Finnish technology startup Blaast on Wednesday opened an Android application store hoping to tap into booming demand for affordable smartphones in Indonesia and other emerging markets.<\/p>\n
The 2010-founded Blaast has built a platform to distribute apps to mid-range cellphones, enabling carriers to sell more data packages bundled with free access to applications.<\/p>\n
“Android is going to own over 75 percent of smartphone sales in emerging markets,” said Blaast Chief Executive Joonas Hjelt.<\/p>\n
Blaast said its Android store will launch in Indonesia with No 2 carrier XL Axiata, preinstalled on Sony’s new Xperia J smartphone. So far operators in Malaysia and Bangladesh have launched Blaast service for basic cellphones.<\/p>\n
Google’s Android has become the dominant smartphone platform over the last quarters, controlling around 2\/3 of smartphone sales globally. Models costing less than $200 have boosted Android demand, especially in emerging markets.<\/p>\n
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