Verizon Adds Free Apps To Qualcomm’s Brew Platform; Strikes Out On Its Own For App Store
I was right about Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ) making an announcement with Qualcomm (NSDQ: QCOM) today, but my guess as to what it was about was a little off the mark.
Verizon Wireless is renewing and expanding its relationship with Qualcomm to include the distribution of free applications on its feature phones that use Qualcomm’s Brew platform. But unfortunately for Qualcomm, Verizon Wireless is building its upcoming V CAST Apps store on its own, which means it won’t be using Qualcomm’s new Plaza Retail services that has yet to sign up a flagship carrier. Release.
After the jump, more details on the new features for Qualcomm’s Brew and what it means that Verizon is building the app store on its own…
Today, at Verizon’s developer applications conference in San Jose, Calif., the company said it is tweaking its agreement with Qualcomm to allow for new features on Brew phones, like a recommendation engine that will help users find favorite apps. It is also adjusting the financial arrangement with developers to allow developers to distribute free apps through the storefront without being charged a bundled to do so.
By adding free applications, conceivably users will be encouraged to browse the store more often, increasing overall downloads to the platform. Ryan Hughes, Verizon
I hope VZW eventually learn to move away from QIS/Qualcomm/Walled Garden.
The word 'Qualcomm' scares the developers away from BREW and VZW – not matter how many BREW Developers conferences occur.
There is not a whole lot discussed about Java Apps on VZW Device – Did I miss 80% of the mobile app market (outside iPhone apps).
So let me understand, VZW apps have 0% of iPhones (which is about 62% of SmartPhone Apps), and VZW apps have again zero % of Java Apps, which is close to 80% of non-smartphone app market.
Yeah, I see VZW desperately needs developers to work on apps for VZW (not for BREW). And market wise its only a year or so passed plus handful app stores out there before VCAST 'may' show up eventually with all sorts of walls around it in the name of 'Reliability', 'Security' and 'Quality'. Oh did I mention that VZW likes to 'protect their subscribers' – gimme a break – PLEASE!
I hope Mr. Hughes and Mr. McAdam gets the point directly from a mobile apps developer instead of very expensive consultants revolving around them.