PocketGear Launches App Store for Windows Mobile

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://appstore.pocketgear.com/winmo/' target='_blank'>http://appstore.pocketgear.com/winmo/</a><br /><br /></div><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1234389430.usr1.png" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>I received an email today from PocketGear announcing their new <a href="http://appstore.pocketgear.com/winmo/" target="_blank">App Store for Windows Mobile</a>, and my first thought was "This would have been great two years ago." But now? Every major platform (Apple, RIM, Android, Symbian) either has an app store or will have one soon, so for PocketGear to do this now smacks of bad timing - everyone knows it's just a matter of time until Microsoft releases their own app store. However, in the here and now, PocketGear has you covered with their app store, boasting 950+ Supported Devices, 1000+ Developers, 1000+ Games, and 2500+ Total Apps. Take it for a spin and let us know what you think...</p>

[whydidnt]

I haven't tried this yet, but if I still have to record and input a 17 digit code, or contact an activation server to use the downloaded software, the app store misses the point. The beauty of the iPhone's integrated store isn't just that it's on the phone, but that it's so easy to install applications-- even a caveman can do it!

Seriously, you click the link for the app, input your iTunes password, and the application installs and is usable. I think the rush to say we have an "app store" misses the point if the developers are still going to insist on cumbersome DRM routines that detract from that experience.

But then, I think Microsoft and assorted OEMs have been missing the point on the rush to make all things "Touch". It's not the touching of the screen that attracts users, it's the ease of use, and touching happens to be natural on a capacitive touch screen. However, on hardware that was designed to be used with a stylus it's a different story.

[rumball]

I downloaded this "application" and was surprised to find out that PocketGear's so called "App Store" is nothing more than a URL link to a mobile version of their website. You can even see in their screenshot of their "app store" that it is running in Internet Explorer. So a big thumbs down from me. Not only is this "app store" years behind the times...it adds ZERO functionality to your mobile device since you can do everything by simply browsing to m.pocketgear.com from your WM broswer.

Sad...very sad PocketGear.

[emuelle1]

I wish somebody would find a way to do something unique rather than just copy Apple. The iPhone is unique and usable, but does have a few issues and limitations. Rather than trying to make a device that delivers a comparable user experience without the limitations, everybody is just trying to copy Apple. That's why there will never be an "iPhone killer". You can't dethrone something simply by reproducing a business model.

The Apple App store works great because applications for the iPhone exist in an autocratic universe. I don't believe that an app store makes sense for any other platform because the other platforms have open development models. Apple maintains tight control over it's universe, but also has the integrated iTunes model so an app store makes sense. It makes no sense on Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Palm, or Android. Or any other that I might have missed.

I ask the Question Joel Spolski asks "What problem does this solve?" I have a Windows Mobile phone with a 3G pipeline to the Internet and I have Google. I can find any Windows Mobile application that I need within a reasonable amount of time, unless the developer doesn't include a self-installable .cab (although everything I've bought has one available). I can't say I've ever believed the lack of a Windows Mobile (or even desktop Windows) app store was a problem that I'd like to see solved.

And as rumball mentioned, including a link to the mobile version of your web page is NOT an app store, at least not one comparable to the iPhone's app store.

[Reid Kistler]

Am generally in favor of More Competition & thus wish them well - but don't see anything REALLY all that new & exciting about another Mobile Software Store...

Also must admit that my first thought upon reading "Download Our App Store" - and before learning that it was only a LINK - was "WHY would I want to devote valuable storage space to someone's STORE?!?"

[Birdsoft]

I wish somebody would find a way to do something unique rather than just copy Apple. The iPhone is unique and usable, but does have a few issues and limitations. Rather than trying to make a device that delivers a comparable user experience without the limitations, everybody is just trying to copy Apple. That's why there will never be an "iPhone killer". You can't dethrone something simply by reproducing a business model.

