Project Canvas will offer an app store similar to Apple's own version if the platform gets the final green light, according to Erik Huggers, Director of Future Media and Technology of the BBC, speaking at the Nations & Regions Media Conference in Salford (UK).

Mr. Huggers said that a downloadable software developer kit (SDK) will be made available if the joint venture gets the final go-ahead from the BBC Trust, enabling compatible applications to be created and submitted by the wider developer community.  “Our ambition is that small companies and individuals will create apps for the general public," he said.  "I’m excited by the apps that we haven’t thought of yet.  It’s about opening a new gateway for anyone to build apps and services."

Project Canvas is a joint venture between the BBC and five other partners to develop and promote a common standard that would allow UK consumers with a broadband connection to access on-demand content and other interactive services, as well as linear content, on their living room TV set.  Content would be delivered via an Internet-connected device such as a set-top box, with no subscription required for access to content.

The BBC Trust granted conditional approval to the Project Canvas initiative at the end of 2009, saying that the likely public value of the proposal "justifies any negative market impact". The Trust is proposing some conditions on the BBC's participation in the venture, in order to secure public value and minimise any negative impact the project might have on the UK's wider VOD market.

There will now be a period of consultation on the provisional conclusions, closing on February 2nd, after which the BBC Trust will reach its final decision.