Software giant Microsoft, phone manufacturer Nokia and network operators O2 and Orange all announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona that they will launch stores to rival Apple's "App Store," which contains nearly 500 million applications ranging from games to travel guides, Telegraph.co.uk reported Tuesday.

"It's no longer about how the phone works by itself but how it works with the Internet," said Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer. "It is your instant access to all the people and information that you care about."
Since mobile phone sales are predicted to plummet by 10 percent in 2009, the initiatives may help boost revenue flows, according to Telegraph.co.uk. Apple's App Store is expected to receive around US$800 in its first year, after being launched in July 2008.

Orange Devices Chief Yves Maitre pointed out the move may "drive continued demand of mobile broadband use".