Nokia's Ovi Store said to be launching with 20,000 'items,' unknown number of apps

The launch of the Ovi Store is just around the bend and, according to reports, Nokia is looking to blow this things out a little better than Google, which launched its Android Market with a paltry 50 selections. Nokia is said to have over 20,000 "items" ready for download when things go live, a number that compares quite favorably to the 40,000 apps Apple currently offers through its App Store. However, what remains to be seen is exactly what an "item" is defined as. We're sure that count includes custom apps and WidSets, and there's talk about N-Gage games finding inclusion as well. However, video and music downloads seem to be counted as well, and we'd guess ringtones too. So, how many actual applications will it have at launch? That remains to be seen.

[(Unverified) Posted May 8th 2009 11:10AM]

PLEASE please please let that Facebook app in the screenshot be real! It still blows me away that worldwide Symbian is the biggest installed base for a smartphone and Facebook and Nokia both have ignored it for a dedicated app. Especially considering how many Facebook members are S60 owners worldwide.

With yesterday's Windows Mobile Facebook app announcement that pretty much leaves Symbian out as the only major smartphone platform without it.

[Omagus Posted May 8th 2009 12:48PM]

Agreed. I hate that there is no dedicated FB app for S60.

[(Unverified) Posted May 8th 2009 10:55PM]

Hey anon it's funny how people who frequently visit phone sites see each other everywhere in comments. I've seen you in palm pre FAQ as well as many others. And that facebook app has already been confirmed haven't you checked out that guy using it on the N97?

[grifforama Posted May 26th 2009 10:13AM]

Looks like the Facebook application was BS

[(Unverified) Posted May 8th 2009 1:05PM]

Symbian isn't the only platform... Android has yet to release an 'official' facebook app for their community.

As far as Im concerned, a facebook app for symbian is on it's way. Look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2ie9FfIaa4

[(Unverified) Posted May 8th 2009 1:09PM]

N97 shortcomings aside, I think the Facebook widget that Nokia's been raving about should indicate that it links to a native app somehow. One way or another, the N97 is going to have a Facebook solution.

Let's just hope it supports chatting.

[(Unverified) Posted May 9th 2009 7:33AM]

AppStore may have 40,000 'apps', but how many actual (i.e. non-ifart) apps does it have remains a mystery as well.

[(Unverified) Posted May 10th 2009 10:34AM]

A FB app would be nice but I'm hoping for an updated *email client*. The same old klunky email from 2003 is making me crazy. I'd cough up $50 for that new e75 email client that I can install on my e66.

Also a smart access point manager to auto-select WiFi/3g/Edge (the birdstep one crashes) like some Nseries devices have would be worth some cash.

If I can't add significant benefits to my Nokia device with items from the Ovi store then Nokia's chances in the smartphone world are sunk.

Anyone know a target date for it opening? I was hoping for May 1st...

[Renegade Fanboy Posted May 11th 2009 1:52AM]

James, I believe it will have the updated email, I'm already using the alpha on the 5800 (same OS version): http://betalabs.nokia.com/betas/view/nokia-messaging-s60-5th-edition