Another Android app store? Is that something we really need? Verizon sure seems to think so with the announcement of a new V CAST app store which will feature Android apps that actually have to meet approval before being published. Interesting right? We have yet to hear a possible launch date for this new venture of Big Red’s, but we do know they are actively seeking developers to join their party. Oh, they also have a major developers conference coming on the 21st which should be their best opportunity to try to win over interested parties.
If you were wondering, this isn’t the “Verizon” tab you currently have in your Android Market. This would be a full blown and separate market strictly set up for Verizon and will at launch, only be available to phones running Android 2.2. So yeah, that’s the Droid family of phones and no one else for the foreseeable future.
So what would be the appeal for developers to jump ship and join a carrier market? Some of the offerings:
It’s Free – No Testing Fees
It’s Fast – Our Goal is to place your application in the App Store within 14 days of Submission
Abbreviated Click-Thru Agreement
Carrier Billing – Your applications are billed directly to the Customer’s Bill; No credit cards, PayPal, etc.
70/30 Revenue Share – 70% Developer / 30% Verizon
Hands-on, Experienced Content Programming Team
Subscription Billing – Coming Soon!
It’s pretty obvious that the number one option on that list should be highlighted as “Carrier Billing.” Doesn’t get any easier than that for someone to purchase an app from you does it? It’s like the “Bill Me Later” button. Oh and the 70% revenue is about as big as you’ll find anywhere. An Android app store run more closely to Apple’s standards could filter out the garbage and also help highlight developers apps which so far the Android Market fails pretty miserably at. Overall the idea isn’t a complete waste of time, but I keep going back to “Do we really need another market?”
Thoughts anyone? Getting good or bad vibes about this?
Via: Android and Me, Verizon