AppStore mobile app + backend + infrastructure for Cardano Phone (Black Rocket Phone)

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We want to develop our custom app store for this phone to be managed by the Cardano community

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

We have dependency on GrapheneOS, as we are creating the app store for that operating system

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

All the developments done for the AppStore will be published here: https://github.com/intellisoftalpin?tab=repositories

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Key Features of the Cardano Mobile App Store

Community-Driven Selection

A marketplace curated with direct input from the Cardano community ensures that all applications are tested, approved, and continuously evaluated by those who use them most. This community-driven approach guarantees that the apps are not only functional but also highly relevant and secure.

Unmatched Security

Building on the robust security features of Graphene OS, the app store offers a secure environment for downloading and managing apps. All applications undergo a stringent manual review process upon their first publication and whenever their permissions change, ensuring they meet the high security standards expected by our users.

Flexible Payment and Licensing

Developers can publish apps through a secure NFT-based system, where app ownership and transactions are managed via blockchain technology. This system allows for a variety of payment methods, including ADA, EUR/USD, and custom tokens, providing flexibility and ease of use for both developers and users.

Advanced Filtering Options

The app store includes advanced filtering options based on app permissions, allowing users to easily find apps that meet their specific security and functionality requirements. This feature adds an extra layer of user control, enhancing the ability to make informed decisions about which apps to install.

Cardano App Store High-Level Specifications

For Developers and Publishers:

1. NFT Purchase for App Publication

• Developers must purchase a special NFT to obtain the license and verify their identity, enabling them to publish apps.

2. App Store Account and NFT Integration

• Developers need to log into the app store using a Cardano web wallet containing the NFT, which securely links their identity to their publication rights.

3. Developer Information Storage

• The NFT stores essential information about the developer, ensuring easy accessibility and verification within the blockchain.

4. Publication Process

• The combination of the wallet and NFT allows developers to publish and manage their apps, enhancing security and traceability.

5. Revenue Flow

• Payments for apps are transferred directly to the developer’s wallet linked to their NFT, ensuring secure and immediate transactions.

For Users:

1. App Download Options

• Users can download free apps without signing in. Downloading paid apps requires signing in with a Cardano wallet.

2. NFT-Based Ownership and Transferability

• On purchase, an NFT representing ownership and download rights is generated and sent to the user’s wallet. These NFTs can be transferred between users.

3. Flexible Payment Options

• Payments can be made in ADA, with prices in ADA or equivalent values in EUR/USD, and for some apps, custom tokens may be accepted.

4. Subscription Services

• Subscription-based services utilize expirable NFTs that manage renewals and cancellations automatically based on subscription status.

Additional Features and Enhancements:

1. App Filtering Based on Permissions

• A feature allowing users to filter apps based on required permissions, enhancing informed decision-making.

2. Manual Review of Apps

• All apps are manually reviewed upon first publication or when changes to the app’s permissions occur to ensure compliance and maintain integrity.

3. User Reviews and Ratings

• A system for users to provide feedback through ratings and reviews, enhancing community trust and aiding decision-making.

4. Developer Support and Community Interaction

• Implementation of forums or direct messaging within the app store to facilitate communication between users and developers.

5. Enhanced Security Features

• Introduction of multi-factor authentication and additional wallet security measures to protect user accounts.

6. Personalized Recommendations

• Development of an algorithm to recommend apps based on users’ historical downloads and preferences.

7. Promotional Tools for Developers

• Provision of marketing tools to developers for promotions, discounts, or featured app placements to enhance visibility.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Objectives

Empowering Innovation

By breaking away from the traditional constraints of mainstream app stores, the Cardano Mobile App Store fosters an environment of innovation and freedom. Developers have the opportunity to create and distribute pioneering applications that push the boundaries of what mobile apps can do within the blockchain space.

Enhancing User Empowerment

This app store is built with the philosophy of user empowerment at its core. From customizable experiences to secure transaction systems, every feature is designed to put the user in control, ensuring they have the best tools at their fingertips

Community Collaboration and Feedback

Continual engagement with the Cardano community ensures that the app store evolves according to user feedback and changing needs. This collaborative approach is essential for maintaining a relevant and user-focused marketplace that truly serves the Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

They key stake holders of our company have more than 20 years of experience in different IT branches, we have enough experience and resources to implement this project

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

First milestone will be the basic app store for free application with possibilities for developers manage their account and publish applications

The second key milestone will be providing the possibility to the developers and publishers to publish paid apps or apps with recurring payments

Final milestone is the fully working mobile appstore included in the BlackRocketOS

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

• The architect and the team lead, backend developer
• 1 DevOps engineer
• 1 Mobile Developer
• 1 Backend developer

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

We need to support the team described above (4 persons during development period)

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost will be not enough for the project, our company will reuse our own resources to initiate this project, but it will simplify the initial period of the development till the money we got to the MVC point and will be able to raise more resources