EXCLUSIVE: Big changes coming to the webOS Application Catalog
If you have already been “soaking in the awesome” from our webOSRadio interview with Richard Kerris then what I am about to say won’t come as a surprise to you. For those of you who haven’t quite gotten around to listening, Mr. Kerris made some new announcements concerning some much anticipated changes to the webOS Application Catalog.
Essentially, in app purchases and developer promo codes are both features that will be coming to the catalog this summer (if not sooner). That is really exciting news for developers as they can potentially offer in app upgrades, expansion packs, new levels and many other goods and services from directly within their apps. The details of what will be allowed and how it must be delivered are yet to be released but you can be certain the new capability will be put to good use in some really great applications. The developer promo codes will allow developers to either discount or give away a certain number of copies of their application. The promo code functionality will help developers create buzz and develop interest in their application as they try build a solid customer base.
The question was asked concerning the existing geo-restrictions and the official response is “working on that, official announcement in the coming months”. We realize this isn’t the answer most of us hoped for but it does let us know HP hasn’t forgotten about it.
We don’t know precise dates or details for any of the announcements except that we can expect them this summer or earlier. Considering that time frame coincides with the announced launch of the TouchPad and Pre 3, we can reasonably assume these changes will come with a yet to be seen version of webOS 2.x or 3.x. So in true official webOS speak, we will all need to “stay tuned” and see what happens.
Update: Just wanted to clear something up. Several people have brought up the fact that the promo codes have been announced before. That is correct. HP has talked about them previously. Here is what is new.
- Promo codes time table. The promo and discount codes are coming this summer or sooner. If you are a dev those are words you have been waiting to hear for a while now.
- In app purchase are coming…this summer
- HP is actively working on a way to remove geo-restrictions, but it may not arrive for several months.
SOURCE: webOSRadio #44 with Richard Kerris
