MWC: Telefónica launches cloud-based apps platform

BARCELONA: Telefónica has announced a new service to launch this spring that allows users to store applications in a single cloud-based service to provide a single point of contact across numerous mobile devices.

The Frigo tool can run on smartphones, tablets, PCs and internet TVs so that users can access applications from any device and at any location.

Tanya Field, director of Telefónica's mobile data group, explained that the service allows easy access to applications and removes issues around moving to new devices.

"Frigo enables customers to access information at all their touch points, not only applications but their content and services which remember their preferences," she said.

"Everything is stored in the cloud on a server so, even if users change devices, they can still access the same content and services, while the device won't have to 'relearn' a user's preferences."

Telefónica has its own application store within the service, but Field said that users will not be forced to buy apps from the firm to use Frigo, which currently works across Android, Windows Mobile, Java and Symbian.

Developers can also create applications for the store, but Field noted that not all operating systems will have the same level of access.

The platform also uses technology from Qualcomm's Xiam recommendation engine to suggest applications based on a user's preferences or those of contacts within their social networking circle.

Frigo will be launched later this year in the UK, Germany, Ireland, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Spain.