Sun Apr 05, 2009 9:56 am
AT&T, the nation's second-largest wireless provider after Verizon, unveiled its App Beta program, opening the door for more developers to bring applications to the carrier's handsets.
The Dallas, Texas-based company said its beta program is a step towards launching an "App Store," where programmers can easily distribute applications through a mobile storefront that users can download to their phone.
The App Beta program allows developers to test their applications with AT&T customers and open the dialogue between the developer and the carrier -- leading to an easier approval process.
Top applications would be taken by AT&T and promoted on its "deck," or the first-screen feature that phone users see when they go on the mobile Web.
AT&T currently offers a storefront for its applications called Media Mall. It has 90,000 pieces of content and has generated more than $1 billion in sales since its launch in 2004.
But the store is restrictive, with many developers wanting in, but only a few getting their programs approved.
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