Intel launches netbook app store

Intel has launched the beta version of an app store designed for netbook users.

The new offering, called the Intel AppUp Centre, was announced by the company's chief executive Paul Otellini during his keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week.

The AppUp Centre will offer software applications for the increasingly popular netbook devices via a website and its first apps including Boxee, Newsy and Yoono Desktop are now available to download for free.

Renee James, corporate vice president and general manager of the Intel software and services group, said in a statement: "The Intel AppUp centre offers netbook users quick and easy access to applications specifically tailored to their mobile lifestyle."

"With today's kickoff of our beta store, both developers and consumers will be able to take advantage of the rapid expansion of this new category of computing as the stores continually add apps."

Acer, Asus, Dell and Samsung have confirmed they will be collaborating with Intel on the project for the apps which are compatible with both Windows and the open source OS Moblin.

Jennifer Scott is a former freelance journalist and currently political reporter for Sky News. She has a varied writing history, having started her career at Dennis Publishing, working in various roles across its business technology titles, including ITPro. Jennifer has specialised in a number of areas over the years and has produced a wealth of content for ITPro, focusing largely on data storage, networking, cloud computing, and telecommunications.

Most recently Jennifer has turned her skills to the political sphere and broadcast journalism, where she has worked for the BBC as a political reporter, before moving to Sky News.