Verizon App Store begins closure in January 2013 (via Engadget)

[Ry]

Verizon App Store begins closure in January 2013, pulled from all compatible devices by the end of March

The Verizon App Store will begin the process of shutting down for good starting in January 2013, US cellular carrier Verizon Wireless says, with plans to be fully off "all compatible Android and Research in Motion devices" by March 27, 2013. No specific reason is given for the closure, but Verizon does detail, "a whole new tech landscape" shaping its decision, and that the company is "evolving" strategy in accordance with said "new tech landscape." No doubt that the new landscape Verizon speaks of involves the dominance of Google's own Play store for Android, as well as RiM's BlackBerry App World.

More info: Verizon Apps - Store Announcement

 

[mesocyclonic]

I would have expected this, but I forgot Verizon had an app store.

 

[Mooncatt]

I would have expected this, but I forgot Verizon had an app store.

Pretty much what I was about to say. My first reaction was "Verizon has an app store?" Well... I think we know their problem. That and the poor ratings of Verizon apps in Play. Lol

 

[ZachA]

First are they talking about the app store in Google Play or another app store. Second does this mean they are removing the bloat ware app that come on your devices.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[anon(1458)]

I forgot they had an app store since I always have the icon hidden ROFL

 

[natehoy]

First are they talking about the app store in Google Play or another app store. Second does this mean they are removing the bloat ware app that come on your devices.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

It's their own app store. I've had the icon hidden so long I forgot it existed.

As to removing the bloat... That's funny! You realize they are going to leave the app store installed on older phones that will never see an update and just remove the online stuff so it will just crash if you open it, right? They aren't going to deploy new OTA firmware for their entire installed base just to whack a dead bit of bloat.

Newer phones will have it removed as part of the next scheduled OTA, I imagine.

Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt