The Samsung Application Store, which launches across Europe, will initially only be available to Samsung smartphone owners using the Samsung Omnia or Samsung i8910 HD handsets.

More than 300 applications are available at launch, including Guitar Hero: World Tour, Evernote, and several language dictionaries. Samsung expect the store to grow to around 2,000 apps by the end of the year.

Samsung Omnia

Apps can be downloaded over the mobile network or via Wi-Fi, and third-party developers are able to build and distribute their apps through the store. Users can pay for any software or programs using their credit card, or as an extra payment on their monthly mobile phone bill.

“With the launch of the Application Store, Samsung will increase mobile phone sales and add value for its mobile customers through the availability of carefully selected applications,” said Hosoo Lee, an executive vice president at Samsung.