E-Retail – A potential goldmine hindered by slow web performance

Year after year we hear about Internet sales being broken. 2012 was no exception with 167million US shoppers having made purchases online – that is over half the American population (53%). The amount of Americans purchasing online is expected to rise to 192m by 2016 with Forester Research saying that e-retail will increase 62% and will make up 9% of total retail sales.

While many websites bare the fruit of this, there are those who miss out due to the poor web performance of their sites. There are designated special shopping holidays such as Black Friday which seen consumers spend $172 billion and Cyber Monday, which also seen an increase of 30% in 2012.
A study of a travel site found that 57% of Internet users will abandon the site after three seconds. When you take into account that the average load time for the top 2,000 retail sites is 10seconds – 10% faster that in 2011, but still way off meeting consumer needs – that is a lot of custom that has perhaps clicked to a site which has a faster website performance.

With Internet shopping continued to grow each year, poor load times will cost businesses even more potential revenue. Web pages get fancier and more complex each year in the hope to lure in more custom, but they are also expected to be faster. If the site is running slow, then it is a given that it is losing money.

Research has found that a 1% increase in load time can cause: 11% less page views, 16% decrease in customer satisfaction and a 7% loss in actual custom. It isn’t just web browsing from those using desktops or laptops where the losses are incurred. Mobile and tablet use increased last year with 18% of consumers using mobile devices to visit retail sites on Cyber Monday – an increase of 70% from 2011 according to IBM.

Companies should also be aware that nearly 1 in every 10 dollars is spent online via a mobile device with 9% of all e-retail happening from a mobile or tablet. One in four Americans surf the web via their mobile device. Loading times or lagging sites are not given any more leeway with mobile phone users either with 60% of users expecting a mobile site to load in under 3 seconds. 74% of users will leave a website if it doesn’t load on their smart-phone after 5 seconds.

Online shopping is a potential goldmine for many businesses, yet there are those sites which can’t deal with Internet traffic which will invariably have slow loads times and thus cost them a lot of potential revenue. Slow load times will annoy customers and almost definitely turn visitors against your brand. Prioritise for increased traffic and technology and it will help you earn more money.

Visit the following links for more information on how to enhance your web performance.

website monitoring- http://www.nccgroup.com/en/our-services/website-performance-software-testing/website-performance-monitoring/website-monitoring

website performance monitoring- http://www.nccgroup.com/en/our-services/website-performance-software-testing/website-performance-monitoring/

web performance- http://www.nccgroup.com/en/our-services/website-performance-software-testing/website-performance-optimisation

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If you have just purchased your new Android then here is a list of “must have” apps to get you started.

The app for Android – Cut the rope

This is an Android game that which wishes to relive the golden days of angry birds.  The game is a two dimensional game with brightly coloured characters reminiscent of angry birds.  It is highly addictive and is a very good start if you have just bought your Android.  It is addictive enough, and user friendly enough, so that even if you are not used to handling a tablet/mobile device you will still feel comfortable using this.

USA Today

This is a very good at because it basically allows you to read the newspaper by using your Android device.

Google+

This can be installed onto Androids and is a very handy little app if you have a Google+ profile.  It is a simple and easy method of getting onto your Google+ profile without having to go through an Internet web browser.

Pandora

This app allows you to listen to the radio station of your choice, so long as it is on the Pandora site.  It allows you to listen to the radio free. It can be personalized so that it only directs the music you like to your Android.

Facebook

This app is similar to Google+ in that you are able to access your social media profile by simply clicking on the app instead of having to go through a web browser.  You can do all the things on this and that you would normally be able to do on a web browser.

Flixter

This app allows you to see a movie reviews and movie show times.  It also allows you to watch trailers on your Android device, so that you can see a sneak a peek at both old and new movies, which are in the cinema at the moment.

Sketchbook Pro

If you have an artistic flair then this is the app for you.  Instead of using a pen and paper, you are able to use a plastic pointer (or your finger) on your tablet device.  You are able to draw on it as if it were piece of paper; however, you do not have to save a piece of paper because you can save it on your mobile device as soon as you’ve finished it.

Fruit Ninja

The Android does not have to be all work and no play.  Let’s not forget that the Android is more than a schedule or organizing tool.  This app is a fun little game, which is handy for when you’re waiting in the dentist’s waiting room.

Quick Office Pro HD

This is a good for taking care of business was on the road.  When you work on your PC or laptop, you use a variety of different tools, some of which are created by Microsoft.  You have to work an interface with a lot of tools when you’re on your PC, so much so that if you decide to do a little bit of work on your tablet device you will often find that you cannot open certain files and cannot access to certain information.  With this app you are able to access and use mostly any of Microsoft’s Office software and related programs.  Basically it means you are allowed to do your work whilst on the road, and you are allowed to review your work with consummate ease.

