Bemobi Offers New Subscription Revenue Model For Premium Android App Developers

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Bemobi, an innovator in the mobile apps marketplace, today announced the debut of its subscription-based app store concept that offers carriers, developers and consumers a better alternative for best-in-class Android mobile apps. Initially available in Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America, Bemobi gives Android mobile device owners unlimited use of select mobile apps through carriers, providing premium developers with increased long-term revenue based on a recurring monthly payment model.

Especially attractive in countries where credit card and debit card penetration is low, Bemobi changes the payments dynamic through its partnership with local and regional carriers. Bemobi's apps store is currently offered on a subscription basis through Brazilian mobile carrier Oi as a branded service. Subscription fees can be charged against the user's prepaid balance or added monthly to their post-paid billing statements. Either way, subscribers have access to a limited number of high-quality apps through Oi's service powered through Bemobi, in categories such as Music, Games, Utilities, Kids, Health, Education, Entertainment and more.

Bemobi expects to announce other carrier partnerships both inside and outside Brazil in the coming weeks. In 2014 and beyond, the company will be aggressively expanding its concept to Asia, India and eventually to North America.

"In many places in the world, Android app developers face an uphill battle in regards to revenue," said Pedro Ripper, Bemobi's Chief Executive Officer. "A key factor is the limited penetration of credit cards which severely restricts initial payments. By offering a strong subscription-based app store, billed to users through their monthly carrier statements, we've created a 'Netflix-style' service that works extremely well even in countries where credit cards and debit cards are more widely used. The concept circumvents the multiple drawbacks of Google Play and gives developers of high quality Android apps a way to significantly increase their revenue over time."

The Bemobi App Store is limited to a maximum of 500 apps, giving developers a high degree of exclusivity in their category. Because subscribers can download and use as many apps as they wish without additional cost, they are incentivized to explore new apps. Moreover, Bemobi is the first service of its kind to integrate with Facebook so that users can discover and experience new apps free of charge based on what their friends use and recommend.

Apps included in the Bemobi app store are chosen based on their high ratings with users, along with their current price point or pre-existing subscription model. Participating carriers preload the branded app store in all their Android devices and promote its use in order to maximize customer participation.

Oi's new Bemobi-powered app store, called the Oi Apps Clube, is available for download from the Google Play Store with a 15-day free trial offer. It will soon come preloaded on Android handsets sold by Oi. For more about Bemobi, developers can go to http://www.bemobi.com.br/appsclube/developers.

About Bemobi:

Bemobi is changing the mobile app monetization model for developers of high-quality Android apps through its innovative, subscription-based app store, available through wireless carriers. Its "Netflix-style" app store allows subscribers to explore, download and use as many apps as they wish from their Bemobi-powered and carrier branded app store, with recurring revenues shared by developers. Bemobi puts carriers in the apps value chain while also giving subscribers an easy way to enjoy an the best apps in music, games, utilities, health and more, on an unlimited-usage basis. Initially available in Brazil, Bemobi's app store is expanding in countries around the world. To learn more, log on to the Bemobi developer site at http://www.bemobi.com.br/appsclube/developers.

SOURCE Bemobi