Smartphone technology
Smartphone technology is the fastest growing and most competitive area of the corporate mobile phone sector, with Apple's iPhone, Google's Android and Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 vying to take over from Blackberry as the smartphone of choice for business users. We look at the latest developments and products and what they mean to enterprise IT.
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News
29 Apr 2025
Three Business launches business eSIM trial
Business arm of UK mobile operator unveils what it says is the UK’s first large-scale embedded subscriber identity module trial for business in two of the country’s largest cities to allow customers to test network capabilities before possible switch Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2025
ASEAN telcos going beyond the 5G hype
Telcos from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are moving beyond the 5G hype as they focus on driving enterprise 5G and AI adoption to drive value for customers Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2019
MPs to probe UK’s growing e-waste problem
The parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee has launched an inquiry into electronic waste and the circular economy Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2019
Isles of Scilly among first UK locations to get 5G
The Isles of Scilly are to be included in Vodafone’s 5G network roll-out from day one, with the aim of supporting local community organisations Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2019
Facebook officially unveils cryptocurrency plans
Facebook has released details about its Libra cryptocurrency, but questions still remain over how, and if, it will work Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2019
Facebook announces global digital currency Libra
Facebook is launching digital coin to open up affordable financial services to the world Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2019
5G will be a public utility, says IMDA
Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority is looking beyond access speeds in charting the deployment of 5G networks, which it has likened to a public utility Continue Reading
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E-Zine
14 Jun 2019
CW Europe: Why are Dutch companies slow to take advantage of the IoT?
Many organisations in the Netherlands are missing out on the benefits of the internet of things because they lack awareness of its potential. Also read why construction of Apple's first non-US datacentre has halted in Denmark, and why some scientists have raised questions about the effects of 5G mobile phone radiation on public health. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2019
Three to launch 5G in August
Operator claims its contiguous block of 5G-ready mobile spectrum will put it streets ahead of its rivals Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Jun 2019
How retail store technology is filling the ‘imagination gap’
Retailers are using in-store technology to reduce the time between shoppers’ consideration phase and purchase, but how is it engaging them and triggering conversions? Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Jun 2019
Cutting employees some Slack: The rise of messaging apps in retail
Slack’s 2019 stock market debut raises the profile of enterprise collaboration software, but what options do retailers have in this space and how are they using the technology? Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2019
More than half of UK workforce lacks essential digital skills, says Lloyd’s
In the modern world, digital skills are becoming increasingly important, but a large amount of the UK workforce doesn’t measure up, Lloyd’s has found Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
Facebook loses bid to halt European court decision on EU-US data sharing
Irish Supreme Court dismisses attempt by Facebook to prevent the European Court of Justice considering the validity of US-EU data transfers, after Austrian lawyer Max Schrems argued that they put the privacy of EU citizens at risk Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2019
EE launches consumer 5G, but experts say no rush to upgrade
EE launched the UK’s first official 5G network this week, but with limited availability and 4G networks improving all the time, industry watchers say there is no big impetus for users to upgrade yet Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2019
Red flags missed during ESN planning process, Home Office admits
The PAC’s latest evidence-gathering session for its inquiry into the delayed and over-budget Emergency Services Network has laid bare a number of crucial errors made over the past few years, and found the Home Office missed a number of warning signs Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2019
4G networks reach near ubiquity in APAC
Although coverage of 4G services in Asia-Pacific, particularly in India, is almost ubiquitous, telcos in the region still have some catching-up to do Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2019
Arm China seeks solutions to US export controls with Huawei
Chip design firm in communication with Huawei-owned semiconductor firm HiSilicon following US move to halt exports of US technology to Chinese tech giant Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2019
Hundreds of European retail banks will disappear as challengers scoop up customers
One in every 10 banks in Europe will no longer exist as digital challengers take customers from them Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2019
Gothenburg – a hotbed for early startups
Sweden’s second-largest city is by no means the biggest startup hub in the Nordic region, but its global reach is a distinct advantage Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2019
Retailers need to rethink KPIs in the face of digital shopping
Customer experience is becoming of increasing importance in an omni-channel world, but technology adoption has stores cornered, forcing them to rethink what value stores bring to an organisation and the customer journey Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2019
Middle East Interview: Dubai-based Fetchr
Delivery app Fetchr is spreading across the Middle East with its mobile-to-mobile delivery service. We talk to its founder Continue Reading
