Analyst Juniper Research has predicted that by 2014, nearly 20 billion mobile apps will be downloaded a year.
The company's Mobile Applications research report claims that the key to growth will be the rollout of app stores for mass market handsets, rather than just smartphones. It also pinpoints better store interfaces and an increasing range of apps as factors.
Of course, the fact that everyone and their aunt is launching an app store won't hurt, either. LG became the latest handset maker to launch one this week, while Microsoft is preparing to launch its Windows Marketplace for Mobile store later this year. Operators, too, want in on the app store game.
Juniper isn't letting the bandwagon get away, either. It's announced its first Future Mobile Awards for mobile applications, giving a gold prize to acrossair for its augmented reality Nearest Tube app, and a silver award to Tapulous for its iPhone Tap Tap Revenge games.
Juniper has also published a white paper on mobile applications, although you'll have to stump up to buy the full Mobile Applications & Apps Stores: Business models, Opportunities & Forecasts 2009-2014 report.
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