Discover the Untold Story of the Intel AppUp Center

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Intel AppUp center 2.1 Development and features 2.2 Supported operating systems 2.3 Intel AppUp developer program
3. History
4. Closing
5. Conclusion

The Intel AppUp Center: A Digital Storefront for PC Software and Apps

In the world of technology, there are countless digital storefronts and app stores available, each with its own unique offerings. One such platform that often goes unnoticed is the Intel AppUp center. Developed by Intel, this platform was designed specifically for Windows-based Ultrabook devices, netbooks, laptops, and personal computers. Despite being a significant player in the app market, the Intel AppUp center has often been referred to as "the world's largest app store that nobody's ever heard of" by Peter Biddle, the marketplace visionary behind this platform.

Development and Features of the Intel AppUp Center

The Intel AppUp center was a one-stop shop for users to discover, download, and purchase a wide range of PC software, apps, content, and entertainment. With a presence in more than 60 countries and the ability to conduct transactions in more than 45 countries and 5 languages, it offered a truly global experience for its users. The center boasted a comprehensive catalog of applications spanning across various categories like books, business, education, entertainment, finance, games, lifestyle, Music, maps & navigation, news, photo, productivity, reference, shopping, social networking, Sports, travel, utilities, and weather.

One of the key strengths of the Intel AppUp center was its multi-language support. It was available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, ensuring that users from different regions could easily navigate and utilize the platform. The applications featured on the Intel AppUp center were submitted through the Intel AppUp developer program, which aimed to assist software developers in writing and distributing their applications not only on the Intel AppUp center but also on other affiliate app stores.

Supported Operating Systems

The Intel AppUp center had extensive support for various Windows operating systems. It catered to users using Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows XP. Specifically, it was compatible with Windows 8 32-bit and 64-bit, Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit and 64-bit, Windows 7 Starter 32-bit, Windows 7 Enterprise 64-bit, Windows 7 Professional 32-bit and 64-bit, Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit and 64-bit, Windows XP Home 32-bit SP3 with .NET Framework 3.5 SP1, and Windows XP Professional 32-bit with .NET Framework 3.5 SP1.

History of the Intel AppUp Center

The Intel AppUp center was initially launched as a beta version in January 2010 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). During this event, the CEO of Intel, Paul Otellini, expressed his vision for the platform, stating that although the initial focus would be on netbooks, he anticipated the store expanding its reach to PCs, handheld devices, smartphones, TVs, and other devices. After a successful beta phase, the Intel AppUp center officially went gold on September 14, 2010.

However, on January 28, 2014, Intel made a surprising announcement. They revealed their decision to shut down the Intel AppUp center, with the closure scheduled for March 11, 2014. While specific reasons were not disclosed, Intel indicated that this move was intended to redirect their efforts towards developing the next generation of PC innovation.

Closing Thoughts

In its prime, the Intel AppUp center served as a valuable platform for developers and users alike. It provided developers with an opportunity to distribute their applications across multiple devices and earn up to a 70 percent revenue share. For users, it served as a convenient marketplace to explore and download a wide range of software and apps.

By shutting down the Intel AppUp center, Intel made a strategic decision to focus on their core objectives and future innovations. Although the closure saddened many loyal users, their commitment to developing cutting-edge technology remains resolute. The legacy of the Intel AppUp center will be remembered as a significant contribution to the app market, despite its under-the-radar status.

FAQ

Q: What was the Intel AppUp center? A: The Intel AppUp center was a digital storefront developed by Intel for Windows-based Ultrabook devices, netbooks, laptops, and personal computers. It offered a wide range of PC software, apps, content, and entertainment.

Q: Which operating systems were supported by the Intel AppUp center? A: The Intel AppUp center supported Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows XP. It was compatible with various versions of these operating systems.

Q: What happened to the Intel AppUp center? A: On January 28, 2014, Intel announced that the Intel AppUp center would be shutting down on March 11, 2014. The specific reasons for the closure were not disclosed, but Intel stated their intention to focus on developing the next generation of PC innovation.

Q: Could developers submit their apps to the Intel AppUp center? A: Yes, developers could submit their apps through the Intel AppUp developer program. This program aimed to assist software developers in writing and distributing their applications on the Intel AppUp center and other affiliated app stores.

Q: Did the Intel AppUp center support multiple languages? A: Yes, the Intel AppUp center was available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, catering to users from different regions.

Q: What were the categories of applications available on the Intel AppUp center? A: The Intel AppUp center featured applications in various categories, including books, business, education, entertainment, finance, games, lifestyle, music, maps & navigation, news, photo, productivity, reference, shopping, social networking, sports, travel, utilities, and weather.