So what is iAd and what makes it so different than a regular online ad? iAd is a key feature of the new IOS (IOS4) by Apple and what makes it interesting is that iAd is integrated into the operating system of the new mobile device. This allows for a better user experience and a more seamless transition between the ad and the app that the user is on.

Lets say you are a 3G network and there is an ad that you click on. One of the problems with the current app is that  when you click on it, it will take you to another site. However, before that happens it will stop the current app you are in, launch a new app, and then load the site at a snails pace. All of this has the potential to annoy the user and not really entice them to buy the product. Apple has answered this problem by creating its own ad service, iAd, which would make the user experience seamless. If a user clicks on an ad the app then navigates them to the ad in the app they are in. And if they quit out of it they will be right back to where they originally were, making the entire process seamless.

Currently, there are only large firms advertising with iAd as the cost is very high. However, I suspect that more and more small businesses will join that group once it is a bit more affordable. iAd will start serving ads on the first of July.

This is an interesting question and before I answer, I would like to say that I am a big fan of Apple and their various devices, so I may be a bit biased.

It has always been an interesting question should a client building a site use Flash and then be tied in with the Adobe Plug-in?  I think the answer to that question depends on the site. If you want a highly interactive site it is not a bad idea to use Flash.  

So what are the possible obstacles with using Flash? As of today you will restrict any iPhone, iPod and iPad user from seeing your site. With Apple having sold over a million iPads in the first few week of them introducing the device, that is a certain negative and recommendation not to use Flash. If you want your site to be interactive you can use AJAX. AJAX is not as good as Flash but it is an open source and using an open source solution in the long run might be the most cost effective way to run your website.

The battle between Flash and Apple is not over but with the growing popularity of Apple mobile devices, I would bet on Apple.  

Accept payment everywhere with ‘Square’. If you have an iPhone, iPad or Android,

you can now accept credit card payment anytime, anyplace.

How does it work? Well, when you sign up with Square they will send you a credit card reader (for free) that you then plug into your audio jack. Now, you can swipe any credit card and get credit card payment anywhere that you are.

According to Square, it is both safe and secure and their fee structure is less then other vendors. There is no monthly charge, just a transaction fee which is 2.75% + .15¢ if the user swipes the card and 3.50% + .15¢ if the user keys in the number. The additional fee, according to the company is because the latter is a slightly more complex process.

I think this is an interesting company and the perfect solution for a small business or individual with a smart phone.

check out their getting started page. https://squareup.com/get-started