AT&T Talks Apps Beta, More Connected Devices, Still Just Looking at Android

At AT&T’s press conference today, the wireless carrier jumped on the App Store bandwagon by announcing an Apps Beta program for non smart phones, and it was bullish on 3G coming to devices beyond cell phones. AT&T is watching Android very closely and would only say “stay tuned” about selling Android phones.

AT&T emphasized  its work with third-party developers. Its devCentral program, for example, has 20,000+ deveolpers. The company now has an Apps Beta program. It will emphasize user-generated content and social networking. AT&T subscribers will be able to provide feedback to developers before an app is approved. Customers will be able to experience apps in AT&T stores, and the carrier will let you load your device with premium apps in stores before you leave with your new device.

The carrier also talked about $49 netbooks, which are currently available in only Philadelphia in Atlanta, and you need to sign up for a home broadband plan first.

Glenn Lurie, president of Emerging Devices, talked about other types of gadgets that could have 3G inside. In-Stat says that he market will grow 15X to 96 million connected devices. And Rethink Wireless says that non-handset devices could account for $90 billion in operator revenue by 2013. AT&T envisions everything from wireless navigators and media players to eReaders and picture frames. AT&T is looking at family plans for sharing data plans across multiple wireless devices.

AT&T has also launched a three-screen initiative for the Masters golf championship, where you’ll be able to follow the Masters on your iPhone as well as on your PC through its U-Verse broadband service.

Local search is coming on strong, and Yellowpages.com (the number 20 web site in the U.S.) is goin mobile with Yellowpages.com for the iPhone 2.0. New version of app will have new features like what’s popular nearby (like Yelp), integration of custom mapping, and easily add businesses to contacts. Will also be available on feature phones and BlackBerry Bold (integrated into AT&T Navigator for that device).

AT&T also talked about “Have2″ apps like have2p (a restroom locator), and we could see others like have2getadrink. Speak4It is an R&D application that uses voice for local search.

When it comes to traditional mobile devices, 75 percent of sales are now 3G phones. The spring lineup focuses on devices for texting and e-mail. Quick messaging devices is emerging hot category, like the LG Neon and Samsung Magnet.