Updated Samsung Apps with Improved UI and Purchasing Options Unveiled

Samsung unveiled a new version of Samsung Apps, including an improved user interface, updated purchasing options and a personalised App recommendation service. It will be made available initially to Samsung Wave smartphones running on the new bada 2.0 OS, and rolled out globally on Samsung Galaxy devices towards the end of the year.

[advt]Samsung is also celebrating Samsung App’s second birthday by offering 30 popular paid applications – including well-known titles such as Fruit Ninja and Plants vs. Zombies – for free to Wave smartphone users.

Already featuring over 40,000 applications, the new version of Samsung Apps incorporates several new features that improve the app store’s all-round user experience.

• New user interface: The overall layout of the application store has been updated and optimized, while new elements such as Smart and My Page have been introduced, enhancing the overall usability. The UI is now consistent with the bada 2.0 OS, while an integrated billing interface ensures purchasing via the Samsung Apps is quick and hassle-free.

• New Purchasing Options – “Try’n Play” and “Rent’n Play”: Samsung is introducing the concept of application rental, enabling users to access and use new applications on a trial basis without paying the app’s full sale price.

• App Recommendation Service – “Smart”: Samsung Apps’ new Smart mode recommends applications based on current usage trends and the users’ favorite apps and interests.  To activate this feature, users simply tap ‘Smart’ before adding additional information based on their interests, after which they start receiving customized App recommendations.

• Wish List: The brand-new Wish List allows users to collect or save a list of applications that catch their eye while browsing Samsung Apps. Users are later able to access this list and buy or download apps of interest at their convenience.

• Marketing enhancement: Providing new benefits to application developers and publishers, Samsung Apps offers a new seller page as well as a promoted App tab, allowing more space for developers and publishers to promote their applications. Sellers will also be able to view and reply to customer comments, enabling a direct communication channel between developers and end-customers.

Since its initial launch in September 2009, Samsung Apps has successfully expanded its coverage globally with availability in 121 countries and an offering of 40,000 applications, providing an entertaining, useful and enriching smartphone experience to millions of users around the world.

In addition, Samsung Apps was made available on Galaxy devices in March 2011. A commercial service for China and Korea started in July, followed by the UK and Australia as of 15^th September. With the release of In-App Purchase SDK on 15^th, September, Samsung Apps will expand its commercial service for Galaxy devices to more countries in the year.