Research in Motion [RIM] is preparing to launch the BlackBerry Application Center, the company's answer to the iPhone and Google Android on-line stores.

According to BlackBerry fan site crackberry.com, The store has been programmed to operate on the RIM's upcoming version 4.7 OS, and will take advantage of the upcoming Storm's touch-screen functionality.

The storefront will feature a variety of third party applications, and will provide an up-to-date list of software available for download.

Crackberry.com is expecting the store to feature thousands of apps, but the Application Center will only display applications supported by users' carriers and phones.

Meanwhile, FierceWireless is reporting that the decision to delay the launch of the BlackBerry Bold is having an adverse affect on RIM's market performance. Deutsche Bank has lowered its RIM price target from $70 to $50.

RIM had elected to delay the launch of the Bold because AT&T is still testing the device on its 3G HSPA network, and RIM did not want a repeat of the problems experienced during Apple's 3G iPhone launch.

Source:telecomasia