UNO

This is the app of the very old game, which you can play whilst you are on your Android.  It is also in HD, although why such simple game would need to be in HD is unknown, (although I can imagine that if it were not in HD that there would be a small section of the online community that would be up in arms).

EverNote

This is a very popular at amongst the Android community.  It allows you to take notes and record memos whilst on your Android device.  It is better than using a pen and paper because you cannot lose your saved files.

If you haven’t got your android phone yet , and dream of owning one of the high end devices like the Samsung Galaxy S3 or the Google Nexus 4 do not control your self and  go to Lloyds TSB and get a personal loan to fund your fund new technology purchases with a loan.

•  If approved you’ll receive your money in your account instantly if registered for Internet Banking.
• A personalised quote which will leave no credit footprint.
• Flexible repayment options.

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What can the internet be used for?

To get real-time information, pay bills, management of bank accounts, remote communications by e-mail or webcam, Internet has become an essential means of communication, and we can not live with out one. How to choose your internet subscriptions to suit your needs?

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Security is more of a hot topic than ever nowadays. It seems that you can’t turn on the TV without hearing a story about information being leaked, credit card data being stolen and private details being sold to the highest bidder. Luckily, this is not as common as you might think and provided you have a dedicated security system, you are almost completely covered against any threats that might come up.

It makes sense that online companies that deal with money, such as online blackjack sites like Betfaircasino.com or online shopping sites like Ebay, take it upon themselves to ensure that the highest standards of security are upheld at all times. These companies are built on the foundation of being able to be seen as trustworthy and dependable. The security of your payment details and so forth is obviously going to be on the top of their list of things to do right. After all safe customers are happy customers, and those people that are happy are more likely to continue to do business with that company. It’s not just about making sure that your data is secure. Their entire economy depends upon it.

Mobile apps are designed these days with the most up to date software around. This ensures that any information that you happen to share with them – whether it’s to place a bet on an upcoming race or just putting some shopping aside for the weekend – is as safe as possible. It makes sense that a company that handles so much sensitive information on a daily basis would feel it necessary to keep their security as tight as possible. For the most part you can be sure that your time and your money are not being wasted when you log into your favourite gaming app and decide you want to play a few hands of poker.

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The world has gone crazy about their mobile phones. And Android app developers are doing their bit to add fuel to the fire. Android developers around the world are shaping the Smartphone application development and by doing this they have set the bar high for iPhone app development.

Adobe Flash: The primary platform for Android development

One can say that since the time, Android has come in alignment with Adobe flash, the whole idea of mobile development has changed its face. This has enabled a user to get the best of both worlds. One can enjoy the spectacular look of the flash and the user-friendly feel of Android.

The general enthusiasm and attraction towards the android increased mostly after Google’s take over. When put together with Adobe’s strong and stunning flash, it revolutionizes the concepts of mobile technology. Flash uses the AIR framework for Android. Using this enables android app developers to create apps within a very short span of time. Integrating different social networking sites is also made easy with this. In short, Android and its plethora of technological offerings has made everything that was once only in the imaginations, come true.

Using Flash on Android

Having said this, one may still wonder if there is really a NEED to use flash with Android. Following is a list that explains how using flash is so beneficial.

• Flash is clearly the best platform there is for gaming. It is one of the most advanced and compatible technologies in the whole world. This means that an application that has been initially developed on Flash, but not for Android, can also run seamlessly on an Android device.
• Flash, like the name suggests, is fast. Very fast. Flash games can’t be beaten by any other technology when it comes to operational speech and effect. You can try it yourself. Pick any non-flash based game (there are hardly any) and use it on a Smartphone. Then try any of the abundant flash based games on a Smartphone. The stark difference will be evident.
• Flash player 10.1 enables a user to get access to millions of hours of free video content. In a time like this where people expect to do just about anything from their Smartphones, watching television on it is also likelihood. With flash the user experience level has gone up to a high bar.
• Android offers thousands upon thousands of free flash games in its app store. One can enjoy a high quality gaming experience offered by the flash technology on an Android phone absolutely free! The best thing about these games is that they can be played even in an offline mode.

Conclusion

Android has seen unparalleled growth in the recent history of technology. With its “desert names” for various versions and a cute bot for the logo, it sure has managed to win many hearts. People have loved the interface offered by Android, and along with Flash it has surely created magic in the world of technology.

