Vodafone has joined the mobile applications race with its own store that lets developers deliver apps to any of its customers regardless of the device they're using.
Developers will be able to sell to any of Vodafone's 289 million customers around the world from a "single point of contact", charging directly through the mobile operator's billing system. They'll keep 70 per cent of the bill and pass the rest to Vodafone.
The applications will hit the UK and Europe by the end of the year, Vodafone told Reuters.
Mobile app stores are growing in popularity and have been popping up ever since Apple's App Store, which features applications for the iPhone.
Last month, Apple announced that a billion applications had been downloaded. Analysts have said the market could top $25 billion in the next five years, and right now Apple holds about 56 per cent of the market.
Unsurprisingly then, Nokia, Microsoft and [a href="https://www.itpro.com/610389/rim-takes-on-apple-with-blackberry-app-world"]BlackBerry parent RIMhave launched their own versions, as has Google for its Android system.
Aside from the store, Vodafone has also released an application programming interface (API) to link up applications to its network, letting developers use technologies like location awareness in their creations.
"Vodafone is making these changes to make it easier for third parties to develop attractive new services as well as bill and support our customers through our network capabilities in all markets," said Vittorio Colao, chief executive of Vodafone, in a statement.
"By giving them simple access to our global customer base and network assets, such as direct billing and location awareness, we will help them to make more money while providing our customers with the innovative services that they want," he added.
-
The Race Is On for Higher Ed to Adapt: Equity in Hyflex Learning -
Google faces 'first of its kind' class action for search ads overcharging in UKNews Google faces a "first of its kind" £5 billion lawsuit in the UK over accusations it has a monopoly in digital advertising that allows it to overcharge customers.
-
Vodafone and Altice launch €7 billion joint venture in GermanyNews The British telco currently offers connections to over 24 million homes in Germany, its biggest market
-
Vodafone to remove Huawei equipment from its core networksNews The decision comes after PM capped Huawei’s involvement in building the UK’s 5G telecoms network
-
The best 4G networkIn-depth Every mobile provider offers 4G contracts, but which one is the best for you?
-
Three asks Ofcom to limit BT's mobile dominanceNews Three and other mobile operators ask Ofcom again to limit BT's spectrum ownership
-
76% companies think IoT is crucial for successNews Almost half of companies want to develop their own IoT-based products over the next two years
-
Three tries to stop Vodafone and BT buying too much spectrumNews The mobile provider has asked Ofcom to step in
-
Internet of Things tags will monitor Orkney seals populationNews Vodafone IoT tags will help St Andrews examine declining population
-
Qualcomm sells 4G spectrum to Three and VodafoneNews The two companies wil use L-Band to boost their 4G coverage around the UK
