Samsung launches on-line application store in Europe

SEOUL, Sept. 14 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co., the world's second-largest
handset maker, launched Monday an on-line application store in Europe that allows
users to upload and download applications for Samsung mobile phones, the company
said.

Officials from the electronics giant said operation of the Samsung Mobile
Applications on-line store began in the UK, France and Italy.
They said the store would later be launched in more than 30 countries worldwide,
including Germany.
The store was initially intended for users of Samsung's Omnia and I8910 HD
devices, but will be expanded to allow use with other models such as the Omnia II
and OmniaLITE. Visitors to the site can browse through a variety of applications,
including games, references, e-books, social networking and health-related tools.

The company distributed free software earlier this year enabling users to develop
applications on their own, making third-party applications for Samsung handsets
available for the first time on-line.
Over 300 applications will be available immediately after launch, with the number
expected to grow to over 2,000 by the end of 2009.
Leading game software publishers, including 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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