The Apple App store works great because applications for the iPhone exist in an autocratic universe. I don't believe that an app store makes sense for any other platform because the other platforms have open development models. Apple maintains tight control over it's universe, but also has the integrated iTunes model so an app store makes sense. It makes no sense on Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Palm, or Android. Or any other that I might have missed.

I ask the Question Joel Spolski asks "What problem does this solve?" I have a Windows Mobile phone with a 3G pipeline to the Internet and I have Google. I can find any Windows Mobile application that I need within a reasonable amount of time, unless the developer doesn't include a self-installable .cab (although everything I've bought has one available). I can't say I've ever believed the lack of a Windows Mobile (or even desktop Windows) app store was a problem that I'd like to see solved.

And as rumball mentioned, including a link to the mobile version of your web page is NOT an app store, at least not one comparable to the iPhone's app store.

Ok, so I guess I dont agree with this at all. A REAL Windows Mobile App store would be great in so many ways, and could easily fix a lot of the big problems that Apple's AppStore has, and leverage the 3rd party market so much better to encourage more phone sales which IS one step towards Dethroning the percieved throne that the iPhone sits on.

* FULL market penetration to all WM devices would be huge. A Lot of WM users dont even know they have WM, let alone could go and find stores to buy software. And the devices that come with carrier branded stores are ignored or feared by a lot do to how carriers used to charge for applications and access.

* I develop for both, what exactly is more "Open" in the "Open development models" of WM that make this a bad solution. The percieved "lock down" on the AppStore isnt really all that restrictive. You cant sell "porn" type applicatons on the major resellers on the WM side either so you wont make much money that way. And yeah, we have more control over lower level stuff, but that just means that if we could sell to larger more connected audiences we can concievabley have even cooler applications. And we do to a large extent, but it really should have nothing to do with how they are sold. A lot of new business models for apps that are popping up around iPhone are based on Volume.

* Im glad that YOU can use Google to find Developer sites.. but the Volume of people that can or better yet 'will' is much smaller than just pointing a the appstore icon and saying go browse... You've been around this market and understand it, but the big group of "Consumer" types that are now finally getting to Smartphones wont have a clue that thats standard practice.

* And as a Developer I would LOVE to still be getting 70% deal on the WM side...!

Microsoft, bring a real AppStore on...!!

And yeah, this isn't it. I was disappointed to see this was a website disguised as an Appstore.

[WyattEarp]

Let's start with the fact that most users of WM who don't even know what OS is on their device didn't purchase their device because of the WM name, all the extra functions it has, it's many capabilities, or much less care about the OS itself. They bought it because the phone looked cool, it was free or discounted with a contract, or on the advise of someone else who knows more about phones than they do. That being said a WM App Store is not going to change their thoughts or leverage WM any better than it already has been. People like this don't really purchase applications in any kind of way in the mobile or desktop arenas from what I have seen. And for the ones that do, the apps they purchase are some of the most useless and free ones available. Just look at the countless amount of "fart" apps that have been downloaded in Apple's App Store. You can even go as far back as the Palm OS during it's prime with all the links to free apps you could find far out numbering paid apps. These are not the tech savvy people an App Store will really appeal to in a big way. The App Store is also not what makes the iPhone a hit. WM came out in 1996 as Windows CE and has gone through numerous UI and name changes. So if Microsoft or anyone else thinks WM needs an App Store for "full" market penetration then WM might as well call it a day and close up shop right now. An App Store does not equate to a good mobile OS nor will it cure what is wrong with the OS.

A WM App Store is not going to fix Apple's App Store issues either only Apple can fix those which aren't that many to begin with. WM will have enough of their own issues to contend with. Beginning with the likes of Pocket Gear's own App Store. And if the soul point is to dethrone the iPhone then I guess no one really likes competition. As history has shown; when there is no competition there is also no motivation to improve. Prime example: WM has had no real worthwhile improvements since Pocket PC 2003 SE and Windows Mobile 5.0. Palm had their time, followed by Windows Mobile and now the iPhone. The market is currently saturated with mobile devices with Nokia being number one, followed by Microsoft and RIM, leaving the iPhone with lots of room to grow. It's harder to grow if the majority of people already have your device or it is geared to a certain segment of the market as with Microsoft and RIM. Which leads into my next point.

