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Tokyo, August 19, 2015 - Rakuten, Inc. today announced the launch of the Rakuten App Ichiba, an app store for Android™ OS devices. The Rakuten App Ichiba currently offers about 380 apps*1 from approximately 180 app developers, including apps exclusive to the store, and there are plans to further expand the lineup of apps in the future.
The Rakuten App Ichiba offers apps in a wide variety of genres, from entertainment apps, such as games and fortune telling apps, to educational apps for children and infants, and lifestyle apps, such as maps and household bookkeeping apps. On the Rakuten App Ichiba, in-store payments and in-app charges can be paid using Rakuten Super Points, and users also can earn 10 times the normal amount of Rakuten Super Points on purchases*2.
In addition, through cooperation with Trend Micro Inc., the security of each app on the store will be evaluated by Trend Micro’s technologies during registration screening in order to enhance the security of the apps and allow users to utilize the service with peace of mind. Furthermore, the Rakuten App Ichiba will also offer an “anti-malicious app countermeasures” feature that will scan and check the security of all the apps installed on the user’s AndroidTM device free of charge once a month*3.
Through special features and campaigns, Rakuten App Ichiba will run promotions for apps on the store and provide users with a variety of ways to enjoy their apps. Going forward, the company will harness its know-how and experience in the B2B2C business developed running Rakuten Ichiba and Rakuten Travel to provide support for app developers.
Through the Rakuten App Ichiba, Rakuten aims to provide users with a new way to enjoy apps, while providing app developers with a new sales channel and expanding the Rakuten Ecosystem.
*1 The number of apps available on the Rakuten App Ichiba as of August 17, 2015.
*2 10 Rakuten Super Points will be awarded for every 100 yen spent (excluding certain apps).
*3 Additional scans can be carried out for 100 yen (including tax) per scan.