One has to come to terms with the fact that technology does not stop for anyone. So, what began with a cupcake has now moved on to Jellybean and we are still waiting for the latest dessert to be served. We await the letter K desperately and hope to see better and improved android experiences.

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The much hyped and overly expected iPhone 5  is to be released later today, so to commemorate this historic(sic) event here are a few bizarre iPhone cases, have a look around and drop your opinions below.Numerous things are created to make your iPhone a truly one-of-a-kind phone. Applications, wallpapers, and even cases give your phone its own identity.

There are perhaps a hundred thousand people who have the same exact phone that you have. With that said, you do not want your phone to just be one of a hundred, right? You want yours to be THE one out of that hundred.

The easiest way to revamp your phone is to change the case. Mind you, this is not an easy task. There are about a thousand different iPhone cases available out there. If your goal is to make your phone standout, let me give you five of the most unique iPhone cases out there:

1. GnG Golden Delicious – The name by itself is synonymous to luxury. The Golden Delicious iPhone case retails for a little over $100,000. It is made with 140 grams of 18 karat gold, with 200 diamonds to kick the luxurious level a notch higher. If you are a gold and diamond connoisseur and price is not really a problem, GnG will surely take your iPhone to the highest level of sophistication.

2. Cassette Tape Case – If you are a child of the 80’s, you must have owned cassette tapes. Now, you can incorporate that simple vintage feel into your iPhone with these retro-inspired cassette tape case for your iPhone. It comes in several different designs, all paying tribute to our beloved cassette tapes. The going price is around $39.95 for a cassette deflector type case.

3. Vroom Vroom Case – Casemate gives the grease monkeys their time to shine. With the Vroom Vroom case, your iPhone is set to match your passion for anything on wheels. It is made from high-quality rubber, and offers better body coverage for your precious phone. For $15, the price is not bad for a case with attitude.

4. Gameboy Case – For the gamers out there, dress your iPhone to match your gaming prowess. This Gameboy case replicates the exact same look of the popular handheld gaming console. It even comes equipped with a faux screen and buttons copied down to the last detail from the original Gameboy. The price is only a mere $1.32.

5. Paper Cases – Those who cannot decide on which case they want to buy or would rather keep on changing their iPhone’s look on a daily basis, a paper case is the way to go. These paper cases are for aesthetic reasons alone. It cannot protect your iPhone from damage, but it will definitely make it more unique everyday.

Whichever way you want to revamp your iPhone, remember that it should be something that would reflect you—unique and one-of-a-kind. So which of these cases do you have your eyes on? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Tech Me More is a start-up blog by a rag-tag band of college geeks , if you liked this original Tech Me More Article do subscribe to our daily e-mail updates by clicking here, we promise not to spam you(we use google to deliver them!)

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The iPhone is without a doubt one of the most popular smartphones out there – if not the most popular. It has been huge since its debut back in 2007, with its popularity growing year after year; iPhone sales are going nowhere but up. One of the reasons the iPhone is so popular is because of how easy to use it is. There’s very few buttons, everything is controlled by touch.

In-fact, it’s so easy to use that I have seen toddlers and young children playing certain game apps on iPads and iPhones, so it really is incredible easy to pick up and use an iPhone. Despite how easy it is to use, Apple have still stuck a heap of tips, tricks and shortcuts into the iOS to make using your iPhone even more efficient – so in this post we’re going to take a look at my top tips and tricks for your iPhone 4S.

In no particular order, here they are:

Screenshots on your iPhone
On many occasions I find myself needing to make a quick note of something displayed on my iPhone screen, there is a quick and easy way to capture whatever is currently displayed on your iPhone screen – take a screenshot! To do this, simply press the home and power button on your device at the same time, you’ll hear the shutter sound and your iPhone will of saved the screenshot in your Photo’s app along with the rest of your photographs.

Find a lost or stolen iPhone
As long as you have signed up with iCloud (which is free, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t) then you can make use of the ‘Find my iPhone’ app if you ever lose your iPhone. This clever online app lets you locate your iPhone via GPS, you can also set a PIN code on your device remotely, erase all the data on your device, and even display an important message (“REWARD FOR SAFE RETURN, CALL XXX XXX”) on the iPhone’s screen. I think this is an awesome feature, if you ever did lose your iPhone there would be a good chance of getting it back thanks to this.

Use the iPhone like a Camera
The iPhone 4S has an awesome camera, but sometimes it can be tricky trying to tap the on-screen shutter button with one hand, while trying to keep the iPhone stable and focused with the other. There is an easier way; you can turn the iPhone to it’s side and hold it just like a camera, using the ‘+’ volume button on the side of the device like the clicker button. So it feels just like you are using a digital camera, it’s much more comfortable and easier to keep the iPhone steady.

