Results: Testing VirtualSalons & VirtualSpas App with Cloud Browse on iPhone 4

We spent several hours with Cloud Browse using the 99cent download version of the app from the iTunes App store. Here are hints and tips based on our experiences:

1. The 99cent download provides you access to 3-5 minute sessions on the iPhone or iPad to our application. We found this to be ample time to log-in take a look at an individual professional's schedule and make an appointment or check a client record. We never had a session cut out on us in the middle of performing a process, but the browser session did time out after 3-8 minutes displaying an offer for a subscription for unlimited access browsing sessions. The monthly subscription is $6.99 per month.
2. Cloud Browse appears to work by streaming content to the iPhone or iPad through a browser technology that has flash-player embedded.
3. The free version will suffice for quick schedule reviews or performing quick tasks, but to manage a business online daily through the iPhone or iPad, a subscription would be more convenient.
4. When using the 99cent download version, we suggest that you log-in at www.VirtualSalons.com or www.VirtualSpas.com rather than the home page of the online application because those URL's are easier to remember and shorter to type into the address bar. The "free" version access does not allow for bookmarking.
5. System performance was a bit slower than on a desktop or laptop, but overall speed was good whether we were using a 3G network or tapped into the Wi-Fi connection. They were about the same. Of course, this can vary regionally, time of day and which mobile service you have.
6. On the iPhone, we found that using the Zoom View for individual professionals in the Salon/Spa account was the best way to get in and make appointments rather than attempting to use the View Schedules screen where you can load multiple calendar columns in one screen.
7. It also seemed that many functions and drop downs that require only one click of the mouse in the application were requiring two clicks or a second try. (Although that happened mostly only to me and could have been caused by my fingernails)

We want to hear from our subscribers as you are working with Cloud Browse and accessing your account on iPhone or iPad. Please email your feedback to support@virtualsalons.com.

Mobile technologies are experiencing the same growing pains we experienced with early Internet connectivity. Mobile carriers are scrambling to try to get 3G and 4G networks to be reliable and Smartphone manufacturers are working to make devices flash-enabled. We are monitoring this technology struggle on a daily basis and want to continue to provide unparalleled value and service as we work to optimize our technology for mobile use.

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New technologies and third party companies are popping up everyday to enable Flash on Apple devices and the majority of Android models are now being shipped with Flash-Player pre-installed. For an updated list on Flash-enabled devices including Smartphones, Tablets and Digital Home Devices go to: