Did you know that it’s been less than four years since Apple launched iTunes App Store? Only four years and yet information about apps for smartphones is omnipresent in commercials, ads, conversation, and so on. Smartphones would hardly be worth the extra cost and bulk if they weren’t capable of supporting the various and wonderfully helpful apps that so many of us have integrated into our lives.

So how did it all get to be this way? App watchers and wizards at ShoutEm have put together a nice infographic to recount the brief albeit bustling history of the mobile app store. One interesting fact: I had no idea that Android Market launched only three months after iTunes App Store. Who knew!

Brought to you by ShoutEm – App Creator

For you of poorly sight, you can view a larger version here.