Verizon to let WM devs access its billing, location-based service infra-structure

[redd214]

just saw this on wmpoweruser.com. seems like verizon is trying to reach out more to smartphone users:

"These days its all about the App Store, and it seems Verizon is feeling left out of the party. They are not letting it lie however, and is set to announce a new program at the end of the month at its developer conference on July 28.

According to Ryan Hughes, Verizon’s VP of business development, partnerships and innovation the new program will be aimed at Windows Mobile and BlackBerry developers, and will offer developers access to its billing platform and location information. This means, developers will be able to charge subscribers using their Verizon bill, rather than using a credit card or other form of payment. In addition, the app will be able to see where the user is, allowing it to provide more relevant information.

It is assumed the effort will be accompanied by an on-device app store, and Verizon also promises to speed up the approval process by creating standard online form.

By providing developers access to Verizon’s billing relationship it should be even more convenient than the app store to buy and consume apps, with no credit card numbers involved in any stage.

Further details of this developer initiative should be forthcoming from Verizon’s developer conference soon."

Link to Article