The App Quality Alliance (AQuA) – comprising mobile heavyweights AT&T, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Oracle, Orange, Samsung and Sony Mobile – has released its Quality App Directory, less than two months after the group rebranded from its former identity The Unified Testing Alliance.

Developed in “close collaboration” with mobile app developers, the group claims the Android-supporting directory “is a totally independent and free resource that lets developers upload details of apps – either self-tested or tested by an approved house – to gain accreditation and recognition for their good QA practice.”

The directory has been beta tested and developers can now submit self-tested apps, based on AQuA testing criteria, for an entry level accreditation or can choose one of four test houses (Babel Media, Intertek, Sogeti High Tech and VMC Consulting) to test their app, for an independent accreditation.  AQuA will conduct periodic audits of self-tested apps. In addition, where an AQuA member has successfully tested an app themselves, these apps will gain the status of AQuA Member Verified.  The alliance says that developers who achieve consistent accreditation will secure ‘trusted developer’ status.

“The directory will also be an important resource for companies seeking to buy quality apps or work with the best developers,” notes a statement. “Unlike app stores, it accredits and includes only the best quality mobile apps available, across a range of genres, so that they can have confidence that they have selected a quality product from a reputable developer.”

Although the initial launch will only support Android apps, other platforms are expected to follow.

The group describes itself as “an independent, non-profit organisation funded by its members with the sole purpose of helping developers improve the quality of mobile applications”.