Nokia revamps Ovi Store to enable new app pricing options

Nokia (NYSE:NOK) will make over its Ovi Store content marketplace to incorporate a new look and feel promising a more integrated user experience--in addition, the handset maker touted a series of developer enhancements including new pricing options. According to Nokia, the upgraded Ovi Store will simplify and accelerate application search and discovery--the store will also introduce in-app purchases, enabling developers to deliver expanded pricing options like subscription models, micro-transactions and 'try and buy' offers giving consumers the flexibility to download a free, lite version of an application for subsequent upgrade to a more feature-rich premium edition. Nokia adds it will improve operator revenue share on Ovi Store purchases made after Oct. 1, but did not offer specifics.

According to Nokia, Ovi Store developers now reach roughly 175 million Symbian-based smartphones worldwide. The store's footprint spans across 190 countries and boasts relationships with 91 mobile operators. Nokia notes that more than 50 Ovi Store publishers have reached the 1 million download benchmark, with some topping more than 40 million downloads to date.

For more on Nokia's Ovi Store upgrade:
- read this release

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