IN AN attempt to focus on consumers rather than business users, Wi-Fi network operator, the Cloud has introduced a new service it calls Mycloud. It's based on the Devicescape app the INQ reviewed here.

What Mycloud does is amalgamate all of your different Wi-Fi subscriptions into one. The company hopes it'll mean accessing Wi-fi hotspots all across Europe will become a doddle.

It's not just The Cloud's own network that'll get covered. In addition to his own company's offering – which appears as 'The Wi-fi Zone', Owen Geddes, a director with The Cloud, claimed, "Mycloud will effectively create an umbrella experience over the plethora of operators including FON, BT and T-Mobile."

There are actually some hidden advantages to Mycloud. That's because it will speed up access to Wi-Fi zones for which there are no charges – such as in McDonalds and in the City of London, because The Cloud operates them as well.

For Iphone freaks, The Cloud is also Apple's official W-i-fi network partner.

But did you know that you can get free access to certain services free over the Cloud's network without burning up your subscription fee?

One of these services is very definitely the Nokia Music Store. The INQ also believed the company named the BBC and TV5 as other services which were free but it was very noisy at the official launch!

The bad news is that Mycloud is still officially beta but existing customers can gain access by sending an email to mycloudbeta@thecloud.net.

Worse still, at launch the software is restricted to Windows desktop devices running Windows XP or Vista plus Windows Zero Config or Intel PROset software. Whereas we all know it can run on various smartphones, too.

Indeed, Devicescape's Simon Wynn hinted to the INQ that it won't be long before we find the Devicescape app embedded into handsets for various customers.

Considering that Devicescape has a good relationship with Nokia, that should mean it won't only be embedded in Windows Mobile Phones.

But given that The Cloud also has a strong relationship with O2, that should mean the client will turn up inside various XDA devices. µ