Orange has launched new App Shop, which will give customers direct access and improved search and browsing to over 5,000 applications, games, ringtones and wallpapers. The company it will continue to work with developers and content providers to expand its App Shop catalogue throughout 2010.
The multi-platform ‘one-stop-shop’, includes services such as TV, games and maps alongside an catalogue of premium mobile applications from content providers and third-party application developers. Anything in the shop can be downloaded and purchased on one mobile bill, without the need of pre-register and usage of personal credit cards.
The service is already available, initially providing the Orange App Shop to customers in France and the UK. The company said Orange devices including the Nokia 6700, Sony Ericsson W995 and the Sony Ericsson Yari U100i (France only) will be preloaded with the App Shop and sold in the UK and France from January. Later, Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola and RIM handsets will also be included.
The company will continue to roll-out the App Shop service across its footprint, extending it to Spain, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Slovakia, Belgium, Austria, Moldova and Portugal and provide localised content in the catalogue that meets market needs.
The company added that it has been working closely with major device manufacturers to enable a simple user experience across multiple platforms including Java, Android, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows Mobile, and is offering an increased range of tools and initiatives through its Orange Partner programme, to help developers reach customers faster.
Orange is also launching a social networking platform called ‘Give&Get’ on its TV website, which aims to facilitate online discussion among application developers, who can publish their skills profile and consult the profiles of others.
Yves Tyrode, EVP of Orange Technocentre, said: “We are giving customers a tailor-made shop window on the mobile that makes it easier to discover, download, use and manage content. Orange Partner and our unique global network of developer centres enable us to deliver unparalleled testing, development and marketing assistance.”
