During a keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Intel CEO Paul Otellini launched the AppUp Center app service aimed at netbooks.
The Intel program is designed only for Microsoft Windows, but also will support the open source Moblin mobile Linux operating system. AppUp Center users don't need to create an account to look at available apps, but will have to use a credit card for all app transfers.
The store will have both free and paid apps, and includes a 24-hour paid app software cancellation. Intel has only shown a few apps available at the moment, but Otellini promises developers are now creating netbook apps.
There are now reportedly more than 350 apps currently being validated and reviewed by Intel. Furthermore, Intel is working with Acer, Asus, Dell, Samsung and other OEMs interested in offering custom AppUp interfaces.
The AppUp Center beta is now available from the Intel web site for all Windows users.
I own several netbooks -- have converted several casual consumers to netbooks -- and wondered when a company would offer a store like this. App stores are extremely popular on mobile phones, but have not been widely tested among netbook owners.
Apple iTunes is extremely popular among iPod and iPhone owners, but hasn't caught on among netbook owners.
