Watch out, Google. Samsung is pushing a new Android app store, and it’s not Google Play.
The Korean-based company announced Galaxy Apps, a new and rebranded version of its app store on Friday in an apparent attempt to challenge Google’s dominant Play Store.
The company says the new Galaxy Apps, previously known as Samsung Apps, will offer users customization options, discounts and other promotions not available in the Play Store.
The new storefront, which will be available to anyone with a Samsung smartphone or tablet, is divided into three main sections: Best Picks, Top and For Galaxy. Best and Top surface recommended and popular apps, which users can filter by date, popularity and price. The For Galaxy section includes premium and business-centric apps specifically for Galaxy devices and those created using Samsung’s software development kits.
This isn’t the first time Samsung has made efforts to push its own app deals outside of Google’s Play Store. The company’s most recent flagship, the Galaxy S5, ships with more than $500 in premium app subscriptions and Samsung offered similar deals with past phones and tablets.
Samsung and Google have battled over apps in the past. The Korean manufacturer agreed earlier this year to tame its own apps, often labeled as bloatware, in favor of a cleaner and more unified Android experience.
Samsung currently leads its competitors with 39.5% of the global Android market share, according to IDC, so it’s not surprising the company would want to cut into Google’s app profits.
Galaxy Apps is rolling out now and will eventually be available to users around the world.
Source: Mashable