Toshiba launches Places online business software and digital content platform

ROME: Toshiba has launched a cloud-based portal that provides users with the ability to buy services, business software, music and videos and share them across devices.

Toshiba Places is an open platform which allows users to sign up through their web browser and access, purchase and share digital content across multiple devices, including TVs, multimedia tablets, PCs and laptops.

The manufacturer will launch the portal with access to six ‘Places' so users can access apps, music, videos, games, social networks and services.

The App Place will allow users to purchase full productivity software that can be run on devices such as laptops and there will be products from vendors such as Microsoft Office and Nero on offer from launch.

"App Places all is about business software and home software. The store will debut in the UK with over 100 apps when it launches this May," Andy French, strategic marketing manager for Toshiba, told V3.co.uk.

"It's the equivalent of walking into a retail store and buying software."

Users will be able to extend and enhance warranties and purchase data recovery services through the Service Place, French said.

The Social Place, meanwhile, will allow users to upload content such as photos and videos and share them with colleagues and friends.

Music, video and games will also be available and users will be able to share them across content across devices.

Toshiba Places is set to launch in early May and Toshiba plans to expand the platform throughout 2011. Compatibility with popular social networks and cloud storage applications is due to be added in the coming months, French added.