Free Apps.?

[pcbres16]

Okay, my newest idea is to build a site, essentially a data base where people can upload their own (free) iphone, itouch, and blackberry applications to. The goal is to be the largest place on the net that has free apps.

Do any of you think there is a demand for this? Is it possible to compete with the Apple App store? Is it smart to do that, or would people continue taking the time to search free apps on itunes? IS there incentive for a developer to make an app for free?

This is I guess my first bit of market research for this project. Your thoughts?

[paul2145r]

There's always a chance that something like this would work, but it will be tough to compete with Apple. Making this especially difficult is that your potential customers would all have to have their iPhones jailbroken, since regular iPhones HAVE to use the itunes store.

You'd also have some liability there, since coders can potentially upload malicious programs and viruses into your database. Apple takes the time to check each app to ensure that this doesn't occur. This is helpful, even though many people arent too fond of the application process or results.

I would recommend shifting your focus to Android, Blackberry, or one of the other more open platforms. Less hassles, and they could use more free apps that are easily available.

[CAbusinessman]

You would have to have a pretty solid start up team.