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Dorling Kindersley has become the first publisher to launch its own app store, with the shop featuring apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.
Launched today, the shop will sell non-Apple apps directly to the consumer, and will feature apps from DK, Rough Guides and DK Travel, as well as those from third party companies. The site will showcase iOS apps, linking the consumer through to Apple for purchase.
DK's digital publisher Justin Moodie said: "We've always been at the forefront of digital innovation within the publishing industry and already have a digital presence. That, together with the fact that all our publishing programmes incorporate mobile content, means the opportunity to offer apps across a number of platforms was a natural next step.
"While retailers and book chains are offering people the chance to buy e-books, they are currently not offering apps on their own sites. We need effective and trusted ways to bring our apps to our customers now."
The shop can be accessed through www.dkappshop.com, with it launching simultaneously to customers in the UK and US. Shoppers will click on the relevant flag when the site opens up, taking them through to the correct version of the shop. Other markets are intended to follow, with the initial focus likely to be on English-language markets, such as Australia and Canada.
Moodie added DK had no plans to stop selling its digital products through other retailers. He said: "I believe it is important for publishers to explore all the opportunities to engage with the customer. This includes selling directly in digital formats and providing a place where disparate sellers can showcase their products. That said, the retailers are our most important route to consumers and we will work with them to distribute our products."
It is understood about 70 apps will be available from the launch. DK's marketing and PR director Hermione Ireland said: "We may have discussions with publishers. We want to encourage other app developers to run their products on the store, whether they are publishers or another app developer."
Moodie said: "We will be working with different kinds of companies, and offering the full spectrum of products—a full range outside of what DK normally offers." He flagged up DK's new Eyewitness Paris City Guide for the iPad as a key addition to DK's digital offering, available on the site.
Moodie added: "I think it is going to be a big Christmas for apps. The devices are affordable, attractive and the user experiences are fantastic. I think there will be a lot of digital gifts under the tree this year."