BlackBerry App World 2.0 leaves beta, includes cheaper apps and new payment options
The latest version of BlackBerry App World is now available to all, and it includes a number of welcome additions. First off, RIM has dropped the $2.99 minimum from paid apps, so now BlackBerry developers can release $0.99 and $1.99 apps just like everybody else. It's also easier to buy those apps now, with credit card and carrier billing becoming available, and the new BlackBerry ID function lets you both perform those credit card payments and to easily move all your apps over to a new BlackBerry device when the time comes. RIM has also enacted a few new app discovery mechanisms for hunting down those "Super Apps" (BlackBerry users know what we're talking about), but it's not all gravy: the developer revenue split is down to 70 / 30 from RIM's original exception-to-the-rule 80 / 20. PR is after the break.
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BlackBerry App World Update
Hello,
Just wanted to let you know that the latest version of BlackBerry App World™ is out of beta and available for everyone to enjoy. And as of today, BlackBerry App World will allow developers to offer applications for US$0.99 and US$1.99.
BlackBerry App World users will receive upgrade notifications over the next few hours.
When we launched the beta just a few weeks ago, we were able to offer new views, and carrier and credit card billing support. We also integrated BlackBerry ID as a new way of tying BlackBerry customers with their use for easy device switching and management.
Credit Card Payment Option
With the new BlackBerry App World, customers are able to purchase applications using major credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard. Carrier billing may also be supported by certain carriers.
Easier Application Discovery
BlackBerry App World adds new tabbed sections for various applications lists. Users can horizontally swipe or scroll to quickly view the Top 25 Free Apps, Top 25 Paid Apps and Top 25 Themes, as well as the Newest Apps and Recently Updated Apps.
QR barcode scanning is also supported, allowing users to scan a QR code associated with an application from anywhere – the web, print ads, brochures, etc. BlackBerry App World will quickly find the related application, and automatically open and download its page.
BlackBerry ID
BlackBerry ID provides customers with a device-independent user identification (ID) for BlackBerry App World. It enables credit card payments and allows customers to seamlessly transfer their personal library of free and purchased apps when they switch to a new BlackBerry smartphone.
Stay tuned as BlackBerry App World continues to grow and incorporate new features requested in our beta program.
