Apps and cloud software - the future of business accounting?

Intuit have just released the MyBizTracker App for the iPhone which promises to keep you in touch with your business accounts whilst on the go. It is always welcome to see a useful app, especially one that is free and does not rely on any pre-purchased software, but what exactly does this app do and how does it represent the developments being made in the world of business? 

MyBizTracker from Intuit

MyBizTracker is pretty much what the name suggests; an app which allows you to track your business accounts whilst you are away from the office. It records all your incoming and outgoing expenses in real time as well as recording any expenses you incur on business trips (such as meals and taxis).

The app is certainly very good at doing everything it claims to do through its intuitive and simple navigation. The beauty of it is that as long as you have an internet connection (and where doesn't these days?) it is almost as good as being at the office.

The app has a simple display showing your business' finances and whether you are in the red or the black in real time. This means that your financial information is always kept up-to-date and you don't have to worry about what is happening to your cash whilst away from the office.

What does the app say about the world of business?

Intuit's app is a very simple idea but very effective and can be seen as a logical extension to their existing QuickBooks Online accounting software. This employs cloud computing technology for business use, enhancing various aspects of basic financial operations.

Cloud software has been positioned as a prime area of growth for businesses over recent years with an increasing number of services transferring their software to this virtual realm. There are numerous benefits to this and with such strong popularity, similar approaches towards other areas of business are expected to characterise the future of company dealings.

What does the app offer?

As with any app, it is never enough to simply do what it claims and MyBizTrack is as user friendly and functional as it is effective. It is set out in line with HMRC requirements so you can be confident that it is going to be reliable and do more than simply display basic information.

If you have a business and find yourself away from the office wondering exactly what is going on whilst you are away this really is worth trying out. It is absolutely free and is a completely stand-alone piece of software. Intuit have a record of making some of the best accounting software available inside the office and with this app they have proved their ability to transfer these skills outside of the office too.

Posted by shinychris on January 7, 2013 9:49 AM in Advertorial| Sponsored posts| iPhone applications
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iPhone 5 tops 2 million pre-orders in 24 hours

Despite a slightly muted response to the latest smartphone from the Apple stable, the iPhone 5 is already performing where it arguably counts most; at the cash register. The iPhone 5 has managed to break all previous records by toting up two million pre-orders within just 24 hours.

Compare that to the iPhone 4S, which managed just one million in a day, and Apple clearly have another winner on their hands.

"The customer response to iPhone 5 has been phenomenal," said Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

"iPhone 5 is the most beautiful product we've ever made, and we hope customers love it as much as we do."

The numbers will certainly go someway towards silencing critics who felt that the lack of NFC and only slight spec upgrades made it not worth a purchase.

In order to meet demand swiftly, Apple are shipping the iPhones direct to consumers from the Chinese factories where they were made, but have warned that unprecedented demand may mean that some Apple fans will not receive the handset in time for the phone's September 21 street date.

RELATED:
Apple iPhone 5 officially revealed: Specs, features, pricing and release date unveiled
iPhone 5 UK price starts at steep £529, UK networks revealed

Via: Tech Digest

Posted by Gerald Lynch on September 19, 2012 12:05 PM in Latest iPhone news| iPhone 5
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Apple iPhone 5: Everything You Need To Know

Apple have lifted the covers off the iPhone 5, revealing the official specs, features, pricing and release date of 2012's most hotly-anticipated phone. Our friends over at Tech Digest here offer an in-depth look at what's on offer.

Staying at the same price as the iPhone 4S, the iPhone costs $199 for the 16GB version, $299 for 32GB and $399 for 64GB. Pre-orders start on Friday 14th, with the phone shipping on September 21st in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. 20 more countries will follow next month.

