BlackBerry app store echoes Apple with online version

BlackBerry maker RIM, following Apple's iTunes App Store model, has created an online "web store" for its applications.

Launched on Tuesday, the online version of RIM's BlackBerry App World mirrors the software catalogue found in the mobile app, plus a few extras.

There's a spotlight on featured items, a search bar, and the ability to browse by category. You see pricing information and minimum requirements, star ratings, and can access user comments. A large carousel shows screenshots of the app, and there's a list of hyperlinked icons that you can use to virally share information about the app with email contacts or with your social networks.

Most notable of all (and also reminiscent of the iPhone's App Store), you're able to kick-start the application download process from RIM's online App World. At least in theory. The reality is, unfortunately, a tad less sensible.

BlackBerry App World (photo credit: Jessica Dolcourt/CNET)

First, it's not as easy as hooking up your device to the computer - there's no payment process from the website, and no direct file transfer to the phone. Here, you'll email yourself a link. Follow it from the BlackBerry, and it opens up the BlackBerry browser, where you'll click yet another link to download the record in the BlackBerry App World app. It's a clumsy process, and you'll only be able to take advantage of it if the BlackBerry browser is the set default.

While this online storefront doesn't materially change things, the option to search online adds a layer of richness to the offering and to the experience. For those with high-speed internet and low-speed data connections for the phone, finding and comparing apps online will speed up the process.

Although polished and easy to use, there's room to grow. It would be better if RIM's online storefront integrated your payment account and downloaded files to the phone - just like iTunes for the iPhone. The download process should also be streamlined. In addition to screenshots, BlackBerry's online app store could support publisher's videos, which would take users on a more accurate and in-depth tour of the app. Regardless, the web catalogue is a welcome addition to BlackBerry's universe.

The BlackBerry App World application runs on BlackBerry phones with version 4.2.1 of the operating system, or higher.

Original article: BlackBerry's App World comes of age online from CNET News.com