T-Mobile USA Will Ditch The Traditional Deck To Mirror Apple’s App Store

[SteveW]

Updated: T-Mobile USA Will Ditch The Traditional Deck To Mirror Apple’s App Store

By Tricia Duryee - Fri 08 Aug 2008 11:38 AM PST
mocoNews.net

Starting this fall, T-Mobile USA will take the extraordinary step of ditching its traditional deck on the phone and replacing it with a platform that’s open to almost any developer, multiple sources have told us. Think of *Apple’s* App store, but for the entire carrier’s handset line-up from smartphone to feature phone. As one developer, who was briefed on the matter, said: “The App store was a big deal, but that’s one phone. This is an entire carrier.” In other words, we are talking about T-Mobile’s 31.5 million subscribers today vs. the 10 million iPhones Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) expects to sell by year-end (granted, the iPhone users tend to be more engaged as early adopters). The impact of this move by T-Mobile could set off a wave of changes in the industry, as other carriers feel pressure to offer new applications on their networks. Clearly, for this to happen, T-Mobile will have to follow through on its promises to encourage developers to participate. We are waiting for a statement from T-Mobile and will update when we have it.

Here’s the details: Developers will submit their applications online; the revenue-share agreement will be based on how much the application uses the network; and the applications will be presented to the user in order of popularity, not according to T-Mobile’s preferences. It’s all pretty straightforward, but the more interesting aspect is that this will apply to all the carrier’s platforms from upcoming Android to Java to Sidekick and Windows Mobile. And, when it comes to revenues, it will be almost as easy as Apple’s 30-70 split. T-Mobile will take a percentage of revenues based on bandwidth, so if it’s a streaming video application, it will take more. Still, one developer called the baseline “very generous.” Right now, there’s not many details on the certification process, which will be the most important aspect. If developers have to jump through a lot of hoops, the system won’t be truly open. It’s also unclear how free apps will be handled (for instance, Apple doesn’t take a cut in that circumstance).

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SW

[Eric47]

ill believe it after they fulfill other promises that they have made.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

well this is quite a step i have to stay considering that it covers all the platforms but you're right Eric.....this is quite a data-centric move and they're doing it without having 3G at a commercial state yet

[SteveW]

Originally Posted by SteveW

T-Mobile USA will take the extraordinary step of ditching its traditional deck on the phone and replacing it with a platform that’s open to almost any developer,

This description seems a little odd to me, since, if I understand it correctly, they are not really talking about replacing the phone OS (that's what I would call the "platform"), but allowing users to add and remove applications made for that platform.

Originally Posted by SteveW

Think of *Apple’s* App store, but for the entire carrier’s handset line-up from smartphone to feature phone. ... Developers will submit their applications online...and the applications will be presented to the user in order of popularity, not according to T-Mobile’s preferences.... this will apply to all the carrier’s platforms from upcoming Android to Java to Sidekick and Windows Mobile.

So there will be an App Store will 4 or more floors. Stop at the one that matches your phone. ("3rd floor - Java, elevator going up!").

Nevertheless, I think it would be a big deal if they loosen the lock on applications and really encourage a software market for T-Mobile phones. It could be very appealing to users and give T-Mobile an edge - at least among phone geeks (you know who you are).

Also, didn't Verizon promise they were going to open their platform a while ago? I haven't heard much about that lately.

SW

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

ugh.....funniest part is that Apple comes out with it first and perfects it and everyone tries to do them better........and very rarely do they do.....

[Matt]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

ugh.....funniest part is that Apple comes out with it first and perfects it and everyone tries to do them better........and very rarely do they do.....

It depends on how you define it. For instance, Blackberries have been open to some development for years - some free, others not. The setup isn't the same, but the end result is (although I don't know how or if RIM gets paid). Apple gets credit for figuring out how to get paid

I came across that T-Mobile developer website some time ago - maybe two years - but forgot about it because I couldn't recall how I got there, or what TM would ever do with it. It was probably before the original iPhone was released.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

it annoys me.......because a mac fanboy will tell you that the iphone is the way to go bar none.....and apple products are good in general inside and out but apple is more of a pop culture thing than it is about technology......its about simplification and usability.......apple showcases their products in white....virginal....clean and simple........just like the operating system......they just take a lot of credit because they make money off of it like you said.....and they make money off it because apple is an accepted brand not because they're the best....

[Matt]

Apple has done great thinks - I don't know if RIM gets paid at all for the little apps that are created for BBs (such as those at CrackBerry.com ? The #1 Site for BlackBerry Users & Abusers ). Apple has created a centralized place for these custom apps, and I think Apple even does some sort of checking before they post them. Like most things Apple has done recently in the consumer space - they weren't the first to market, but they used their marketing and technoligical skills to present a simplified product (from a design point of view) that works well.