Apple patent case 'could affect all android phones'

Apple's legal action against HTC may have "wider implications" for all phone makers using Google's Android operating system, an analyst has warned. Ian Fogg of Forrester Research said that the case against HTC, in which Apple alleges infringement of 20 of its patents, could be the first of many. Although Apple has not named Google in the suits, many of the named patents relate to operating system processes.

Via BBC News

China Unicom to sell Android phones despite spat

China Unicom, China's No. 2 mobile carrier, said it will sell handsets running Google's Android operating system, dispelling doubts raised after a dispute between Google and the Chinese government. In January, Google postponed the launch of two Android-based mobile handsets in China, for which Unicom would have been the carrier. The delay followed a high-profile spat between Google and Beijing over a hacking incident and Google's unhappiness over having to self-censor its Web-based search results in China.

Via Reuters

57% of smartphone owners disappointed with performance

Survey finds Web browsing, social networking cause bulk of smartphone problems; users blame handset makers. Application glitches, system crashes and frozen handsets now mean that 57% of smartphone users are unhappy with the overall performance of their device. That is the picture according to the results of a survey published on Wednesday, carried out online by system and device testing firm Fanfare.

Via Total Telecom

Skype service comes to Nokia phones

The Skype application is available as a free download from Nokia's Ovi store, and can run on more than 200 million phones around the world. Users will be able to make free Skype calls to other Skype users, and will also be able to make cheaper calls to landlines and other mobile phones, even when they're abroad. It will also allow users to easily share pictures and video files without the need for a computer.

Via The Telegraph

Mobile transfers save money and lives in Somalia

Telecoms firm Safaricom pioneered mobile money transfers in neighboring Kenya and now has 8 million users. Besides transferring cash to friends and relatives, people pay power bills and even receive dividends from some companies. Hormuud Telecom, the biggest network in Somalia with more than a million subscribers, says it designed the software for its SAAD money transfer service, but was helped by Safaricom workshops and consultants.

Via Reuters

No phone, no net: why rural children are leaving

The lack of mobile phone reception and broadband coverage in rural areas has become the No 1 issue in dissuading young people from staying on in the countryside, the chair of the Commission for Rural Communities has said. In a report to the prime minister, Stuart Burgess, the government's rural advocate, said that the long-term future of the countryside is in jeopardy because so many young people are being forced out of rural areas to find homes, jobs and support.

Via The Guardian