Since the iPhone was introduced Microsoft and RIM have been scurrying around to compete as if there was never anything wrong with their products before hand and that no one would dare challenge them in this market. "We know what our customers want" is the the general attitude and response from these companies. So let's just continue to add features like multi-touch, UI on top of UI, more form-factors, and App Stores to compete with the iPhone. So who's really being treated like children here. I find this an insult to our intelligence. Give us real fixes for the real issues with the OS and maybe more people will buy the product and others will stop leaving. Large amounts of memory for instance has been virtually non-existent in most every WM device with the exception of the ones from HP and HTC which are the only ones I know of right off hand. Just about every smartphone manufacturer is stuck on 128MB and 256MB, it's 2009 not 1999 get with the program. Removable media has it's place but it should not be the primary nor the default place for the storage of apps and documents. It needs to be on the device. Then we have multi-Touch in the form of Touch-Flo, compliments of HTC which is nothing more than a gimmick at best. It's pasted onto a task manager with a pretty UI on top of the WM UI to immulate the iPhone. Come on now, all that fluff disappears once you go into an application. This is not what we need. Multi-touch for it to be worth anything has to be built into the UI, uniform through every app made for the device with gestures that are natural and makes sense.

Also, with the creation of the WM App Store, what is a developer suppose to do now after the OS is already matured. There are no real new developers coming to the scene not to mention there are actually less developers now then there where just 4 years ago. Also are current developers suppose to make deals with Microsoft and keep their current contracts with the other App Stores like Handango, Pocket Gear, etc. That seems like it would be spreading profits really thin here. Or are they to drop all contracts and solely deal with Microsoft.

Finally, is just how seamlessly Apple's App Store works with the iPhone and iTunes. While I personally don't care about having *.cab files or the lack thereof, some users do. Apple hasn't eliminated *.cab files per say, as all the apps are stored on your PC in the form of *.ipa files. What Apple has done that all the others are failing to do, is make it easier for the tech savvy and joe consumer to keep track of their apps even when they are not at their PC. All these WM, and BB App Stores have not figured that one out yet. You still have to log in to your account at what ever site you purchased the software from and go into your profile and manually look up the software you purchased; say nothing about what's currently installed on your device. You have to look on your device for that information. From the iPhone, looking up any piece of software in the App Store that is currently installed will state right there on the apps description page "INSTALLED". If you previously deleted said app and go to download it again, you'll get a pop up message stating you already purchased this app would you like to download it again. No serial numbers, no user names, no activation codes, just enter your iTunes account password, tap okay and your done. Clean, simple and fast. The software installs and is read to use.
Upgrading to a newer iPhone is also easier as restoring from a backup will put all your apps plus everything else on the new iPhone with no problem just like it was with the old. WM still can't do this as easily either. These are some of the things that truly make Apple's App Store and the iPhone itself uniquely powerful and better than the competition. While there are somethings I miss from WM that aren't on the iPhone and vice-versa an App Store is definitely not one of them. WM has so many other issues to improve upon but instead Microsoft prefers to distract us from the real issues with the OS by focusing users on things like an un-unified App Store and multi-touch.

So until Microsoft fixes the real issues with WM they will continue to lose market share as they have been even before the iPhone was released. IMO they are in a similar predicament as Palm was in 2005, when it comes to furthering innovation in the OS. There is not much else they can do except fix the existing issues and completely change the UI which I don't see them doing. Since some of this will require a completely new OS which will break ties with current software not to mention have Microsoft start all over again which they probably don't want to do nor are they prepared for. Just my $0.02 on some of the real issues.

