Nokia launching Symbian app store next week?

Nokia is reportedly poised to introduce an over-the-air Symbian mobile application storefront next week during the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona. Russian blog Mobile-review reports that the Nokia store is already up and running, albeit in closed mode: "At first glance, for now, the app portal looks so-so... But they are trying, polishing it and a lot has changed for the better in a matter of days. A step in a right direction... And the distribution and revenue sharing model between app makers and Nokia looks very attractive." Mobile-review does not specify precisely how the revenue sharing model breaks down, however--nor is it known how the new app store will co-exist alongside Nokia portals like Download!, N-Gage, Software Market and Mosh.

Assuming the report pans out, Nokia will be one of three major mobile firms unveiling application stores next week. Microsoft is expected to formally introduce its long-awaited SkyMarket as well--Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is among the scheduled keynoters at the Mobile World Congress event, and the software giant is reportedly poised to announce [1] a series of new mobile initiatives. SkyMarket first came to light [2] in September 2008, and will enable consumers to find, purchase and download applications and content optimized for Windows Mobile devices.

Both Nokia's app store and SkyMarket will face competition from Samsung's rival mobile applications storefront, which will offer downloads for both Symbian and Windows Mobile. Samsung has already confirmed [3] it will introduce the virtual storefront at MWC '09--an extension of the Samsung Mobile Innovator developer program first announced [4] last year, the portal will offer consumers over-the-air application browsing, purchasing, downloading and installation. According to Samsung, the store--initially limited to the U.K. market--will offer about 1,100 free and premium applications at launch. The handset maker has yet to disclose how it will handle billing, or what percentage of revenues it will award to developers.

For more on the Nokia app store:
- read this Unwired View article [5]