In 2012, a total of 1.75 billion mobile phones were sold, a decline of 1.7% from 2011, according to the research firm Gartner. It is the first fall in sales since 2009.
Apple releases a 6.1.1 update for iOS
Apple has released an update to iOS to fix performance problems that led Vodafone in the UK and 3 in Austria to warn iPhone 4S owners against upgrading to the new software.
Apple pipped by Exxon Mobil
Apple shares have fallen to such an extent that it has been overtaken by oil giant Exxon Mobil as the world’s most valuable publicly-traded company. Apple’s stock fell 2.4% to $439 a share for a market value of $413bn. Exxon’s value is currently around $418bn. Apple shares have fallen almost 40% since hitting a record $702 in September 2012.
Windows Live Messenger to end on March 15th 2013
Windows Live Messenger, used by around 300 million people each month, is to be retired on March 15th 2013. In an email to all users, Microsoft said on that date Messenger log-ins will no longer work and users must turn to Skype.
UN internet treaty setback
The US, UK and Canada have said they will not sign an international communications treaty currently under discussion in Dubai whereby all states would have equal rights to the governance of the internet. Russia, China and Saudi Arabia were among those pushing for the change. US, UK and Canada refuse to sign UN internet treaty
How ever did we manage before the digital age?
Police in Australia have warned that inaccuracies in Apple Maps could be ‘life-threatening’ to motorists in Australia’s searing heat, and officers in Mildura, Victoria, have reported having to assist drivers stranded after following the software’s directions. Some drivers had apparently had no food or water for 24 hours.
Quick sellers
The new Google Nexus 4 phone and Nexus 10 tablet went on sale in Spain today, and immediately sold out.
Google versus Microsoft in Seattle
A trial involving Microsoft and Google’s Motorola unit has begun in the USA and could clear up a common topic of contention in recent patent battles. The firms dispute how much should be paid for a licence to use innovations necessary to be able to offer industry standard technologies, known as Frand-type patents.
Google Nexus 7 3G now available in Spain
The new 3G enabled version of the Google Nexus 7 tablet is available in Spain as from today, Tuesday November 12th. The tablet, 32GB and unlocked, costs €299.00. Just pop your (data) SIM card in and off you go. Very nice device. It can be ordered via Google Play.
Apple and HTC settle differences
Apple and HTC have settled all their outstanding disputes over patents, ending an estimated twenty cases around the world that began in March 2010. The two firms have signed a 10-year licence agreement that will extend to current and future patents held by one other, so maybe now they can concentrate on innovation rather than litigation.