Amazon's checkout can be yours

Move over PayPal and Google Checkout...

Amazon just opened the door for online retailers to process transactions using their checkout. Online merchants simply add Amazon's checkout cart on their site and Amazon will handle the payment process from there. They also launched Amazon Simple Pay, so if you already have an account with Amazon, your info is stored so you can avoid re-entering and calculating shipping costs and sales tax.

Of course there are transaction fees, starting at 2.9% of the entire order. Beats doing it yourself.

Read more about Amazon Checkout and Simple Pay here.

Pandora's web app brings streaming radio anywhere

I discussed the use of iPhone's web apps for online shopping. This post demonstrates how Pandora will change the way people listen to and interact with radio through the use of their web app.

I was at a sushi restaurant recently, sitting at the bar and struck up a conversation with the bartender while listening to their music. It kinda went like this...

Me: "This is a good mix, where did you get it?"

Bartender: "Pandora on my iPhone 3G. I created my own station and it's playing through the speakers in the restaurant."

This means you can listen to Pandora anywhere - your home theater, car, even a jog around the block - on your iPhone. Check it out for yourself.

Read more about Pandora's web app here and be sure to check out the video.

Are online auctions fading?

Let's face it - the online marketplace has changed drastically over the past decade. Ebay's revenue is down, considerably, and they are in a desperate state of overhaul.

Read this to learn more about the future of eBay.

Can new logo for Wal-Mart repair its image?

Wal-Mart, err...uh, Walmart (no dash) has a new look. But is it as environmentally-conscious as it's new logo suggests?

Read more here!

Who Knew...Hulu

NetFlix revolutionized shopping for DVDs online without having to leave your house. YouTube allowed users to upload their own videos and watch their favorite clips for free. Now a site called Hulu merges both worlds.

Unlike YouTube, Hulu's flash content is at a higher resolution and bit rate which yields a better picture on a larger flash player. Although you're still streaming here, you have the option to pop out, view full screen, share, or watch theater-style. TV clips, episodes and videos are supported by the major networks, so you don't have to worry about the link being taken down or clicking through hundreds of user-uploaded videos to find the original. Hulu also categorizes full-length episodes from short clips.

With NetFlix, you order and wait. Before you order, you hope that there is a short line in your queue. With Hulu, all you have to do is search their library and start watching excerpts or feature films. Films are categorized by type so you can browse the lineup, which changes every so often.

So how can they get away with this? Hulu is owned by NBC Universal and News Corp, so the majority TV episodes you find are from NBC and FOX. You will also see advertising at the beginning of play with limited interruption - sometimes outside of the actual player - during commercial breaks.

What about paying for content? If you want to own an episode, all you have to do is click on a link that will take you to Amazon.com to purchase. In light of Apple allowing iTunes users to rent movies and download programming, you can watch it in just about any format (they give you a list of options). Plus you can take it with you to watch on another computer. The highest resolution is 480p, which is standard but by no means HD content.

Now...time to catch up on old episodes of LOST.

Shop from your iPhone using web apps

The new iPhone 3G has some pretty impressive features, but the most compelling may be the use of web applications. Web apps allow for developers to create their own content. Apple will even help guide you through the Developer Connection with tutorials, videos, sample codes, and reference libraries. You can sign up for a free Apple Developer Connection, which will give you access for submitting your own web app.

The first to take advantage of Apple's web apps for e-tail is AOL Shopping. Their web app has the same functionality as their website - allows the user to search information about the products, read product details, get links to where the items are selling online, and get phone numbers, addresses, and directions to stores - all on your iPhone.

AOL Shopping uses their massive search engine to find the best prices on products offered from multiple retail outlets, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target. Enter your zip code to calculate shipping and tax. You can see available stock and purchase with the touch of a button. So imagine this: You go to a store to find that they are sold out of your product. Instead of calling stores and waiting for someone to check stock, you can bust out your handy iPhone and see for yourself. Not to mention, you can compare prices from a slew of retailers. Genius!

Paper or plastic? I'll take a box.

For those of you who understand the frustration of going to the grocery store to find that your favorite brand has been replaced with a cheaper, less-appealing knock-off, you will be happy that you can probably find it at the same place you pay your bills. A couple years in the making, Amazon Grocery now offers more than 22,000 non-perishable items and provides its superior shipping services while keeping you updated with special offers and new items.

Now I know what you're thinking, "What is so convenient about that when I need it now?" Here's the catch...what if the local store doesn't have what you need? Then where do you go? Another store. So then you repeat that process until you give up - due to multiple trips - and eventually buy something similar, to be ultimately disappointed. The benefit online is that special varieties of products or regional favorites can be easily found with a few clicks rather than unnecessarily running around town.

In addition, value is a concern. "What is economical about shipping a jar of my favorite salsa?" Amazon Grocery might have your salsa in a multiple pack - or even a case - which helps them keep their per-unit costs competitive.

There are also questions with shipping. Not every item will make sense for an online purchase. For heavy or bulky items, you'll be safer sticking to your store since those may cost more than their weight/size to ship. Also, you won't want items not worth waiting for. Some items don't ship immediately - most within a few days. Although, your items could qualify for free shipping. At least you won't have to worry about sales tax.

The most intriguing feature of Amazon Grocery is their interactive shopping list, making it easier to locate and track routine buys. As with all Amazon products, there are reviews, ratings, and suggestions which you can take advantage of while adding items to your cart.

All in all, shopping for grocery items online is nice, but may only be convenient for particular items. It doesn't seem to eliminate the need for a trip to the store, unless you are searching for one item in particular.

Another alternative to shopping at the store would be paying extra for a local home delivery service. Kroger stores offer this service, HomeShop® to Colorado customers through King Soopers/City Market, and Alaska customers through the Fred Meyer chain. This type of service is especially handy for elderly and disabled individuals who can't physically shop at the store. I'd probably take advantage during the next blizzard.

Will other grocers follow suit? Time will tell.