Palm released the Mojo SDK for their new webOS software this week. The development kit is stated as being simple enough that anyone with Notepad and the ability to type in Java to Google will be able to create apps. Making the SDK as accessible as possible is a smart move by Palm, and suggests an understanding of the way the mobile world is turning. While there are immeasurable amounts of pointless apps on the iPhone, there are many that make life easier, more entertaining, and more productive. webOS will live and die by the applications available to it. Developers will feed off the popularity of the Pre handset and the resulting apps will then create further popularity for Palm’s phones. Here are some reasons why Palm needs the devs out there to stoke the webOS fire:

1. webOS’ Internets connectivity

The ‘perpetually online’ nature of webOS that Palm have been bandying about since announcing the Pre at CES is one of its iPhone-killer features. It offers further scope for developers to create apps that utilize the online functionality of the operating system. Apps that are unique to webOS, that can’t function on the iPhone, are where Palm’s customer base will be won

2. Consumer/Business User Appeal

If Palm is to achieve its goal of making their phones the choice of both the consumer market and the business market, it will rely on developers creating the apps that appeal to both those markets. Consumers wanna play games and stream music, business users want to trade stock and check spreadsheets at touch of a button. Apps that appeal to both user bases are essential to the success of webOS.

3. Gamers

Don’t hate. I’m not a gamer, but i recognise the market. And the amount of people i see swinging the iPhones around on the subway vouches for the fact that that mobile gaming is on the rise. A fast rise that means any phone worth its weight in silicon needs to cater to that market. The Pre’s accelerometer and touch screen, as well as the physical keyboard and gesture pad should offer game developers the chance to innovate. Palm just needs to convince them that their new phones represent genuine mobile gaming platforms.

4.  The competition

Apple, RIM, and Android all have well established developer communities and app stores. Apple is out there in the lead, and the integration with iTunes gives them a footing that is incredibly difficult to compete against. Palm not only needs to lure developers to create apps for webOS but also needs to provide a functional way for users to find and download apps. The app world is becoming crowded and Plam will need to stand out if they want to get ahead.

5. Apps will Progress Palm’s Handsets

We’ve said it before. The Pre will not be the only phone coming from Palm. webOS is where the real strength lies. Apps have the opportunity to extend the functionality of Palm’s phones beyond anything the company might have imagined. Jailbreaking on the iPhone and the creation of apps that further the phones capability such as those that allow video recording, show how applications can expand the usage of a phone. Palm’s (hopefully) more lenient stance on the developer censorship should allow for the developer to increase the use of their phones immeasurably.