“With Apple and Google’s on-device application stores already peddling the wares and RIM’s BlackBerry Application Center just around the corner, Palm’s making an effort to not get left behind. This evening, Palm launched an official on-device application store for both Windows Mobile and Palm OS powered handsets.With “App Store”, “Market”, and “Application Center” all spoken for, Palm’s going with “Software Store”. With that, the store name tap is just about all dried up.Unlike the aforementioned others, Palm’s not toughing it alone. Palm has called on PocketGear, an app distributor which has rounded up around 50,000 smartphone applications since launching in June of 2008, to power the boutique. It’s a bit strange to see a handset manufacturer so openly sharing their application store’s spotlight with a third party, but it ensures that Palm’s got a full catalog on day one. At launch, over 1,500 developers have already submitted their virtual goods to the Software StoreOf course, bringing in third parties means more hands in the cookie jar. Whereas Google and Apple are both giving developers 70% of the cut and RIM has upped the bar to 80%, Palm is cutting it right down the middle: 50% of gross revenue goes to the developer, and 50% goes to the other parties involved.Might this smaller cut limit developer interest? Perhaps. But Palm has one strength here: their device lineup. Of all the on-device application stores currently up and running, Palm’s got the widest array of handsets. Apple’s got three (iPhone/iPhone 3G/iPod Touch) and, until more Android devices start rolling out, Google’s only got the G1. At launch, the Software Store is already pushing purchases to over 25 Palm devices. ” via mobilecrunch.com
Sprint Launches BlackBerry Curve 8350i Featuring Push to talk
“Sprint today launched the BlackBerry Curve 8350i smartphone which utilizes iDEN technology on the Nextel National Network. The BlackBerry Curve 8350i is the first push-to-talk BlackBerry smartphone and comes with built-in WiFi, group connect, GPS and instant connections between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru with International Direct Connect.The BlackBerry Curve 8350i smartphone is slim with a sleek black exterior, a full QWERTY keyboard, a convenient trackball with intuitive navigation and an internal antenna for a smooth, clean design. Other key features include:
- BlackBerry Device Software v4.6
- Integrated GPS for step-by-step directions, navigation and local search
- 2 megapixel digital camera with digital zoom, flash and video recording
- DataViz Documents To Go
- Speakerphone
- Expandable memory of up to 16GB through its microSD/SDHC memory card slot
- Bluetooth 2.0 support
- Removable/rechargeable 1400 mAH battery.The BlackBerry Curve 8350i smartphone is availablefor as low as $149.99 with a two-year service agreement, an $80 instant savings credit and a $100 mail-in rebate. On January 11, it will be available in Sprint retail stores nationwide.” via slashphone.com
Visa Launches Android Mobile Application
“Starting this morning, the Visa Mobile Application became available on the Android Market. We’re pretty excited because it’s the first financial application for Android from a “heavy hitter” and it offers some great features of which at the moment, only select Chase Visa card holders can take advantage.
- Alerts – track your card transactions WHEN they happen. Keep tabs on your own expenses and if someone ELSE is using your credit card, you’ll instantly know.
- Offers – get coupons on your phone, display them at the retail counter and get discounts. You can also redeem some coupons online.
- Locator – find stores closeby where you can redeem offers.” Read more here: