Unicom China launches 'App Store' rival

China Unicom, the mainland's No 2 wireless network operator, will introduce its 'WoStore' mobile applications service in Hong Kong next year in a move that could create a formidable local rival to Apple's popular online 'App Store'. Launched in Shanghai last week, the WoStore would offer an initial batch of 2,612 mobile applications after Unicom secured key alliances with Hong Kong 3G mobile network operators, a spokeswoman for ZTE Corp said. Unicom subscribers in Hong Kong could already access the service. ZTE built the online application service for Unicom to support multiple smartphones and mobile platforms, except Apple's iPhone and iOS operating system.