“Apple has unveiled its much-anticipated iCloud service at its annual developers' conference. Apple boss Steve Jobs returned from medical leave to show off the features of the web-based service.  He said iCloud was necessary because the PC was no longer the digital hub of users' digital lives.  The web-based service aims to synchronise and co-ordinate the key content people store and share across their devices”  BBC News

Apple’s new iCloud service sounds pretty great - a way to link all Apple devices, without having to connect your iPod, iPhone and iPad all to your iMac.  For example, if you buy an app on your iPhone, it will automatically appear in all your other Apple devices without having to sync.

“One part of the cloud-version of iTunes, called iTunes Match, will also scan the songs that people have ripped from their own CDs. This will recreate the library in the cloud without the need for the music to be uploaded. The service will cost $24.99 a year in the US. UK prices have yet to be given” According to Maggie Shiels, a Technology reporter, the new iTunes Match will be the biggest selling point for the majority of consumers.

I for one, am so excited about the new iCloud - it brings the initially corporate idea of a cloud network down to a more user-friendly and social level.

“M-commerce could deliver a £4.5bn boost to Britain's economy by 2016, with a further £13bn by 2021, according to new research commissioned by online marketplace eBay.  It has called on communications regulator Ofcom to consider the potential for this market when policy makers establish rules for the 4G mobile networks later this year. Retailers are currently missing out on at least £1.3bn as a result of bad mobile broadband connections, according to the research. "Mobile shopping represents a massive opportunity not just for retailers, but for the economy as a whole," said Angus McCarey, retail director for eBay UK”  Derek du Preez, computing.co.uk


I for one, as a big fan of mobile shopping - especially for ease-of-use such as my most recent app download, Moonpig (which also happens to be one of Testing Circle’s much-valued clients.)  I have managed to purchase five cards since downloading the app over the weekend; this is mostly due to the great graphical user interface, simplicity of the app and the wide range of products available.

I do however agree that it is important to work on the ‘bad mobile broadband connections’ because without a doubt, the most frustrating part of mobile shopping is when you’re clicking ‘buy’ and the page doesn’t load.  Testing Circle have the software solutions to stop retail sites crashing due to extreme traffic, now all we need is for the broadband companies to work on their 4G connection!