Several phone networks, including Orange, O2 and T-mobile are forming an alliance to rally against the rise of the app store model.
With Apple, RIM, Android and Nokia all offering different, incompatible services, there is some fear about the increasing segmentation of the market.
Not only that but, according to the Guardian, the networks "fear they are in danger of becoming little more than 'dumb pipes in the air'", while the individual store fronts eat up all ofthe money being generated by the apps.
The aim of the Open API initiative is to provide an inviting environment for developers, with the apps that result from the scheme being paid for directly on the customers' phones bills.
Nibbling at Apple
While it seems odd that Orange and O2 should be rebelling against their cashcow, it's worth remembering that this is how mobile games and progammes used to be provided to many phones, so it may be that the networks are sick of Apple and others eating their lunch.
It's currently unclear on what platform this new system would be launched, but it could take a similar route and extend the multi-platform store Orange has already announced.
We're all for standardisation of apps meaning that we wouldn't have to repurchase everything if we switch from one manufacturer to another, but with Apple's store alone hitting three billion downloads, it's an awfully big juggernaut to take on.
Via Guardian.co.uk
Your comments (2) Click to add a new comment
awire
February 16th 2010
2. It won't make the blidest bit of difference. Apple won't allow this on their handset so what is going to pull people away from an iPhone??? some cheap crappy apps for the (centuries old) symbian O.S???
I don't think so. The networks milk us anyway, they charge over the top prices for mobile broadband, call charges and sms.
considering voip has been around for an age now i don't see why we are being charged this much.
So no, i'd rather give my money to Apple and keep my iPhone thank you.
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ceatlan
February 15th 2010
1. I think they are on a hiding to nothing. At last the likes of Apple and Google/Android have started to turn the mobile phone providers into what they should have been in the first place, providers of the phone/data line. Hopefully we'll also start to see the end of the large and long monthly phone contracts which come with a 'FREE' phone as well, and purchase our phone the same we do any other tech item i.e. separate from the phone/data service we use it on. I want to purchase my phone/data service purely on the basis of the quality and cost of the service, not on any **** bundled rubbish that comes with it.
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