The App Quality Alliance (AQuA) has launched a badge for apps that meet its quality criteria. The badge will be displayed alongside apps as they appear in app stores and in marketing materials.

Developers awarded a badge will stand out from other apps for “having achieved the most credible, independent recognition in the industry”, the organisation said.

The initiative was developed in response to demand from developers who have been included in AQuA’s Quality App Directory, launched in October.

“The added recognition to the developers of being able to promote their apps using the Quality Badge is another step in the right direction for AQuA and the industry as a whole,” said head of developer technical services at Sony Mobile, Magnus Ekenheim.

AQuA is a non-profit organisation aimed at supporting quality app development. Its members include AT&T, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Oracle, Orange, Samsung and Sony Mobile.