LG attempts to challenge Apple with launch of application store

LG is the latest in a long-line of mobile phone manufacturers to launch its own app store.

LG said the store will launch in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia with 1,400 apps including around 100 apps that are free. All of the apps are expected to be available in 15 languages.

The beta version of the app store is available in Asia first, with the service eventually being expanded to 24 countries. LG said it plans to offer around 2,000 apps by the end of the year, with at least 100 apps available free of charge.

"LG is planning to invest heavily in the smartphone market going forward, with ten smartphones being introduced this year alone," said Dr. Skott Ahn, CEO of LG.

"As the trend has shown, the appeal of smartphones is in the diversity and usefulness of the applications. Opening our own Application Store will allow us to offer the best content and applications for our devices so that LG phone owners will get the best possible ownership experience."

LG has also launched Mobile Developer Network, a website specifically designed for third party software developers. Using the website, developers can share widgets and test their applications. The mobile developer network currently supports Java SDK but will support over-the-air (OTA) downloads by the end of the year.

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