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Podcast
21 May 2019
Podcast: The Computer Weekly Downtime Upload – Episode 16
In this week’s episode of the Computer Weekly Downtime Upload, Clare McDonald and Brian McKenna are joined by prolific Downtime author Ryan Priest to discuss retail sustainability, internet influencers and the tech battle between China and the US Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2019
Google cuts off Huawei from Android ecosystem
Google decision follows an executive order signed by President Trump, but Huawei insists US businesses and consumers will be the real losers Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2019
ISPs get nine months prep time for Ofcom shake-up of broadband contract renewal rules
Regulator Ofcom is giving broadband, phone and pay-TV service providers nine months to ready their systems and processes for the emergence of new rules, designed to make it easier for consumers to switch providers Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2019
Vodafone confirms 5G network to go live in seven UK cities on 3 July 2019
Mobile network operator claims pricing will be on a par with existing 4G network connectivity, as new research suggests business users are already prepping for the UK launch of 5G. Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2019
Reducing poverty through fintech at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Kosta Peric swapped a life innovating for banks to work on increasing financial inclusion in the developing world Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2019
Home Office failing on Emergency Services Network, says NAO
The delayed Emergency Services Network is slipping further behind schedule and is getting more expensive all the time – and the Home Office’s management of the project is to blame, says the National Audit Office Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2019
Early adopters expect to pay 32% premium for 5G
Potential early adopters of 5G say they expect, on average, to pay more for their devices and services, but they expect measurable improvements on 4G from the get-go Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2019
From friction-filled to till-free: The path to a checkoutless Sainsbury’s store
Daniel Hills, group digital product manager for Sainsbury’s, tells Retail Expo the journey his team had to take to eventually launch a till-free store trial featuring its new shopping app Continue Reading
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News
02 May 2019
Apple posts earnings decline, but sees strong take-up of iOS
Company experiences shortfall in emerging markets and lower Mac sales, but sees the iPad Pro as a PC killer Continue Reading
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News
02 May 2019
PA Consulting announces 2019 winners of Raspberry Pi Competition
Consulting brand focused on innovation and business transformation has announced the winners of its 2019 coding competition run in partnership with Raspberry Pi Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2019
Fiat Chrysler commits to Android for connected vehicles
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has signed deals with Google and Samsung to power its connected vehicle ecosystem Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2019
Brighton Dome theatre gets access to city’s 5G mobile testbed
Brighton Dome & Festival is to deploy a 5G network to explore future applications for the technology in the arts Continue Reading
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Podcast
30 Apr 2019
Podcast: The Computer Weekly Downtime Upload – Episode 13
In this week’s episode of the Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast, the team are joined by security editor Warwick Ashford to talk about his time at the CyberUK conferences, as well as connected cars, education in the UK, and Brian McKenna’s trip to China Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2019
Public becoming more aware of privacy abuses and unethical tech
Widespread abuses of privacy, biometric information and artificial intelligence mean the internet is in poor health, but growing popular awareness of its problems gives some cause for hope, says the Mozilla Foundation Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2019
Spotify opens new London R&D hub
Music streaming service Spotify has opened a new technology hub in London, as part of its push to open offices outside the US and Stockholm Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2019
Apple and Qualcomm settle up as Intel quits 5G chip business
Apple and Qualcomm have set aside their ongoing litigation and struck a deal to work together on future 5G iPhones, leaving Intel in the lurch Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2019
TfL suspends Wi-Fi service as Extinction Rebellion spreads
Transport for London has cut off its public Virgin Media Wi-Fi service to disrupt climate change protests Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2019
NatWest eases business payments with biometric authentication on mobile
NatWest is making it easier and safer for businesses to make payments of any size via a mobile app using biometric authentication technology Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 Apr 2019
CW Middle East: Visibility and security of networks are top IT priorities
The 2019 Computer Weekly/TechTarget IT Priorities survey shows that enterprise buyers in the Middle East, like those in the UK and Europe, are looking to lock down their networks in the face of an almost constant barrage of threats and malicious actors. Also read how Facebook planned to use its Android app to track the location of its customers and to allow advertisers to send political advertising, and what further details operator O2 has revealed about how it is planning for the advent of 5G. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2019
SuiteWorld 2019: Using technology to close the financial gender gap
The CFO from non-profit organisation Kiva explains how the organisation is using distributed ledger technology to close the financial inclusion gender gap Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Apr 2019
5G’s first five years: A look ahead
With 5G mobile networks edging closer to reality, GSMA Intelligence’s Matthew Iji looks ahead to consider how the technology will be adopted between now and 2024 Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Apr 2019
