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These days, downloading software applications for a smartphone is a breeze. But good luck trying to share that fun game or handy work-productivity tool with someone else. Sure, a handful of apps feature “tell a friend” buttons that let you alert others to an application you found useful, but if they want to check it out for themselves, they’ll have to download it or look over your shoulder.

A handful of upgrades from some of the biggest names in mobile software is set to upend the way smartphone users get and share apps. Apple’s new iPhone 3.0 software includes features that, if activated by Apple, may let users share software with one another, according to a person familiar with the technology. Eventually, iPhone users may even get a commission when they’ve induced someone else to make a purchase, says Richard Doherty, director at consultant Envisioneering Group. Apple spokeswoman Jennifer Bowcock wouldn’t discuss features that might be available in the future, saying only, “We’ve made no announcements at this time.”

Separately, a group of software developers led by Google is also considering enabling user-to-user gifting and recommendations through its mobile applications store, Android Market, a person familiar with the plans tells BusinessWeek.com.

Source: BusinessWeek