Since Apple knocked one out of the park with their Apple App Store, it seems like daily more and more people are jumping in on the app store bandwagon and trying to get a slice of the app store pie. One of the big 3 players in the digital world (Apple, Android, and Blackberry) of application stores is RIM. Many people are looking forward to RIM’s foray into the more consumer oriented arena. Today, more details of RIM’s Application Storefront have been published. Good/Bad? You’ll just have to keep reading…
Pricing Tiers
- At launch, 4 currencies will be supported at launch: CDN, USD, GBP and EUROS. Pricing will be consistent throughout currencies meaning RIM will automatically convert prices depending on the currency being used.
Support
- Application developers are responsible for their own app support. A little initiative to build it right the first time or else they’ll spend every waking moment fixing bugs.
Developer Fee’s
- Uh-oh. For every 10 apps a developer submits they must pay RIM $200…even if they’re free! Doesn’t exactly seem very kosher. The developer is giving away a service and has to pay? Will it deter free apps?
- Multiple versions of the same app will not count against your 10 app limit
- Upgraded apps that require submitting new COD files WILL count against your 10 app limit
- Resubmission of a rejected app will count towards 10 app count
- Removing an app will not allow you to “raise” your app count up one
- Upon reaching your 10 app limit, upon submitting the 11th app, another $200 will be charged to your account
Web Apps
- Web apps are supported in the application center. Launcher must be submitted.
Payment Methods
- Payments will be handled with PayPal and PayPal only
You’ll notice I didn’t mention themes at all. That’s because at launch they will not be supported!! What? Themes are by far the biggest “add-on” for Blackberry Users. Sure apps can be priced higher but you will definitely sell a ton more themes. Themes are one of the greatest things about the Blackberry. Hopefully RIM moves double time and gets theme support in there FAST!
For the full list of FAQ’s concerning the Application Storefront point your browser to the storefront’s FAQ section. And for developers interested in the developer program check out the Blackberry Developer Newsletter.
Source: Crackberry
