Intel Launches Dedicated App Store for Netbooks

Who says you can’t have cool apps without a smartphone? Netbook owners can have all the apps they want starting today.

Intel announced its plans for an App Store for netbooks a long time ago. In fact, it was so long ago that the project almost slipped our minds completely. Intel launched the AppUp beta in January, at CES, but we haven't heard much about it since. However, AppUp is back in the news this week as Intel executives today announced that it is out of beta and now open to everyone.

Compatible with Windows 7, Windows XP and Moblin netbooks, the AppUp Center can be downloaded via Intel's AppUp.com or Best Buy's website and an Asus-specific version will come pre-loaded on the company's netbooks this fall. The AppUp store offers both paid and free applications for news and weather, social networking, productivity and more. Intel today named Adobe, Accuweather, Barnes & Noble, Funkitron, Gibson Guitars, iWin, Kaplan, KONAMI, and Lifetime as companies who had already submitted apps to the store.

Do you think there's a place for applications on netbooks? Let us know in the comments below!