[Birdsoft]

So it sounds like you have jumped on the iPhone bandwagon and wanted to turn this whole AppStore conversation into more about the same old WM is a tired non-updated OS. Yeah, weve all heard all of this before about WM, and we either agree or disagree, but everything you mention about the AppStore is either wrong or could be done right by Microsoft if they made an AppStore.(This PocketGear thing is not IT).

Microsoft could keep track of CAB files and updates, it would frankly be very easy to implement. They could tie a better account to it for easy purchases. And yeah, that could bring new and more developers this way too.... I know several developers who have come in on the iPhone gold rush and are now looking at WM and Android, and...

And as developers we're used to dealing with several resellers, working with one more Huge one isnt going to hurt us any, and hopefully they come in playing nice...Im not sure how it spreads anyone's profits??

And thinking that the software market on the WM side isnt held back because of our segmented retailer/distributor types is just funny. Those same "People like this" that dont buy software you actually go on to point out yourself ARE the people that are buying Applications(and yes a lot of stupid ones) on the iPhone AppStore. But once they buy those a lot of them figure out, wow, if I can get a fart app, maybe I can get a cool game or productivity app that I could actually use...

And nobody is saying JUST having an AppStore is going to solve all the problems with WM... They need some big updates too.. and those updates are obviously coming... But its a piece of the puzzle!!! But it appears you have grown bitter with WM and breathe iPhone now, so.... thats cool, but it just makes it appear that you are jaded about any other improvements that WM could and will make....

" Apple can fix those which aren't that many to begin with"

Just even stating this means you arent actually a developer and/or havent been paying attention. They are slowly plugging a few holes in the AppStore but it still has some big problems!

[WyattEarp]

So it sounds like you have jumped on the iPhone bandwagon and wanted to turn this whole AppStore conversation into more about the same old WM is a tired non-updated OS. Yeah, weve all heard all of this before about WM, and we either agree or disagree, but everything you mention about the AppStore is either wrong or could be done right by Microsoft if they made an AppStore.(This PocketGear thing is not IT).

Every so often people like you jump to conclusions and read way to much into what was not said or implied. So I'll make this quite simple for you. 1. I am not on any bandwagon. I use whatever device best fits my needs. 2. I wasn't trying to turn the App Store conversation in the "same old WM is tired non-updated OS". But if that's how you see it... oh well. 3. Everything I mentioned about the App Store is entirely correct in how it works and I didn't even list everything. Only Apple can fix Apple and only Microsoft can fix Microsoft. If that was to hard to understand well... sorry. 4. I'm well aware that this is PocketGear's own App Store but lets take a step back for a minute. This is going to start to cause some confusion; even if just a little. Like I said un-unified you just proved my point.

Microsoft could keep track of CAB files and updates, it would frankly be very easy to implement. They could tie a better account to it for easy purchases. And yeah, that could bring new and more developers this way too.... I know several developers who have come in on the iPhone gold rush and are now looking at WM and Android, and...

I agree with you partly on this one. Of course they could keep track of CAB's I never said they couldn't. But tieing a better account to it is debatable unless it's similar to iTunes or the Zune Market Place anything else won't cut it. And it's good that you know developers that want to come to WM because more are needed. But at this point while not trying to be too pessimistic. There really isn't too much more new to develop.

And as developers we're used to dealing with several resellers, working with one more Huge one isnt going to hurt us any, and hopefully they come in playing nice...Im not sure how it spreads anyone's profits??

You don't see how it spreads anyone's profits?? Well, here's something to open your eyes a little. If Microsoft's App Store ends up getting all WM users to purchase only from them then current software stores like Handango and PocketGear then go out of business. Your profits may not be hurt but the software stores will be. It's not only about you and while this may be unlikely it is a possibility worth exploring.

