Acer could launch an app store to complement its forthcoming new smartphone range.
At a London press event yesterday, Acer's senior corporate VP and smart handheld president Aymar de Lencquesaing told ME that Acer is examining the viability of an app store, which would be accessible from its new devices.Although no firm decision has been made on whether to launch or not, the Taiwanese firm is clearly aware of the decision by Nokia, Samsung and others to build their own stores in the wake of Apple's efforts.
Of course, given that all of Acer's announced phones are based on Windows Mobile OS, users would be able to find apps on Windows Marketplace for Mobile. Could be confusing.
At yesterday's event, Acer reiterated its commitment to the smartphone market with four new handsets, and a pledge to launch a 'double-digit' device range in 2009.
Although all announced phones will be based on Microsoft’s Windows Mobile 6.1 and 6.5, de Lencquesaing hinted that other OSs, such as Google’s Android, are under consideration.
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The new phones are code-named F1, L1, C1 and E1. The latter two are mid-range devices that could be free after subsidy. They will be out in H2.
The first Acer devices to hit the market in H1 will be the M90, F900, X960 and DX900.