Rising out of the ground of the Apple event stage like an Indiana Jones treasure, it's the most feature-rich iOS device to date. Made entirely of glass and aluminium, it is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, measuring 7.6mm thick and weighing 112 grams, making it 20% lighter than the iPhone 4S. As per usual, it'll be available in two colours too, either black or white, though the rear panels will be different on each. The white version has a raw aluminium back plate, while the black version has an anodised black finish on its rear.
A Retina display with 326ppi again features, in a 4-inch screen of the usual width, but taller than previous iPhones. Resolution of the display sits at 1136 x 640. Closer to a 16:9 ratio than before, the iPhone 5 is now better for viewing films on, with 44% better colour saturation, with touch integrated into the display to reduce glare in sunlight.

Everything now runs off the new A6 chip, which Apple claim is 2 times faster than the A5 for both CPU and GPU processing. 22% smaller and more energy efficient than the previous chip, apps can now load as much as 2x faster. Console-quality graphics will be possible, according to EA's Rob Murray, who demoed the Real Racing 3 app game on the new iPhone 5.

iOS 6 is the onboard operating system, which adds another row of apps on each homescreen, thanks to the longer screen, making for five app rows, plus the app dock on the bottom.It also introduces Apple's own Maps app to the iPhone as a native, first party app for the first time. It uses Yelp data for local amenities, and includes Siri integration for voice control, and includes 3D imagery and satellite imagery too. The Safari browser gets an update too, allowing for a fullscreen view and shared tabs from iPad and Mac versions of the browser through the iCloud service. Passbook, letting you use your iPhone as a ticketing system, including airline flights, was also demoed. iTunes too gets a major revamp, with more ways to buy and streamlined track viewing and playback options.
All first party apps have been optimised for the new longer display to show more information too. Calendar, for instance, now shows a full five-day working week. Old apps, however, run in letterbox view with black borders either side of the display, rather than stretched to fit. This keeps everything pinsharp at a natural resolution, but may frustrate some users. Hopefully app developers will put the time in to offer iPhone 5 optimised versions too.

Camera capabilities are also improved. It's still an 8MP backside illuminated sensor as with the iPhone 4S, but now with a dynamic low-light mode for better night time shooting to add to the 5-element lens and f/2.4 aperture. There's also a panorama shooting mode natively built into the camera app for the first time, with a 360-degree shot resulting in a giant 28 megapixel image. The A6 chip allows for faster photo capture too, as well as a smart filter for better colour matching and reduced noise. Share Photo Streams allow you to share photos with pals, and receive messages on your snaps too.

Video capture remains at 1080p, with improved video stabilisation and facial recognition added. The front facing camera also jumps to 720p, which makes for sharper FaceTime calls, which can now be made over cellular networks too, as well as Wi-Fi.
Calls themselves should be slightly clearer too, thanks to three mice situated on the front, bottom and back of the device. These should all help with noise cancellation and voice recognition with apps like Siri.

As expected, the connector for the phone changes for the first time in the iPhone's history, dropping the nine-year old connector that first shipped with the iPod. A new "Lightning" connector is now introduced, that's 80% smaller, helping to keep the overall design smaller, as well as offering faster data transfers, and is "reversible", meaning it can be plugged in when either facing the front or back. Accessories for connecting to devices with the old-style dock connector will also be available.

"Ultrafast Wireless" connectivity means that LTE 4G speeds are available to the new iPhone 5, while EDGE, HSPA, HSPA+ and DC-HSDPA are all also compatible. LTE carriers include the newly announced EE 4G network in the UK, and Sprint, AT&T and Verizon in the USA. Wi-Fi connectivity comes courtesy of 802.11a/b/g/n, dual channel to 150mbps.
Even with LTE connectivity, 225 hours of battery life on standby are quoted, with 8 hours 3G or LTE talk time, and 10 hours Wi-Fi usage.

So, does it live up to expectations? Have Apple again laid the smartphone smack down on their competitors, or do Android handsets like the Samsung Galaxy S3, Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and HTC One X offer more bang for the buck? Let us know your thoughts in the comments area below!

