As expected, Research In Motion’s (RIM) new on-device BlackBerry mobile app store, BlackBerry App World, opened virtual today, in time for the CTIA Wireless Spring 2009 event in Las Vegas. And RIM was kind enough to share key details and screenshots of the new storefront in advance.
News of the much-anticipated App World CTIA launch was announced last week, but the move was more or less expected as RIM previously said App World would open in March.
You can download the BlackBerry App World client using the BlackBerry browser at Mobile.BlackBerry.com and BlackBerry.com/AppWorld. (Wireless carriers can also send an App World link to customer home screens for easy access.)
I haven’t had time to put App World to the test yet, but you can expect a full review in the very near future. Until then, here’s what we now know about BlackBerry App World, as well as a dozen images of what the new software store looks like and how it works.
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-The BlackBerry App World software will sell for $ 2.99 and up, although free apps are also available
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-A PayPal account is required to purchase apps on BlackBerry App World, although the free software can be downloaded without PayPal.
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-The BlackBerry App World home screen features 1) featured apps; 2) a Categories icon which allows you to browse the applications by “genre”, ie Games or Music & Video; 3) a Top Downloads link for quick access to the most popular applications; 4) a dedicated search function; and 5) a My World icon, which allows you to access your account information and view / install / uninstall your App World software.
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-App World users can scroll left and right on the home screen to view different featured apps.
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-The search bar on specific category pages helps you find exactly what you are looking for.
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-After you find an app that interests you, you can click on its name to view additional details, such as the app creator, price, ratings, and screenshots.
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-Once you locate an app, you can purchase it through PayPal with just a few clicks: one click for the Download button, another for the PayPal login screen – you also need to enter your account information – and you are ready to go.
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-You can write app reviews right from the My World screen on your device.
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-If you buy a new device, all the apps you purchased from App World can be transferred to the new device for free for up to three devices per year.
- -Any apps you buy can be removed from your device and reinstalled as many times as you want, so App World also works as a virtual storage unit for software you download or purchase through the store.
On BlackBerry App World Images >>
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On BlackBerry App World Images (page two) >>
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Copyright © 2009 IDG Communications, Inc.
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