Palm opens Pre apps store to developers

Palm has invited developers to start submitting applications for its Palm App Catalog programme that will allow Pre smartphone users to purchase applications direct from the catalogue application on their handset.

The company said that the Palm App Catalog e-commerce beta programme will begin in mid-September, and that developers hoping to charge for downloads of their Palm WebOS applications can submit them for consideration from today.

Palm revealed that revenue from application sales will be split between the developer and Palm, with 70 per cent going to the developer. Customers will be able to purchase applications using MasterCard and Visa credit cards.

Palm expects to launch the full developer programme in the US sometime in the autumn. The Pre smartphone itself is not currently available in the UK, but is set to go on sale at approximately the same time.

Katie Mitic, marketing vice president at Palm, said in a statement that the e-commerce capabilities of the Palm App Catalog were being carefully implemented for both developers and end users.

"We want every part of the Palm webOS experience to be the best, and a strong e-commerce model is key to a thriving developer community, great apps and an excellent customer experience," she said.

Further details about the programme and the distribution model will be provided in the coming weeks, according to Palm. Developers can find out how to submit applications at the Palm Developer Network blog.