Samsung opens its own app platform – Bada

Phone-makers Samsung have launched into making phone software as well as handsets and released a new platform for apps that will run on their phones. It’s called Bada and it’s a rival to Apple’s app store.

Samsung say: “Samsung bada (meaning Ocean in Korean) is a driving force in accomplishing Samsung’s vision of a ‘smartphone for everyone’.” Like the app store it will be feature-rich for customers and it’s a mobile ecosystem for developers.

Their partners include micro-blogging service Twitter, the movies and games rental outlet Blockbuster, Video and iconic games developers CAPCOM, EA Mobile, and Gameloft.

Samsung described Bada’s key features:

1. User-interactive

The platform is tuned to Samsung’s signature TouchWiz User Interface, and Samsung’s bada platform provides an easy, simple, and intuitive UI without compromising efficiency.

Samsung bada provides flash control, web control, motion sensing,fine-tuned vibration control, and face detection. Also, it supports sensor-based, context-aware applications. By using various sensors such as accelerometers, tilt, weather, proximity, and activity sensors, application developers can easily implement context-aware interactive applications.

2. Service-oriented

Samsung bada differentiates its position by supporting various service-centric features such as social networking, device synchronisation, content management, location-based services, and commerce services – all supported by back-end bada servers. These ground-breaking developer-friendly features support developers to implement various services without additional effort.

3. Open and configurable

Samsung bada enables developers to take full advantage of mobile device capabilities to create compelling applications with ease. Applications can use device functions to make phone calls, send messages, or access the contact list. Also, various service applications can share information such as personal profiles, social relations, schedules, or contents with a simple user confirmation in order to provide services with greater personal relevance and cooperative service extension. The flexibility of the bada platform makes it applicable to a wider range of devices than any other mobile operating system.

Developer Platform here: http://developer.bada.com/