27/10/2009 - Mobile shopping gaining popularity
Mobile shopping is becoming more and more popular, with around £245 million ($400m) spent on merchandise this year through eBay's application for Apple's iPhone.
The app has been downloaded by more than 4.6 million people who have shopped for books, clothes, and even a Lamborghini, a £91,930 ($150,000) boat and a Bentley.
John Donahoe, eBay's chief executive, said: "The lines between mobile and fixed devices are beginning to blur.
"I may do my research on my laptop, but actually make my purchase on my mobile device."
Available since the launch of Apple's App Store website in June, the eBay app has been updated several times since the initial release. An "enhanced version" is expected by the end of the year, Mr Donahoe said.
The application allows users to keep tabs on items they are bidding for, with alerts if someone else makes a higher bid.
It can be used in a variety of ways - from searching for an item, bidding and buying, all on iPhone, to searching on a computer and completing the transaction on the iPhone, Mr Donahoe explained.
Amazon also has a popular iPhone application, but did not reveal the number of downloads or revenues from it.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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