VERIZON CREATING IT'S OWN APP STORE

Verizon Wireless already has an app store, V Cast App Store, which comes pre-installed on their Blackberry devices.  Now Verizon is opening this up to Android developers and the V Cast App Store will be appearing on Android devices in the not too distant future.

According to a letter sent to developers from Verizon:

• It's Free – No Testing Fees
• Carrier Billing – Your applications are billed directly to the Customer's Bill; No credit cards, PayPal, etc.
• 70/30 Revenue Share – 70% Developer / 30% Verizon
• Hands-on, Experienced Content Programming Team – Get the visibility you deserve, not just a quality-crushing algorithm!

Unfortunately, only those devices running Android 2.2 (Froyo) will be able to take advantage of this new service initially.

Google should not be too upset with this rival to it's own App store since this signals an even deeper entrenchment and investment of Android on Verizon Wireless. [Gizmodo]