ShoZu, the social media hub, has announced the official launch of the ShoZu App Store, where smartphone owners can purchase the ShoZu app for most major operating systems. The direct-sales initiative is said to complement ShoZu's recent expansion of its sales channels, which currently include Apple's App Store, Nokia's OVI store and Research in Motion's BlackBerry App World.
The ShoZu App Store currently offers the ShoZu app for BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Nokia smartphones, as well as iPhones, with support for additional models and Oss to be announced. The ShoZu App Store sells the app for the same price as the third-party app stores.
The ShoZu App Store recently finished a soft launch, where paid downloads exceeded sales through third-party app stores. As a direct sales channel, the ShoZu App Store also provides the company with a safeguard against any problems that arise at third-party stores.
The ShoZu App Store is said to further the company's strategy of focusing on app sales rather than providing free apps and then selling ad space. Announced in June 2009, the strategy is designed to provide ShoZu with a steady revenue stream, ensuring stability for the company and helping fund next-generation features for the ShoZu service.
"The ShoZu App Store is a one-stop shop that provides smartphone owners with a fast, convenient way to purchase the award-winning ShoZu app," said Chris Wade, chairman and CEO of ShoZu. "Users can visit the ShoZu App Store and immediately find the version designed for their specific smartphone model. The ShoZu App Store is a win-win for our customers and our company."
The company also offers several additional free ways to access the ShoZu service, including through picture messaging/Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), mobile e-mail, desktop e-mail and with free software that works on both Macs and Windows PCs.