in connectivity, intuitive user interfaces, immersive content and computer chip performance have allowed computing to move into new areas. Computing moving into all manner of devices and experiences all around us improves our personal productivity and enjoyment."
Otellini described how Intel and the industry are delivering the vision he painted in his keynote 2 years ago at CES. Computing is being integrated into every relevant aspect of people's lives, he said, whether they are on their computer or smartphone, watching TV, in the car or out shopping. A seamless personalized experience tailored to individuals' interests, needs and social networks will deliver the information, entertainment and experiences people want, whenever, however and wherever they want. To illustrate his point, he demonstrated exciting advances in mobile device applications, 3-D content, smarter phones and TVs, and areas traditionally not associated with computing such as home energy management and digital signage.
Otellini described how bringing the world of simple and useful "viral" applets to Intel® Atom™ processor-based devices will further bring this vision of "personal" computing to life, creating new usage models and a unique and powerful distribution channel for software developers. Intel created the Intel® Atom™ Developer Program in September to address this opportunity. He revealed a beta version of a software app store for netbooks that Intel launched today called the Intel® AppUpSM Center. The first apps, which span education, entertainment, games, health and other categories, are now available for free download or purchase by visiting www.intelappup.com. Acer*, ASUS*, Dell* and Samsung* are the first OEMs to announce support for apps stores based on the Intel AppUp Center. Otellini said Intel and its partners expect to expand the stores over time to include applications for other large categories such as PCs, handheld CE devices, smartphones, CE appliances, TVs and other devices based on future Intel processor families.
As an example of new ways to connect computing devices in the home, Otellini also unveiled a product today called the Intel® Wireless Display. Using a laptop powered by select all new 2010 Intel® Core™ processors and enabled with this display technology, an individual can quickly stream videos, photos and other content from the PC to the HDTV over a WiFi connection. On Jan. 17 laptops by Dell*, Sony* and Toshiba* and a TV adapter by NETGEAR* – featuring Intel® Wireless Display – will be available at Best Buy* in the United States and Canada as part of its Blue Label 2.0 program.
"Computing in the home is rapidly expanding beyond the PC," Otellini said. "The TV will continue to be a focal point of the home while becoming smarter, much in the way phones are evolving into smartphones. New user interfaces and forms of connectivity will change the way we interact with entertainment in the home."
Intel's CEO also touched on one of the most buzzed about topics at CES – 3-D stereoscopic content – and said that creating 3-D content requires a "ton of computing power." Powerful microprocessors will play a central role in the transition to 3-D content creation. Otellini also said there are select powerful PCs available today that are expanding 3-D content creation from Hollywood studios to living rooms. To prove his point, he demonstrated how an individual could do real-time creation and editing of a 3-D video with the horsepower of an Intel® Core™ i7 processor-based PC.
This morning Intel launched several PC platform products including more than 25 all new 2010 Intel® Core™ processors, wireless adapters and related chipsets for laptops, desktop PCs and embedded devices. These new processors deliver Intel's best media and graphics technologies, including the ability to intelligently adapt, automatically providing an added boost of performance for such demanding applications as HD and 3-D video creation.
Otellini also described how advancements in microprocessor technology will continue to transform how people enjoy 3-D movies and TV in their homes. To prove his point, he showed new ways to visually search for TV shows, Internet access to videos and other applications on a yet-to-be introduced Orange* media set-top box powered by one of Intel's computer-on-a-chip products. The Intel® Atom™ processor CE4100, which is currently available, is optimized for the next generation of set-top boxes, media players and connected TVs.
"Smartphones truly embody personal computing," Otellini said. "Wireless connectivity is critical and 3G is great, but it's not fast enough. 4G technologies like WiMAX are needed to deliver on the promise and potential of these new devices."
All the Internet connectivity for demonstrations in Otellini's keynote used the CLEAR* 4G mobile Internet service that has been available in Las Vegas since July. The WiMAX Forum forecasts more than 700 million people covered by WiMAX at the end of 2010.
"Two years ago I showed a suite of futuristic, compute-intensive applications for handheld devices," Otellini said. "The computing was really done on a desktop PC behind the curtain because handhelds didn't have the processing capability yet. Two years later, the future is here."
To prove his point, Otellini showed how multi-tasking capabilities combined with new user interfaces are creating exciting new applications for smartphones today. This included the world's first demonstration of the LG Electronics* GW990 smartphone to help demonstrate the performance and software compatibility of "Moorestown," Intel's next-generation platform for handhelds and smartphones. He also showcased a smartphone reference design from Aava Mobile* and a tablet reference design from OpenPeak*. "Moorestown" is scheduled to launch during the first half of the year with devices coming to market in the second half.
Otellini also described how many machines and applications traditionally not associated with computing are now connecting to the Internet, creating more personal computing experiences at home and out in the world. Examples include infotainment systems for cars, digital interactive signs, shopping kiosks and medical devices. Intel's Atom processor is making inroads in these and other intelligent devices. Otellini said customers are in process of developing 2,500 different devices and machines powered by the Intel Atom processor including a concept device for managing energy consumption in the home. He also unveiled a digital sign based on an embedded Intel® Core™ i5 processor that brings the data-richness of online shopping to the in-store shopping experience.