Goliath vs Goliath and the complexities of 5G intellectual property
Is Apple the good guy or the bad guy? It has violated patents and had its wrist slapped by the courts (bad), yet its products are still available for adoring fans to buy (good) Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2019
Huawei reports record numbers despite tumultuous year
Huawei has become one of the world’s largest technology companies by revenue, suggesting the accusations over its ties to the Chinese government are failing to have much impact Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2019
Government can make better use of tech to tackle loneliness
Report produced by Vodafone urges the government to exploit the potential of technology to alleviate loneliness among older people Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2019
UK among most expensive countries for mobile data
The UK ranks 136th in the world for the average cost of 1GB of mobile data, according to new statistics Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2019
Australia, Singapore say hello to 5G
Singtel and its Australian subsidiary Optus have made one of the first 5G video calls in the Asia-Pacific region Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2019
MWC 2019: Foldable phones distract from 5G politics in Barcelona
Mobile World Congress saw the usual plethora of smartphone device launches, but this year’s show is more politicised than ever before Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2019
Nominet and Learning Foundation launch digital inclusion taskforce
Taskforce aims to tackle digital exclusion, which leaves many people in the UK without access to digital technology Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2019
Health Secretary Matt Hancock orders ban on use of pagers by NHS staff before end of 2021
Eradicating use of pagers will save the NHS £6.6m a year, as Health Secretary Matt Hancock outlines the next phase of his plan to modernise communication in the health service Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Feb 2019
Why rugged mobile devices can be important in digital transformation
Highly durable mobile devices should not be only considered for especially challenging work environments - there are considerations for many businesses Continue Reading
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E-Zine
21 Feb 2019
CW Nordics: Sweden to test e-krona and plans cashless society
Sweden’s vision of a cashless society has gained traction after the Riksbank (central bank) rolled out plans to test a digital currency, the e-krona. Also read how the Nordic region’s longer-established companies are playing a forceful role to advance digital transformation, and how Finland’s IT sector has rebounded strongly after Microsoft’s takeover of Nokia’s mobile phones and smart devices business units in 2014. Continue Reading
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News
20 Feb 2019
MWC 2019: 5G smartphones go live on Vodafone network
Vodafone has connected three 5G-enabled smartphones to a live network during trials in Spain Continue Reading
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News
19 Feb 2019
Royal Mail delivers safety training through virtual reality
At the Learning Technologies event in London, Royal Mail’s online learning manager talks about the organisation’s use of virtual reality to help postal workers avoid dog attacks Continue Reading
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News
19 Feb 2019
Six experiential retail businesses chosen for Jlab
The businesses and startups that will take part in John Lewis’ 2019 Jlab programme have seen selected following a pitch day Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2019
Central Saint Martins hosts Three’s 5G trial for London Fashion Week
Three’s trial 5G network will enable the world’s first augmented reality fashion show at Central Saint Martins, while consumers can test out a prototype network at its flagship store Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2019
Apple Business Chat powers Npower’s smart meter switch
Energy supplier is using Apple Business Chat to help users through the process of switching onto new smart gas and electricity meters Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2019
Click & collect will grow 45% over next five years
Clothing and footwear lead growth as UK’s click & collect market is set to hit £10bn by 2023, research suggests Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2019
Vodafone announces winners of Techstarter accelerator
Vodafone has announced the winners of its startup accelerator programme, aimed at helping young companies developing technology for social good Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2019
Lloyds Bank rolls out open banking functionality to mobile app customers
Lloyds Bank customers can now see current accounts from multiple banks through their mobile banking app Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2019
Marks & Spencer launches charging banks as part of startup partnership
Retailer Marks & Spencer has announced it will be adding battery charging banks to its stores as part of startup partnership Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2019
Apple reports lower Q4 2018 due to decline in iPhone sales
CEO Tim Cook defends company's battery replacement decision, which makes older iPhones last longer Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2019
Marks & Spencer introduces photo search for online shopping
British retail brand Marks and Spencer has introduced a photo searching capability to its mobile site to help people find products they like using other images Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2019
Scottish Police Authority awards £21m mobile services deal to EE
EE will oversee a three-year deal to transform police mobile capabilities in Scotland, alongside Motorola Solutions, Samsung and BlackBerry Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2019
Siemens connects to world’s largest UCC deployment
German technology powerhouse Siemens AG reveals how it unified communications and collaboration for hundreds of thousands of employees worldwide Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2019
