It was only a matter of time before more network operators jumped on the app bandwagon and Orange is no exception. They will launch an app store in three weeks time. Called “The App Shop”, it will have more than 5000 apps, games and ringtones to download which will only show on compatible handsets. Very clever indeed, so you don’t have to waste time searching for apps that will not work on your mobile phone. Some will apps will be free, others will have to be purchased but will simply be added to the customers bill – no need to register separately. This makes it very easy to download as many applications through the Orange website as the customer wants.

The Nokia 6700 and the Sony Ericsson W995 will be the first mobile phones to be preloaded with the App Shop and will be available in January. As the year progresses, the list of handsets will increase to include Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola and RIM handsets. The app shop will be available to around 1 million customers in the UK and France.

Orange does plan to make the App Shop avaialable to other countries including Spain, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Slovakia, Belgium, Austria, Moldova and Portugal with local content. The apps will be compatible with different operating systems. It will be interesting to see how Orange’s App shop performs in this highly competitive market