Each mobile platform has its own dedicated application storefront, and in some cases there are multiple stores available on a single OS. According to a new report, another store may soon pop up to compete for your downloads.
A report from The Information claims that Verizon is working to launch a “global” mobile app store. The goal of the store would be to let developers take advantage of wireless network features, the report claims, and it’s expected that Verizon would partner with other carriers as well as hardware manufacturers on the market.
It’s also said that Verizon’s app store would work to find new ways for consumers to discover apps. The store would do this by utilizing location data, social recommendations and more. The store would be available on Android.
As for why Verizon is building this store, the move is reportedly in response to Google cutting back the Play Store app revenue that it shares with carriers and OEMs.
Carrier efforts to offer apps directly to consumers are nothing new. Several operators have had their own app storefronts in the past, including Verizon, but none have managed to get traction with consumers. It’s tough to see how this new offering from Verizon would be any different, especially with the vast app library that the Play Store already offers.
There’s no word yet on when Verizon’s app store might launch, and its said that the talks surrounding the storefront are still in early days.
What do you make of this news? Is a network-centric app store a good idea or should Verizon not bother competing with Google’s Play Store?
UPDATE: Verizon spokeswoman Debra Lewis has responded to this app store rumor, telling Re/code that the big red carrier has “no plans to do that.” Lewis went on to explain that Verizon’s “Been there. Done That.”
UPDATE 2: Amir Efrati, author of the original report claiming that Verizon is planning its own app store, says that he stands by his report “100 percent.”
Via The Verge, The Information, Re/code, @amir