And thinking that the software market on the WM side isnt held back because of our segmented retailer/distributor types is just funny. Those same "People like this" that dont buy software you actually go on to point out yourself ARE the people that are buying Applications(and yes a lot of stupid ones) on the iPhone AppStore. But once they buy those a lot of them figure out, wow, if I can get a fart app, maybe I can get a cool game or productivity app that I could actually use...

Never stated anything about a fragmented retailer/distributor anything. I was talking about how WM is marketed and that's to the business person not the consumer. Consumers may buy WM but many buy it for the wrong reasons and no they will still not but any apps. I know this because I see it every single day and the ones that go out and buy those fart apps tend to stay with stuff like that. The don't spend real amounts of money like I do on apps. Again misinterpreting what I wrote.

And nobody is saying JUST having an AppStore is going to solve all the problems with WM... They need some big updates too.. and those updates are obviously coming... But its a piece of the puzzle!!! But it appears you have grown bitter with WM and breathe iPhone now, so.... thats cool, but it just makes it appear that you are jaded about any other improvements that WM could and will make....

Glad you know that because some really don't that's why I brought it up. Don't know how long you've been following Microsoft but nothing is ever obviously coming when it comes to them. Yes, they need some big updates but whether or not these update will be what consumers want is another issue to be debated after the arrive. Bitter not at all, a realist is more like it. Breathe? Give it a rest dude. You sound like you need to be defensive of the OS but your a developer so you have to I guess. Just save your little anicdotes for children I'm way to old for that.

" Apple can fix those which aren't that many to begin with"

Just even stating this means you arent actually a developer and/or havent been paying attention. They are slowly plugging a few holes in the AppStore but it still has some big problems!

Yes, Apple can fix those which aren't that many to begin with. I didn't say they weren't big issues just not that many.
Nope, I am not a developer and never pretended to be one. I'm a PO, EMT and someone who loves technology and I pay lots of attention. And seeing how you a developer reacted to my post, at this point I would never purchase anything from your company nor would I advise anyone else to either. What you should have done was left my opinions as is instead of inciting a response. Or responded in a productive way instead of trying to call me out. I have never seen such an unprofessional response from a developer especially when the subject on the table was not even their product as the one you dished out here today. In any case enjoy your rant hope it was worth it for you.

[Birdsoft]

This is going to start to cause some confusion; even if just a little.

Yep, and this is a problem with the current WM marketplace. And one that iPhone's AppStore doesnt suffer. And one that a MS AppStore will help with tremendously.


There really isn't too much more new to develop.


Really?! LOL



You don't see how it spreads anyone's profits?? Well, here's something to open your eyes a little. If Microsoft's App Store ends up getting all WM users to purchase only from them then current software stores like Handango and PocketGear then go out of business. Your profits may not be hurt but the software stores will be. It's not only about you and while this may be unlikely it is a possibility worth exploring.


Oh, youre referring to the Distributors. While I think they have been good at what they do, some ultimately got too greedy and some have stagnated technology wise and have made some poor moves and they have always been fighting in this segmented market which all ultimately hurts all of the WM developers. So in this case, it is ALL ABOUT THE DEVELOPERS. The stores have been making money for years because of who?? What products are they selling? Oh... The Developer's products....



I know this because I see it every single day and the ones that go out and buy those fart apps tend to stay with stuff like that. The don't spend real amounts of money like I do on apps. Again misinterpreting what I wrote.

Yes they do, the iPhone AppStore gold rush proves that.



Glad you know that because some really don't that's why I brought it up. Don't know how long you've been following Microsoft but nothing is ever obviously coming when it comes to them. Yes, they need some big updates but whether or not these update will be what consumers want is another issue to be debated after the arrive. Bitter not at all, a realist is more like it. Breathe? Give it a rest dude. You sound like you need to be defensive of the OS but your a developer so you have to I guess. Just save your little anicdotes for children I'm way to old for that.