For more iPhone 5 launch news, click here

Posted by Gerald Lynch on September 19, 2012 12:01 PM in Latest iPhone news| iPhone 5
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4G "EE" service from Everything Everywhere revealed

Everything Everywhere have revealed details of the UK's first consumer 4G service, called EE.

With Everything Everywhere now changing their name to EE, the EE 4G service will use network infrastructure from Everything Everywhere's two formative parties, Orange and T-Mobile, to deliver the super-fast mobile speeds. Using the 1800MHz spectrum, EE will also begin offering a fixed-line fiber optic broadband service, with a 4G Wi-Fi dongle likely soon to follow.

Orange and T-Mobile will continue to work as individual networks too, with Orange aiming to appeal to premium customers, and T-Mobile appealing to those looking for value-for-money contracts.

"London will be the first major European city to be covered by 4G," said EE CEO Olaf Swantee.

"We plan to have 4G services available to 20 million in the UK. The EE network will cover 70 per cent by 2013, 90 per cent of UK by 2014."

It's been a long old wait for 4G networking in the UK, but the wheels finally got in motion after Everything Everywhere gained approval to move on with their 4G plans from regulator Ofcom in the last few weeks.

EE are yet to announce which tablets or handsets will be compatible with their 4G service, nor any pricing details, but we expect to get these details soon. With the iPhone 5 widely expected to be 4G enabled, you'd expect a data plan for Apple's new smartphone to be among the first announced for the EE service. Devices from Nokia, Samsung and Huawei are also expected to feature in EE's 4G plans.

EE are planning a full consumer launch for the 4G service before Christmas, covering 16 cities including London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Bristol.

More on the EE 4G service as details trickle in, so keep checking back for more info.

Via: Tech Digest

Posted by Gerald Lynch on September 19, 2012 11:56 AM in Latest iPhone news
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Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013

The development of technology is matched in pace by the development of viruses which pose threats to the security of data. While the freedom of information online is one of the internet's greatest features, it can also open us up to new dangers and threats as we input information of our own. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 is designed specifically to reduce the threats posed by the internet and to protect the information stored on our computers.

New threats daily

Each day, 125,000 new viruses appear and the need for a piece of software which can keep up to date is apparent. The Kaspersky Security Network utilises cloud computing to share vital information with users worldwide which can contribute towards the software being aware of new threats as they emerge.

Those who buy Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 will also get Kaspersky Mobile Security, which brings Kaspersky's protection software to Android devices. This software will protect Android phones from viruses and spyware, as well as filtering unwanted calls or texts.

As well as protecting against viruses, the Kaspersky Anti-Virus software also includes anti-phishing software which is designed to make online shopping and online banking a far safer and less worrying experience. 60% of internet banking customers report to have worried about the safety of their information as it is transferred across the web.

Information security

Phishing scams allow internet criminals to gain access to key information which you input on the web - be it through internet banking or online shopping. As well as being built with the ability to recognise harmful websites whose connections are not sufficiently encrypted, the 'virtual keyboard' facility included in the anti-virus software works by allowing users to input data using mouse clicks rather than their keyboard. This prevents key loggers from recognising your input method and stealing sensitive information.

Malware protection

Malware from suspicious websites can corrupt files on your computer resulting in the loss of key files within your media libraries or within applications themselves. Often cyber criminals can access applications which have not recently been updated and are missing up to date fixes. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 can source the vulnerabilities in these applications and can prevent criminals from accessing and corrupting this data.

Minimal performance impact

Often anti-virus software can take its toll on your computer, hijacking large parts of your computer's access memory and having an adverse effect on the performance of your computer. Kaspersky's latest release is optimised to run efficiently, minimising the impact that the software has on the running performance of your machine. The software has also been optimised to have a minimal impact on the battery life of your laptop, allowing you to spend more time doing the things you enjoy whilst maintained a high level of security in all aspects of your computer usage.

