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Blackberry App World preparing for launch

Yes, that IS a new name for RIM's app store

March 5, 2009

Research In Motion has revealed the final name for its soon-to-launch app store for BlackBerry handsets.

The company has ditched the working title of BlackBerry Application Storefront in favour of the snappier BlackBerry App World. It's certainly more consumer-friendly.

The official website has launched, allowing BlackBerry owners to sign up for an alert when the store goes live later this month.

As predicted, it will use PayPal as its payment model - and people will have to sign up for a PayPal account before they're allowed to download the App World client.

Games will clearly be a big part of the store: witness the blurb:

"Coming soon! Find tons of great applications designed for your BlackBerry smartphone in one convenient place - BlackBerry App World. Personalize your BlackBerry smartphone with games, social networks, personal productivity applications and so much more. Message your best friend, track the stock market, or channel your inner rock god."

However, VentureBeat is separately reporting that the App World's promised revenue share of 80-20 in developers' favour may not be as simple as it looks.

The blog cites developer sources who claim negotiations over advertising revenues and in-app transactions are thornier by far.

The games developers PocketGamer.biz has been talking to are excited about the potential for BlackBerry gaming though, once the App World launches. Rest assured we'll have full coverage as it does.