Palm Version of App Store Online

Palm’s version of the Apple App Store has just been launched, allowing users to browse through a catalog of more than 5,000 applications and games, right from their Palm devices. Previously, Palm users could only install purchased apps by uploading them to a computer first.

“The Software Store has gone mobile,” the digital assistant and smartphone manufacturer, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, says. “Browse and download over 5,000 apps & games right from your Palm device. Plus, there are over 1,000 free apps to choose from. The mobile software store supports over 25 Palm devices, from the Centro to the Treo Pro.”

Palm continues to advertise the venue pointing out that all the applications are now just a click away. “Install the free mobile software store, and choose from thousands of apps ready to download now,” the company adds.

Users receive a 25% discount on the original price of their first downloaded item, whether it's a game, or an application they grab. The only requirement is to enter a coupon code (SHOPMOBILE) at checkout.

Palm joins several other phone vendors that are developing or have already come up with their own online stores, where people can buy and download apps right onto their handsets. Apple started the trend with the now-renowned iTunes App Store.

Nevertheless, even though it sports a decent look and boasts quite a number of free apps on launch (compared to just 200 free items present in the App Store upon its debut), the Palm application store is going to see some tough competition. Leaving Apple's own venue aside, Research In Motion's upcoming Application Center and the G1 Android marketplace will surely pose a serious threat to its existence.

At the moment, Palm's Software Store is offering a total of 5,000 applications, paid and free. Apple's iTunes App Store has recently cruised past the 10,000-apps landmark, with well over 300 million confirmed downloads.