Shortcut to the Camera
Often you’ll see something going on and want to take a quick picture of it, since iOS 5 there has been a handy shortcut to get to the Camera app very quickly on your iPhone. From a blank / sleeping state, you can double press the ‘home’ button on your iPhone and you’ll see a camera icon appear next to the ‘Slide to unlock’ text, if you tap that camera icon then the camera app will load up instantly ready for you to snap your pics.

Dismiss Auto-Corrections
Auto-corrections annoy me something fierce. They only ever seem to ‘correct’ words that don’t need correcting, and it’s only recently that I found out you can actually dismiss these auto-corrections easily by tapping anywhere on the screen when the iPhone suggests it. I always thought you had to hit the tiny ‘x’ next to the suggested word, but that’s not the case, just anywhere on the screen will do, you don’t have to hit that tiny target!

I hope you have picked up a few tips, tricks and shortcuts here that you didn’t previously know of. I use most of these on a daily basis and it definitely makes life easier.

Apple often add new shortcuts and tricks into updated versions of their iOS, so I’ll be back with more tips shortly after the iOS 6 release!

You can also find a huge range of apps on the iPhone. If you are someone who is a keen online shopper and you are looking for an easy way to purchase a car then why not try the Motors app. The app allows you to browse second hand cars from motors.co.uk which include a huge range of manufacturers including great models such as a Range Rover

If you have any tips or tricks for the iPhone that I’ve missed out, then feel free to share them with us in the comments section below!

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Every day hundreds of new games appear on the App Store, and sometimes it’s really hard to keep up with them – you’ll never manage to try all of them, after all. We’ve tested many lately, and below we’re presenting you the top 5 iPhone games launched not so long ago – for all those who’re tired of playing the good-old Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja or Temple Run.

1. Virtua Tennis Challenge

If you love sports-related games, Virtua Tennis Challenge is just what you need. Launched this summer, it’s the first mobile version of this game, which was earlier available for console. If you’ve ever managed to play the console version, you probably know that it’s the benchmark in all tennis- and sports-related games out there. The iOS version, which offers games against 50 players in 18 famous stadiums, is even better – controlled by touch gestures, it’s even more fun than the console one. And of course Virtua Tennis is one of the best iOS games released this summer. And it can be downloaded from iTunes for $1.29.

2. Bartender Mix Genius

Do you like cocktails? If yes, you’ll definitely like the Bartender Mix Genius game, since it’ll give you the opportunity to invent new cocktails by mixing different ingredients. Miguel the barman is at your service in the game, ready to try the drinks you’ve made and tell you what he thinks about them. Be ready that in the beginning, most your cocktails will be horrible, but you’ll still laugh seeing the funny reactions of Miguel.

The game can be downloaded for free, but you must be at least 17 years old to play it, since it involves references to alcohol and drinking.

3. DragonVale

DragonVale was launched in the end of August and has already managed to become one of the most popular games among many iPhone and iPad owners. In the game you can feed, raise, choose pairs and breed cute dragons, which is rather fun. Of course you’ll also have to build houses for them and decorate your dragon park. You’ll also be able to take part in different competitions and races with your dragons and win valuable prizes, so you’ll never be bored.

The game can be downloaded from iTunes for free, but the only bad thing is – some in-game items will cost you real money. Anyway, you won’t have to buy those items, so we can say the game is free. And it’s a very addictive one, too.

4. Slingshot Racing

If you love racing/running games, but Temple Run isn’t interesting anymore, have a look at Slingshot Racing and all the challenges it has to offer. Launched about a month ago, it’s not really an easy game to play, but you’ll definitely enjoy finding your way around the impressive icy tracks, snowmen and much more.

The game is developed for iOS devices exclusively, and it’ll cost you $0.99 via iTunes.

5. Galaxy on Fire 2™ HD

Galaxy on Fire is one of the most popular games on the App Store, and if you’re into games, you’ve most likely already heard about it or even managed to play it. Galaxy on Fire 2™ HD is its new remodelled HD version of the original game, designed especially for the iPhone 4S, the iPad 2 and the new iPad. Now the game is fully 3D, with nice-looking graphics and a lot of new features to enjoy. For more than 10 hours you’ll complete quests, make new weapons, mine asteroids, trade supplies and do much more every good action game can offer. And it all comes for $1.29 via iTunes.

So these were the best 5 newly-released iOS games we’ve manage to test up to now. Are you still replaying Angry Birds? Maybe it’s time to try something new?