Ive actually spent most of my time doing iPhone Development as of late. But yes, on these forums there are always 1 or 2 guys that have gone over to Blackberry or iPhone and feel the need to come back here and do the "tired OS" thing even in conversations where it doesnt make sense. Most of us still see the real utility and openness of WM that are on this site and platform, and can see past needing a lot of the glitzy stuff.



Nope, I am not a developer and never pretended to be one. I'm a PO, EMT and someone who loves technology and I pay lots of attention. And seeing how you a developer reacted to my post, at this point I would never purchase anything from your company nor would I advise anyone else to either. What you should have done was left my opinions as is instead of inciting a response. Or responded in a productive way instead of trying to call me out. I have never seen such an unprofessional response from a developer especially when the subject on the table was not even their product as the one you dished out here today. In any case enjoy your rant hope it was worth it for you.

You really aren't my market anyway. But I do like how you call me childish and yet you cant take a constructive argument and turn it into a I wont buy your products and now you are going to lose sales for sharing your opinion. If that doesnt sound 'playground'?! But, I apologize if you thought I was really calling you out and that hurt your feelings, I went back and re-read my post and Im not sure how you were insulted. I guess you want to be an OPEN guy at heart but then rant like you aren't and are insulted by having that pointed out. But yeah, we get it, you've lost faith in Microsoft's path, we all haven't. And if that wasnt your "intent" in your first post, well re-read it, you write in style that tries to convey that and yet then back away and use the "I didnt mean that" argument.

I have an opinion too, and Ive shared it in the past and Ill share it in the future. More people respect than are turned away.

[WyattEarp]

Look you can't hurt my feelings so don't sweat it. As far as distributors yes them. I feel sorry for the ones that aren't being greedy but may fall victim to developers leaving. The greedy ones I could care less about because they have done nothing but hamper developer growth. Yes, people go back and fourth with devices all the time in an effort to find something better. And no I am not your target audience and I could never be due to your unprofessional response. Like "it sounds like you have jumped on the iPhone bandwagon" and "I sound bitter", etc. which should not come out the mouth of a developer responding to potential costumer. That is in no way constructive regardless of what you put after it because no one will want you hear you. Anyway if we disagree we disagree. This has been rather amusing.

[Birdsoft]

Like "it sounds like you have jumped on the iPhone bandwagon" and "I sound bitter", etc. which should not come out the mouth of a developer responding to potential costumer.

Those are unprofessional? Ok, noted?! Sorry, this market is usually a little more candid than the level at which those become unprofessional. They are simply observations(and likely right on based on your posts) and I somtimes respond as a guy that knows a lot about the markets and has a lot of inside knowledge and connections and am not always worried about only treating everyone as just a potential customer, I had determined you were not by your first post.

Anyway if we disagree we disagree. This has been rather amusing.

Agreed.

[WyattEarp]

Those are unprofessional? Ok, noted?! Sorry, this market is usually a little more candid than the level at which those become unprofessional. They are simply observations(and likely right on based on your 0o3t3%r9 andkIksomtimes respond as a guy that knows a lot about the markets and has a lot of inside knowledge and connections and am not always worried about only treating everyone as just a potential customer, I had determined you were not by your first post.



Agreed.

Yes, you are incorrect in your observations just don't jump to conclusions. True nay sayers are quick to jump on nay bandwagon just to be heard. I have owned multiple WM devices and know quite a bit about WM in general even before it was released. My use of WM is quite extensive and to this day there still isn't a device that could replace my old HP iPAQ hx4700. So, done with WM; I'm far from. I want more from them and ODM which unfortunately hasn't been delivered for my needs. IMO there's a big difference between candid and calling someone out when they don't know the person. This is a forum and one's thoughts don't always translate correctly when another person reads them and has no clue about the individual who wrote it. That is what I don't appreciate, not hurt by it. And, I found that your responses appeared to be unconstructive criticism not the reverse. But it that's not what you meant. fine. Agreed to disagree and let's get back to the topic.