Palm today is rumored to be introducing paid apps into the Palm App Catalog. It’s still not clear if this will mark the removal of the beta tag that had adorned the store since it was launched back in June. Since it’s inception, the App Catalog has seen a slow, but steady stream of free applications. The process of downloading apps is seamless and borrows from the highly successful App Store model developed by Apple. The frustration for many users has been the lack of applications and we’re hoping that the introduction of paid applications paves the way for an increase in the quantity and quality of apps.
Much of this frustration has been offset by the availability of homebrew apps, which numbers well over 200 applications. This week, a developer voiced his frustration with the process of getting free apps accepted into the official catalog. In Palm’s defense, the task off getting a fully functional App Store running is not easy and will only improve in time. The company has hired Ben Galbraith and Dion Almaer to help run their developer program. The two founded Ajaxian.com and led a team creating developer tools for Mozilla. Making it easier for developers to get both paid and free apps in the App Catalog should thankfully be part of their mandate. Galbraith was quick to respond to concerns voiced by Jaime Zawinski, a move that shows Palm is committed to getting this right. Making it easier for developers to submit free applications results in more free applications for end users through the traditional outlet.
Offering developers the opportunity to sell their applications will certainly expand the App Catalog. We’re guessing that some application developers were likely sitting on the sideline until this feature was introduced. Even existing applications will get a boost in functionality at a price. Pivotal Labs’ Tweed will be available as a paid app. It will share similarities to the free app, but with a host of new features.
The App Catalog’s process has been slow, but methodical. Today marks a big step in the right direction. What are your expectations? What’s on your checklist of apps you’d like to see today? What price are you willing to pay for that app? Sound off in the comments or in our Palm Pre forums.
Will somebody please make an app for visual voicemail. Ignore with text would be nice as well. These 2 things should have been in cluded at launch.
I think it would be interesting to see how some of the popular messengers would be made into apps and, I’ll admit, that’s one of the thing I look forward to seeing.
I wonder how much paid apps will be going for?
Before all this becomes a reality, they need to fix the memory issue of adding apps
@Ernier +1
^ @Ernier, YES! I just got my first “run-in” trying to appa new one yesterday. That blowwwssssss! smh.
The only thing I want from the app catalog is the ability to install applications. Still errors out every single time for me. Meanwhile third party installers work without hassle.
@smithtronic: Visual voicemail is for cavemen. Who uses voicemail anymore?
Also, how would you propose writing an app to do such a thing?
what’s the point of the “beta tag” really? it’s the same with or without it. they can ad features whether it’s there or not. no idea why they put it there. What especially when the music player as rubbish as it is doesn’t say beta.
Well that was anticlimactic.
I don’t know about you guys but app store on my pre did not show any paid apps today
what are you talking about theres 53 new paid apps….
Nah just kidding sorry