App recommendation system coming in iPhone OS 3.0?

Apple’s upcoming iPhone OS 3.0 update contains software features that, if enabled, would allow users to recommend apps to other users, according to a new report. Citing a person familiar with the technology, BusinessWeek reports that the software may allow users to “share,” or recommend, software with other users, and may be expanded to allow users to invite others to games even when the recipient does not own the game in question. “Now you can sell copies of your app to two players instead of one,” said former Apple engineer Dave Howell, who now runs file-sharing app developer Avatron Software. Richard Doherty, director at consulting firm Envisioneering Group, suggests that the feature may eventually offer users a commission when others purchase software based on their recommendations. Apple spokeswoman Jennifer Bowcock declined the opportunity to discuss possible features with BW, saying, “[w]e’ve made no announcements at this time.”