Facebook to start app store

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MENLO PARK, Calif., May 9 (UPI) -- Social networking site Facebook says it will satisfy its users' desires for apps by opening an app store to compete with Apple's App Store and Google Play.

When Facebook's App Center launches in a few weeks -- the company has not announced a date -- it will be accessible on the Web as well as in the native Android and iOS Facebook apps, ZDNet.com reported Wednesday.

Facebook said it wants third-party developers onboard so the App Center can be filled when it launches, and has set up Facebook pages for developers interested in having their apps included.

"The App Center gives developers an additional way to grow their apps and creates opportunities for more types of apps to be successful," a Facebook representative said in a statement. "We are excited to give developers a new way to grow their apps with the App Center."

When the App Center launches, its Web address will be facebook.com/appcenter, the company said.