The key to success in this latest Kaspersky release is in its ability to update and adapt to the constantly evolving threats which are posed to your PC. Via its link to Kaspersky's security databases, the software will be able to defend your computer against developing threats, ensuring your computer's safety indefinitely.

Posted by shinychris on September 19, 2012 11:17 AM in Advertorial
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Jackpot247 - Live Casino In Your Hands

Whether you are on the bus, on the sofa or simply relaxing out of doors, the exciting new Jackpot247 app lets you experience the thrill of live roulette wherever you are. Check out the promo video here:

Jackpot247 iPhone & iPad App Video from Jackpot247 on Vimeo.

Gambling on the go has never been easier and with the new mobile app from Jackpot247 - now available to download for free on the App Store - you have the chance to place real time bets and interact with the presenters of the Live Roulette show on Channel 5.

Netplay TV, the company behind Channel 5's popular nightly Live Roulette show have teamed up with Swedish developers Miles Ahead to create an industry leading application. The app uses HTML, HTML 5, Javascript JQuery and JSON, creating functionality that allows users to interact with the live Roulette game engine. What makes the application unique is its ability to deliver a realtime gaming experience to players.

The introduction of both the iPad and iPhone platforms have resulted in 18% of all Jackpot247 players choosing to play via their mobile device, using the new app. Netplay TV have also launched applications for their sister site SuperCasino on both the iPhone and iPad, seeing the great potential in what is a rapidly growing market.

This entrance into the mobile betting world, now allows for customers to access Jackpot247's live roulette by telephone, web or mobile. You can watch each live roulette spin online at www.Jackpot247.co.uk, or on Channel Five and Sky Channel 862.

Posted by shinychris on July 17, 2012 12:54 PM in Advertorial
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Why your iPhone needs protecting

Sponsored post

Currently found in the hands and pockets of millions of mobile users across the world, the first iPhone did not hit our shelves until 2007.

For a product which is relatively new, iPhones have quickly established themselves as a coveted item and unfortunately this means owners must take the necessary measures to protect their beloved phone from harm.

With their bright, touch-screen displays illuminating the surrounding area, iPhones are easily detectable by thieves and this makes owners wary of flashing them in public.

Unfortunately, physical threats are not the only problem to have afflicted these devices over the years. On top of the danger of theft or damage, iPhone users also face threats from the digital world and in some ways these can be more harmful.

In fact, in July 2007 SC Magazine had already launched a report on how the first exploit of the device had been found - just months after the first devices were sold to an eager public.

Since then, Apple has taken the protection of their beloved device very seriously. In August 2011, CNN reported on how this dedication had seen the company take drastic measures - employing one of the most famous iPhone hackers (Nicholas Allegra who operated under the pseudonym Comex) for an internship.

Despite these moves, problems with security continued, albeit through somewhat different sources - namely the internet.

With Smartphones such as these connecting to the internet in multiple ways, the threat of hacking and internet viruses is rife.

One of the benefits of phones such as these is they can receive emails in the same manner as text messages. Unfortunately this function also means your phone could be at risk from online threats even when idle - making protection vital.

Luckily, companies such as Secure Web Point have developed a solution for this, offering services which are designed to keep you and your personal details safe at all times.

Failure to protect these details can lead to identity theft and internet fraud, causing mass disruption and devastation to those affected.

Even online banking details can be stolen if you do not protect your internet connections and your IP (Internet Protocol) address can reveal data such as your home location, giving criminals all the information and opportunities they need.

Investing in mobile VPN for iPhone is the best way to secure your Smartphone from these threats, providing protection which enables you to browse the internet free from worry.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows networks to be extended in a secure manner using the internet. By creating them in a form suitable for mobile phones, developers are offering a way for users to protect their valuable details, allowing them to use all of their phone's fantastic features without worrying about the potential risk.

Posted by shinychris on February 7, 2012 10:44 AM in Advertorial| iPhone accessories| iPhone applications
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