Telecommunications group Vodafone is attempting to follow Apple’s lead by announcing plans for a web development kit, allowing users to make applications for its handsets.
The company said on Tuesday that users can now pay for apps through existing Vodafone accounts. Unlike other stores, Vodafone apps can be used on each of its handsets, regardless of what operating system is being used.
Developers will create the applications with a dedicated web development kit, while Vodafone will split revenue with developers 70/30 in the developer’s favour – exactly the same ratio as Apple.
Vodafone is the latest of a string of companies to enter the application market, with Nokia, Research in Motion and Palm all creating and distributing web development kits.
Vodafone’s software for developers will be launched over the Australian winter, and its app store to be opened during the end of the year.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
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