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2009/09/01 13:40 KST
Samsung to launch on-line application store in Europe

  
SEOUL, Sept. 1 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co., the world's second-largest handset maker, said Tuesday it will launch an on-line application store in Europe this month that will allow users to upload and download applications for Samsung mobile phones.

   The Samsung Mobile Applications on-line store will officially be introduced on Sept. 14 in the UK, France and Italy, with more than 30 countries including Germany and Spain to follow, the company said in a statement.
"With the launch of the Application Store, Samsung will increase mobile phone sales and add value for its mobile customers through the availability of carefully selected applications," said Lee Ho-soo, executive vice president of Samsung's Media Solution Center.

   "The Application Store will expand the service channel, not only on handheld devices but also on PCs, through the launch of new PC software. The software will allow customers to download applications and manage them on a PC to maximize service usability."

   The store, initially for users of Omnia and I8910 HD devices and scheduled later for users of other models such as Omnia II and OmniaLITE, allows users to browse a variety of applications, including games, references, social networking, e-books and health-related tools.

   The company earlier this year distributed free software enabling users to develop applications on their own, allowing third-party applications for Samsung handsets available on-line.

   Over 300 applications will be available at launch, with the number expected to grow to over 2,000 by the end of 2009.

   Leading game software publishers, such as Electronic Arts Inc. and Capcom Entertainment Inc., are among the providers of applications to the Samsung Application Store.

   Samsung is joining other global tech giants in setting up on-line application sites. In July of last year, Apple Inc. launched the first of its kind "The App Store" for users of its global hit products iPhone and iPod Touch.

   ygkim@yna.co.kr
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