Palm Inc. has started inviting developers to design and make apps for the much-anticipated Pre smartphone which many view will be a key rival to the iPhone and BlackBerry counterparts.

Palm and its new webOS

An AFP report said developers can apply online to get a Mojo software developer's kit (SDK) which will allow them to make the apps for the new webOS platform which will run the Palm pre.

Palm has earlier announced that it will launch its Palm App Catalog app store when the Pre hits the market.

No release date for the Palm Pre has so far been announced.

The new Palm smartphone emerged as best product in the cellphone and smartphone category at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January. It was also named "Best in Show" and was chosen "people's choice" via an online poll.