Intel Courts Developers for Atom Apps

How influential is Apple's iPhone App Store? Not only are there imitation application warehouses for BlackBerry and Android, but mighty Intel Corp. has announced a developer kit aimed at getting programmers' wares into a planned store devoted to the Atom processor that dominates the netbook segment.

The kit includes tools for Windows (C and C++) and the Intel-backed Linux variant Moblin (C) development, so -- in the words of Intel's announcement -- "developers can now submit their applications and be the first to take full advantage of the Intel Atom Developer Program's revenue-generating opportunities," submitting apps "for Intel-based netbooks to ultimately sell on future-planned stores opening next year."

Intel says that Atom-powered devices are forecasted to reach more than 50 million units sold by the end of 2009. The chipmaker's incentives for Atom developers include prizes of a Smart car and vacation package.