Nokia outlines how the Ovi Store will compete
Since Nokia is collecting up all the apps already available for its extensive range of handsets and placing under the banner of its new online digital distribution system, known as the Ovi Store (named from the Finnish word for door), therell apparently be an impressive 20,000 applications available at launch.
Apple could only boast 500 third party apps at launch, while RIM and Google are still building up their numbers after opening with even less. But its something of a false economy, since the wide range of handsets available from Nokia have wildly varying specifications, so only a portion of the available applications will actually work on each device.
The Ovi Store will launch shortly as a pre-installed application on Nokias new flagship, the N97, and will then be rolled out as an upgrade and download to other compatible handsets. The service will include more than just software, with short videos, games, media files and mobisodes.
Even divided up between a large number of handsets, the Ovi Store will still boast an impressive launch catalogue, while both Windows Mobile and Palm will also be in a position to offer.
While Microsoft will face the same fragmentation problems - due to the large number of Windows Mobile handsets available - Palm is the real contender here.
While the number of applications for its new WebOS might be limited at launch, the Pre will come with a fully functional PalmOS emulator, essentially offering immediate access to a catalogue of around 60,000 compatible applications.