Best Buy launches curated app directory

In an interesting twist, retailer Best Buy has decided to get into the app discovery business with the launch of the Best Buy App Discovery Center, a mobile app directory that will be powered by Appolicious. The goal behind the discovery center is to help consumers locate and find recommended apps for Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS and Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android.

The platform will let users search for apps organized into 1,200 categories including "preschool early reading" and "travel destinations." All searches use Appolicious' algorithmic app search based upon social, user-generated and editorial signals.

Best Buy will also curate the apps by listing the most popular apps in Android Market and the Apple App Store and also those recommended by Best Buy employees.

This isn't the first time Best Buy has stepped into the mobile content arena. Back in 2009, the company introduced mIQ, a Web site that let consumers manage their content online. At the time it was launched, the service (which was free) worked on more than 200 phones, including BlackBerry, Symbian Series 60 and Windows Mobile.  

Best Buy hinted that mIQ could one day morph into something more, and it appears that perhaps this app directory is part of that effort. Best Buy's goal is to use these tools to build its relationship with consumers and increase its leadership in the retail space.  

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