The Mac App Store will launch in 90 countries and offer free and paid mini-programs in categories including games, lifestyle, education, and productivity, the iconic California company announced Thursday.<\/p>\n
“The App Store revolutionized mobile apps,” said Apple chief executive Steve Jobs, referring to the shop specializing in software programs for iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices.<\/p>\n
“We hope to do the same for PC (personal computer) apps with the Mac App Store by making finding and buying PC apps easy and fun.”<\/p>\n
The shop will be available on Macintosh computers with Snow Leopard operating systems that will receive a free software update, according to Apple.<\/p>\n
Developers will get to set the prices for applications and keep 70 percent of the revenue, with the rest going to Apple.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Google opened an online shop stocked with applications tailored for its increasingly popular Chrome Web browsing software.<\/p>\n
Chrome Web Store was intended to be a spot for “apps” to be discovered.<\/p>\n
The shop was only available in the United States but would spread internationally, complete with payment platforms in local currencies, early next year, according to Google.<\/p>\n
Applications have fueled the popularity of smartphones by letting people personalize and customize handsets with mini-programs created by third-party developers.<\/p>\n