Samsung launches app push with coupon giveaway

It might have already tripled in size in markets across Europe at least, according to the firm's own statistics but Samsung appears keen to raise awareness of its smartphone marketplace, Samsung Apps.

The company has announced it is embarking on something of a promotional drive for the store, today revealing that it will give away £9 coupons towards app downloads to all newly registered owners of Samsung smartphones and Samsung Apps members.

The giveaway began throughout many major European territories yesterday and today kicks off in the UK.

Appy hour

"We are having tremendous success in terms of growth with Samsung Apps, so we wanted to reward our new members with another free way to download applications," says VP of Samsung's media solutions center, Kanghyun Kwon.

"At the same time, this will help drive new membership, achieve greater awareness during the highly anticipated Wave launch in 14 select countries, and continue Samsung Apps' remarkable development."

It's no coincidence that the coupon event coincides with the global launch of the firm's new bada handset, Wave.

Samsung is using its Samsung Apps promo push to entice new users to pick up the handset, with the giant naturally keen its new OS after months of hype and a developers day event in London last week gets off to a flying start.

The device is set to be rolled out across Europe during Q2 2010, with every purchaser entitled to a coupon to put towards an app.

If the price exceeds £9, users are able to make up the difference with their credit card.