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In the last few weeks, we’ve seen a bevy of announcements about new download store applications. This could be due to Apple’s overwhelmingly successful iTunes model and recently launched App Store. It could also be due to the fact that more devices have enough bandwidth to make this a viable model, but whatever it is must be in the Kool-Aid of nearly every boardroom of device makers around the globe.

While we initially saw this model become hugely successful for Apple with its iTunes for downloading music to people’s iPods, the mobile phone industry is latching onto the idea in a big way. As devices start to blend between phone, navigation devices and music players, the download store space is expanding in a big way.

Check out the rundown of all these recent announcements.

• Apple iTunes

The largest and most popular music download site. Period. The recently released App Store also allows iPhone users to snag the latest applications for their mobile phone.

• Google App Market

Google announced the App Market last week and it should be available in time for the release of the first Android handset. That could be coming out any time between Thanksgiving and any minute now. This store is for Android users to download new applications, regardless of which carrier they use.

• Nokia Download Store

Nokia’s freshly introduced model includes all the music you can download on a relatively inexpensive handset. The model is being tested in the UK, but Nokia is already eying new markets for expansion.

• Sony PSP

Sony is testing a game download service for the PSP in Japan. This model would allow Sony to forgo the cost of burning discs, packaging and sharing their take with those pesky video game retailers.

This model has been used by mobile carriers to sell ringtones, wallpaper and additional services for some time now. Handango and newcomer Phoload also provide similar services across mobile carrier. So what made iTunes so popular and can anyone muscle in on their music download market share?

If anyone has the potential to do so, it may be Nokia. With its astounding market share of the global handset market, Nokia is poised to carry this concept around the world to places where Apple’s high-end devices are unlikely to reach.

Why not Google’s App Market you ask? While the App Market could become popular if Andorid handsets take off, it’s not likely to be much of a money-maker for Google. The App Market could generate revenue for premium application or content providers, but its model is based around creating a bazaar for users to hawk their wares, not as a distribution channel for premium Google services.

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