Tech Me More is a start-up blog by a rag-tag band of college geeks , if you liked this original Tech Me More Article do subscribe to our daily e-mail updates by clicking here, we promise not to spam you(we use google to deliver them!)

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There was a time when the answer to the question as to whether Apple or Android offers the best mobile internet for online gaming was easy. The winner of the Apple vs Android question was Android, and the reason was Adobe Flash, which provided an excellent platform for developing online mobile games.
For many reasons, some of which were possibly more valid that others, Apple has consistently refused to allow Adobe Flash to be part of the iPhone software. Steve Jobs, the now late chairman of Apple, was particularly averse to Adobe Flash saying that it was power hungry, unstable, and a security risk.

As much of the gaming software incorporated Adobe Flash an alternative solution was required for the iPhone. Online gaming software developers needed an alternative approach, and that was seen as being HTML5 an altogether more sophisticated platform than Adobe Flash and equally capable in terms of online gaming, like poker at Ladbrokes.
The problem was that HTML5 was not then sufficiently developed to do the job though now it has come of age. So much so that Adobe will no longer develop Flash for the latest and future generations of Android although it will continue to support it on previous versions.
Instead of Adobe Flash Android will concentrate on Adobe AIR – a cross platform environment that integrates HTML5, Adobe Flash, and JavaScript, allowing downloadable online gaming apps.
To cut what could be a long story short the bottom line is that there is no longer any difference between Apple and Android in terms of internet gaming apps as they both use the same software.
The real differences now lie in the different phone hardware, and in particular the display screen. The iPhone has an excellent display that makes online gaming a joy, but then so too do many of the latest Android phones.

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Some environments are tougher than others and can easily ruin the average PC within months, but an industrial computer easily solves this issue. Industrial computers play an important role in many industries, including industrial, food, medical, production, automation, printing, and pharmaceutical. There are several advantages of using an industrial computer over a regular one, regardless of whether the computer will be placed inside a building or out in a warehouse.

Industrial computer can survive any setting

One of the biggest advantages of using an industrial computer is the fact that they are designed to endure rough conditions. They are built with the knowledge that they will be used in a rough environment so they are built to absorb shocks and jolts, making them great choices for vehicles like military tanks or police cruisers. They often have MIL-SPEC (military specification) connectors that are sealed, protecting them against any kind of moisture that may be present. In addition, the metal used on industrial computers is thicker, protecting the components inside from damage should the computer be hit with something or fall. To read more about just how tough an industrial pc is read this from Dell.com.
Other features
• Robust controls
• Variety of cooling methods: liquid, conduction, forced air
• Environmental protection – water, dust
• Additional air filtering

Customizable for your company

Industrial computers are generally used to collect data and to control and operate the industrial equipment. Because of this, they tend to be highly adaptable for programming purposes—you can write your own customized program or purchase a program from a software developer. As an example of this, if you are changing from a traditional data entry program to one that uses speech, you will find more industrial computers come with terminal emulation software already installed in them. In another example, if you need ones to handle advanced image processing, you will find a wide variety of models available that you can find a large variety of options.

Save on energy costs

Cutting costs has become a big focus for many companies, and switching over to industrial computers will actually contribute to that goal. These computers come with 24 V, higher-grade power supply that is perfect for DC UPS. Panel PCs use even less power, requiring only 41W for a regular operation, and these are growing in popularity for their streamlined appearance.

Can occupy large or small spaces

There are several sizes available in industrial computer designs from ones that are a simple panel (panel PCs) to ones that feature 4xPCI/PCLe slots, 8xUSB2.0, parallel port, and 4xRS232. The panel PCs can be directly attached to a specific machine, making them a good choice for large industrial processes, and many companies are beginning to use these industrial computers because they use touch screens and can be purchased in either environmentally sealed or unsealed versions.
Richard Williams, an industrial computer industry specialist says, “Touch screen monitors can reduce the size of a computer system, without separate peripherals and wires, they can be mounted on the walls or the backs of machines.”

Reliable

Another advantage that industrial computers hold over average computers is their reliability. These computers exist in harsh environments and are often used in high risk jobs were reliability is a must. Part of this is due to the attention put on the protection of computer components and part is due to the additional features that are found in industrial computers such as enhanced EMI filtering and gasketing, controlled access to I/O, and watchdog timers.
To see more on industrial computers and embedded systems read more here from Dell.com.
About The Author
David works with Dell. He enjoys reading, hiking and writing about technology.

Tech Me More is a start-up blog by a rag-tag band of college geeks , if you liked this original Tech Me More Article do subscribe to our daily e-mail updates by clicking here, we promise not to spam you(we use google to deliver them!)

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