Abstract: An application transfer protocol allows users to find applications relevant to a search query in an application search system. The application transfer protocol is used with an index that maintains a database of applications that includes parameters, such as features and/or content of the application. When a user submits a query, the system determines one or more applications relevant to the search query and implements the application transfer protocol to identify and present results to a user.

Abstract: Techniques for discovery of applications across a plurality of application stores are described herein. The discovery may be in response to a query and intent process, which may be initiated by a search query. The search query may reveal user intent to discover an application by operation of a search engine. The user intent may be matched with indexed application content. The application content may be obtained by operation of a discovery and indexing process. A crawler may discover and crawl a plurality of application stores. Additionally or alternatively, a feed store may receive direct feeds of application information and links to download locations from a plurality of application stores. Both the discovered data and direct feeds may be sent to an indexer, to create and maintain an index. Search results pages may be returned to provide users with information, links to developer websites and links to download pages from a plurality of application stores.