Palm plans own app store

Software developers will soon be able to charge for applications downloaded for the Palm Pre smartphone, when the company launches its e-commerce beta program next month.

Developers are being invited to submit their applications for consideration by Palm for its App Catalog, which will be launched in mid-September.

The developers selected to take part will then be able to choose whether they wish to charge or offer their apps for free, and will receive 70 per cent of gross revenues from sales.

"We’re rolling out the submission process and e-commerce capabilities of the Palm App Catalog with careful consideration for both the developer and customer," said Katie Mitic, Palm’s senior vice president of product marketing. "We want every part of the Palm webOS experience to be the best, and a strong e-commerce model is key to a thriving developer community, great apps and an excellent customer experience."

Customers will be able to buy applications for the Palm Pre and any future Palm webOS devices using Visa or MasterCard credit cards.