Using a GSM mobile phone module as the 'emergency phone' in a lift can be 25% cheaper than a fixed-line connection, according to Burnside Telecom.

Total Lifts recently used the Burnside T355 to provide emergency communication if a lift stops unexpectedly or breaks down. Once initial installation was completed, Burnside Telecom calculated that costs over a 10-year period would be 25% cheaper for the T355 unit when compared with using a conventional fixed line.

The latest figures from research2guidance note that Apple's App Store market share hit 59% at the end of Q1 2011.

81% all free and paid app downloads in 2008 were via the Apple App Store. As competition increased in 2009 and 2010, with the number of app stores increasing by over 200% in two years, Apple's share of the market fell to 57% at the end of 2010.

ASUSTeK, which produces ASUS computers and smartphones, has announced a new converged device called the Padfone.

It combines a smartphone with a tablet computer, sharing information and 3G access across both formats. The tablet 'pad' can also charge the smartphone's battery.

Mark Bridge writes:

Even the most cynical observer needs to admit that the Apple iPad is changing business. Cynics can argue that the world of work may not be changed permanently - and it may not be changed for good - but the way we work is definitely changing.

Mark Bridge writes:

It’s often said that timing is everything. Or is it size?  I’m never sure.

Both came into play this week as online giant Google announced the forthcoming launch of its much-rumoured mobile payment service. Expect Google Wallet to arrive on the Nexus S 4G in the USA this summer.