Apple, Google mulling mobile app sharing?

Both Apple and Google are reportedly considering the introduction of new tools that would enable smartphone users to share mobile software with fellow consumers. Apple's iPhone 3.0 operating system update, coming this summer, will include peer-to-peer connectivity features enabling mobile game developers to add multi-player capabilities. In addition, the new Game Kit framework allows any application, not only games, to communicate between devices via Bluetooth. Now BusinessWeek reports Apple is mulling a possible expansion of the P2P functionality to allow users to send and receive App Store downloads from one iPhone to another--Richard Doherty, director at consultant Envisioneering Group, adds that users could even earn a commission when their recommendation spurs another consumer to make an application purchase. An Apple spokesperson declined comment, saying only "We've made no announcements at this time."

In a separate development, a Google-led group of software firms is also pondering user-to-user gifting and recommendations via the Android Market storefront, according to a source familiar with the discussions. Proponents contend that peer-to-peer app sharing offers a viable solution to content search and discovery challenges, especially as the number of applications available via the App Store and Android Market continues to multiply. BusinessWeek adds that user-to-user recommendations have also been proven to drive up sales for at least one wireless device, Microsoft's Zune digital music player.

For more on the app sharing rumors:
- read this BusinessWeek article