In response to user feedback the revamped BlackBerry App World is out of beta and open with new features including lower pricing, Blackberry ID, credit card payment, tabbed lists, and QR barcoding. BlackBerry App World users will receive upgrade notifications over the next few hours.
BlackBerry App World now allows developers to offer applications for US$0.99 and US$1.99.
When they launched the beta just a few weeks ago, we were able to offer new views, and carrier and credit card billing support. They also integrated BlackBerry ID as a new way of tying BlackBerry customers with their use for easy device switching and management.
With the new BlackBerry App World, customers are able to purchase applications using major credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard. Carrier billing may also be supported by certain carriers.
BlackBerry App World adds new tabbed sections for various applications lists. Users can horizontally swipe or scroll to quickly view the Top 25 Free Apps, Top 25 Paid Apps and Top 25 Themes, as well as the Newest Apps and Recently Updated Apps.
QR barcode scanning is also supported, allowing users to scan a QR code associated with an application from anywhere - the web, print ads, brochures, etc. BlackBerry App World will quickly find the related application, and automatically open and download its page.
BlackBerry ID provides customers with a device-independent user identification (ID) for BlackBerry App World. It enables credit card payments and allows customers to seamlessly transfer their personal library of free and purchased apps when they switch to a new BlackBerry smartphone.