Telefónica has introduced a new multi-platform apps service codenamed 'Frigo', which lets customers access, manage and use their apps on their mobile phone, tablet, netbook, mobile PC, set-top box and many other devices.

The multi-platform applications folder automatically backs up content to the Cloud, enabling users to seamlessly take their profile with them when they switch device. The commercial brand identity of the service will be formally unveiled in the spring, and a launch will follow later this year in seven Telefónica territories: Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Spain and the UK. Telecom Italia is to become the first operator outside of the Telefónica Group to offer the service to its customers when it launches this April.

The new service will work across a number of operating systems including Android, Windows Mobile, Java and Symbian, although no indication was given on compatibility with iOS-based Apple devices. Frigo uses Qualcomm's Xiam content recommendation engine, and its application store elements are powered by Ericsson's Mobile Service Delivery Platform (MSDP).

This new service marks some bold thinking by the Spanish telecoms giant, and indicates a considerable amount of technical work in integrating all the different operating systems and devices. The apps market continues to enrapture consumers looking for easy, slick ways to access Internet-powered content and services, and Frigo is likely to appeal to many customers. However, the inclusion of iOS devices will probably never happen given Apple's zealous control of its application store and ecosystem, and that loss will hurt its ultimate success.