A useful facility, although i'm not sure how best it'll work. If it gives smaller App developers better exposure, i'm all for it.

Chinese search engine Baidu has said it will allow people to preview mobile apps without needing to download them.

Baidu's free Light App platform will run other apps, giving users a chance to access them without having to install them first.

The service would help less well-known apps get more visibility, the firm said at its annual Baidu World event.

Analysts say the move can be seen as an effort by Baidu to expand its reach in China's mobile internet market.

"The traditional app store model has a fundamental flaw because it only benefits a few popular apps, while a huge number of small developers are finding it hard to survive," Baidu chief executive Robin Li said, according to the China Daily newspaper.Baidu Now Allows Users App Previews, Before Choosing To Download [bbc.co.uk]