iPhone 5 released but is it worth upgrading?

With this week's release of Apple's latest iPhone, the '5', current iPhone '4' users are busy comparing features to see whether it is worth upgrading to the new version. From the first few days of selling the new iPhone in the US it would appear that Apple is onto a winner with record sales levels and all the major US carriers sold out, leaving an Apple spokesperson saying that they have 'been blown away by the customer response'! In the first 24 hours alone sales topped $2 million, more than double the record set by the previous model.

 

So is this just a great marketing campaign or does the new iPhone really have an impressive list of new features to blow away new customers? Well there is no NFC but the screen is larger, there is a new 'Lightning' connector which means your old iPhone docks etc will not be able to be used by the new version without an adaptor. There are improvements to the camera and increased battery life, not to mention 4G and you would still have to consider whether it is worth the $'s, but most customers will most likely upgrade their plan to add the new phone.

 

Google has agreed to the purchase of the photography app 'Snapseed' from German developer, Nik Software for an undisclosed sum this week. The Snapseed integration into Google+ would put the search giant on par with Facebook and Instagram's photo editing capabilites. "We want to help our users create photos they absolutely love, and in our experience Nik does this better than anyone," Google+ boss, Vic Gundotra wrote in a recent Blog post.

 

OK here are some of the latest stats released regarding the importance of 'local' Internet marketing for businesses of all sizes:

Marketing your business locally is more important today than ever before as it is clear that most people search as the first point of call to find a local business. Even if you do not have a website you can still promote your business online by utlising Google+ Local and other online marketing to promote your brand. If you do have a website then make sure it promotes your business the way you promote it and if it is old and tired, consider updating it as most people will make a decision on your business based on first impressions of the website. Having a nice looking website is great but it also needs to be user friendly and simple to navigate. Offer users the product and service information they need and ensure every page has an outcome or the ability for visitors to contact you.

It never ceases to amaze me how many businesses still have a website which dates back to the early 2000's. The Internet has moved so much you need to keep up to date if you want your website to remain as your online marketing tool.