Palm app store to arrive next month

Palm's app store will open in mid-September, and include some paid-for applications.

Palm said app developers can now start submitting their creations for approval to be included in the Palm App Catalogue. The handset maker said the programme would launch this autumn in the US, while a blog post said the e-commerce platform would initially only be available in the US.

Those who choose to charge for their apps will receive 70 per cent of the revenue, with the rest going to Palm.

"We're rolling out the submission process and e-commerce capabilities of the Palm App Catalogue with careful consideration for both the developer and customer," said Katie Mitic, senior vice president for product marketing, in a statement.

"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 added.

Apple has been hit by controversy over the types of apps it chooses to include or to ignore. Possibly looking to avoid this, Palm set out the criteria for apps in its store, saying they should be "useful and engaging" to users, have an appealing design, and work directly through the webOS mobile platform - and not through a browser. Palm also requires apps to make use of webOS tech like location services, and to work quickly without using up too much battery power.

Palm has said apps would be key to the success of its new handset, the Palm Pre.