Samsung launches US apps store for consumer kit

Store For TVs, Blu-ray Players, and Home Theatre Systems linking to WiFi phones

Following the success of applications stores on mobile phones - particularly with Apple and Android - the next move is to apps running on Android on consumer equipment, and Samsung Electronics in the US is the first to officially launch its own site.
Samsung Apps is the first HDTV-based application store where users can download applications from select 2010 Samsung HDTVs, Blu-ray Players and Home Theatre systems via the upgraded Internet@TV – Content Service. Samsung Apps provides consumers with an expanded, easy to navigate selection of content and applications from leading services like The Associated Press, Netflix, Pandora, Twitter, USA TODAY, and VUDU. More than 20 apps will be available by the end of March, with hundreds expected by the end of the year. The new application platform allows content owners and developers to develop apps that work across multiple devices for the ease and convenience of consumers.
Applications can be downloaded and viewed all while watching TV and premium apps will be available for purchase via the platform’s transactional interface in the second half of 2010. “We are making a significant step forward in delivering a more personalized, navigable and easy to use connected TV experience,” said John Revie, senior vice president of home entertainment for Samsung Electronics America. “Samsung Apps will be offered in numerous TV models as well as across our Blu-ray Players and Home Theater Systems, so consumers can conveniently access a variety of content through many forms that fit their needs.”
The apps span information, video, lifestyle, games, and sports from trackin news to renting movies. Additionally, several apps in 2010 will allow interactivity between HDTVs and select Samsung WiFi-enabled phones. Consumers, for example, will be able to play Texas hold ’em poker with friends, where the TV screen shows the table and the phone serves as the controller, while showing cards in your hand like a real poker game. Developer Opportunity
Content and application developers will have new opportunities to build applications, content and services through the Samsung Apps Software Developers Kit (SDK). The forthcoming developers program will be an open platform that encourages anyone from premium content owners to individual developers, to create their own applications. Samsung expects many additional partners to become Samsung App developers by the end of 2010. 

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