More information about the applications demonstrated in the speech and Intel's news at CES is available at www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/events/ces2010.
shortest. post. ever.
why not just integrate this post with the widi post?
@dedparrot They haven't finished writing it, thus the "Developing..." at the end, they are only at the keynote now, so they're writing this post as they get information.
whatever happened to using programs?
@glenskey My thoughts exactly haha.
can i get the link for the linux file?
ive always wanted to see this
We already have an app store for the computer. It's called "the Internet".
Horribly insecure. OS X runs Bodega, Ubuntu comes with the Ubuntu Software Center.. Windows has... well, this. heh.
The Android market is the best one I've used yet.
@dragonfli Download.com anyone? sheesh its getting ridiculous with these app stores. just download it
@m2h and TV users have...? and MID (Mobile Internet Devices) will have...? Don't you see it? Everyone either has a different thing or just nothing, and my grand'pa won't want to use 4 different ways to search and use programs.
This is not any longer about computers and geeks using them... this is about consumer electronics and everyone using them (that's why it was announced at CES). And the vision here is to have a "continuum" of user experiences, from the desktop, to the kitchen and the sofa.
If you see it just as a yet-beta-repository of too few apps for a wintel desktop, yes, it isn't that much useful. But if you see it as a key feature of a consumer electronic device (e.g.: your fridge) with just one user account, aware of the device you're operating from, and a channel for developers to reach out all of these consumer electronics with your product, it makes a lot of sense. The web doesn't yet know if you have an Asus Netbook or a i7 Desktop with wings (and probably my Psychologist won't either). The appstore does.
Intel is just taking over the world of chips again, but at a higher level, with cheap powerful processors embedded everywhere and they have recognized that hardware without the proper software, is worthless. So software is now part of the bundle.
The product is not specifically designed for Windows (otherwise it would be developed by Microsoft), nor PCs, nor Notebooks or Netbooks, but for Intel Architecture "things" (that, as part of Intel's world domination plan, will be almost anything), so developers would start getting rid of some big portability issues.
Hope this can be clarifying (it was pretty clear on latest Paul Otellini's talk on IDF).
That was the fastest turnaround time for a program I've ever experienced.
Not more than 1 minute of running it, I quickly uninstalled it. It is a steaming pile of garbage. Ive seen bundled crapware look and work better than this crap.
@Ruben
Haha I did the exact same thing. Ran it for about a minute, smelt the garbage, uninstalled.
This idea just seems...stupid. I can't understand what's driving it. If users want to download 'apps', they could do so through better existing venues.
With more applications moving to the cloud
enviorment, people have really been shifting away from actually downloading stuff. Especially netbook users.
Where's the 3D app store?
downloaded it and it seems stuck on the loading screen. Ahh well
not vista compatable :(
it's garbage, it makes you put down a credit card, even for free apps. bullshit.
@npa189 that's right, just like iTunes, right?
@dpamio uh huh, watch your credit card, folks.
I opened an itunes account, never purchased anything. A month later, 11 purchases totaling $350 show up on my credit card. APL*ITUNES. Itunes (which has no phone number for customer support) took more then 24 hours to disable my account. Itunes refused to take any responsibility for unauthorized charges. Google "Itunes Fraud" for similar stories.
Thank god for a good credit card company.
@tmarks11
Well, don't just say, "Thank god for a good credit card company," and leave it at that. Drop a name, man!
Requires sign-up with credit card to play = DOA I am thinking.
They might get away with it if it was the only train home... but as you already mentioned... you can get what you want anywhere out there.
Nyeh, I just use Jolicloud
We created the Intel AppUp Center for consumers to easily find new applications for their netbooks. By providing this distribution channel, developers have incentives to write new innovative applications for the growing market, and for additional Intel Atom-based devices as the program expands.
As this is a beta launch, we are specifically looking for feedback on how to improve the offering. We appreciate the feedback on the credit card requirement for creating an account - and will look into changing this for initial browsing and downloading of free applications.
@artshark – the Linux (Moblin) store will be available shortly. Stay tuned.
Amy from Intel
1) The application shows up as a 800x600 window that can't be moved or maximized (on Win7.) That's very lame.
2) Preload the categories and descriptions in the background so that I don't have to wait all the time.
3) Turn it into a proper Windows application, with standard UI -- I know you want to be cool like other kids, but that's not the way.
4) Less gray-on-gray, white-on-light-gray and orange-on-gray text, less useless chrome where content should be.
I can't test installation etc. because I'm not entering my CC# into this pile of poo.
@Pies Thanks for the feedback. The app is designed to run on netbooks and to give consumers an convenient way to find and purchase apps for netbooks. I understand the desire to run on laptops. We are rolling up all feedback to our development and management teams.
Re the credit card requirement , our program director is posting a blog response, and I'll post the link here as soon as it goes live.
Our Director, Peter Biddle's responds to the credit card requirement and feedback we've heard, and some of the technical requirements why it is needed. re privacy concerns, the credit card portion of the application isn't beta, it's based upon the Intel Business Exchange, and credit cards are handled by PayPal
http://appdeveloper.intel.com/en-us/blog/2010/01/15/why-credit-card-requirement-anyway
Amy from Intel