First 5G smartphones may have massive price premium
Android smartphone brands are already preparing to launch their first 5G handsets, but new technical requirements means they won’t be cheap to build, according to analysts at TrendForce Continue Reading
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News
28 Dec 2018
Top 10 mobile stories of 2018
As 5G moves from theory to practical reality, we look back at Computer Weekly’s biggest mobile stories from the past 12 months Continue Reading
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News
18 Dec 2018
Ancient Britain comes to life at Bath’s 5G testbed
The West of England Combined Authority is running a 5G Smart Tourism project at Bath’s world-famous Roman spa Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2018
Paris latest city to join Tech Global Advocates
The city of Paris is the latest to join the Tech Global Advocates network, offering a life raft to fintechs in the UK that want to retain customers across Europe Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2018
Finland’s IT sector recovers after break-up of Nokia
Finnish government plays vital role in helping IT sector recover from the shock of Microsoft taking over the country’s biggest company Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2018
BT upgrades InLink street kiosks for deaf, speech-impaired people
BT has added a next-generation text service to its InLink street kiosks to make the service more accessible to people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2018
Quarter of all UK shopping now happens on mobile devices
UK’s high-street spend is the lowest across Europe as mobile devices account for a growing portion of online shopping Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Dec 2018
Nike and Zara drive fashion retail’s self-service future
New store openings from Nike and Zara show it is not just in grocery stores where self-service technology is impacting retail. Continue Reading
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News
28 Nov 2018
UK competition watchdog concerned with PayPal’s fintech acquisition
Competition and Markets Authority fears $2.2bn deal could reduce competition for payment services in the UK Continue Reading
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News
26 Nov 2018
Unprecedented actions by Commons committee augur badly for Facebook
House of Commons’ serjeant-at-arms effectively arrested the CEO of a US software company and frogmarched him to Parliament, where he was told he would be imprisoned if he failed to hand over papers on Facebook Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2018
O2 and Nokia partner up on 5G-focused Massive MIMO trial in London
Mobile network operator O2 is carrying out an investigative trial involving Massive MIMO technology in Kings Cross and Marble Arch, London to ascertain how best to ready its network for an uptick in 5G-induced data usage Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
Russian banks to introduce contactless ATMs
Russian banks have introduced their first contactless ATMs, which customers can link to via smartphones and wearable devices Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2018
5G will unleash digital transformation for UK enterprises
Mobile operator EE is working hand-in-hand with its largest enterprise customers to realise the potential of its future 5G mobile network Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Nov 2018
Samsung phone folds like a cheap suit
Samsung has unveiled something resembling a VTech learning toy to try to maintain its foothold in the smartphone market. Commentators humoured the announcement, though, referring to the ... Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2018
Fintechs advised on how to work with big banks
Advice backed by the government for fintechs on how to engage with traditional finance firms is published Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2018
NatWest pilots digital bank for SMEs
App-based banking platform offers small enterprises other business tools on top of a current account Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2018
Apple drops unit shipments as it posts fourth-quarter results
As long as it is making money, why worry how may iPhones are out there, the company argues Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2018
How Bahrain plans to become a regional fintech hub
Bahrain is a small island with big plans for its financial technology industry Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2018
Nordic banks target SME customers with fintech services
Traditional Nordic banks are slimming down workforces as they turn increasingly to technology-based service delivery, and some are linking up with small fintech companies to deliver online products. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2018
SMEs use fintech in fight against online giants, but fears remain
Online SMEs are turning to financial technology to help them make payment processes easy for customers as they try to compete with online giants Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2018
Russians using less cash after accelerated use of electronic payments
Russians are increasingly using electronic payments rather than cash, a recent study by Sberbank has found Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2018
Home Office ‘seriously’ considered ESN shutdown
New disclosures from those responsible for the troubled Emergency Services Network project have revealed that, contrary to previous denials, the Home Office came close to pulling the plug earlier this year Continue Reading
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News
17 Oct 2018
Contactless payments surpass Chip and PIN in UK shops
Contactless card payments now account for more spending in UK stores than Chip and PIN Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2018
Watchdog calls for clarity on Schedule 7 terrorism powers
The Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation has called for greater clarity over police Schedule 7 powers to seize mobile phones and computers and question people without grounds for suspicion at ports and airports Continue Reading
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News
03 Oct 2018
Diversity key for innovation, says Carnival Corporation CEO
The CEO of travel brand Carnival told Splunk.conf 2018 that having diverse teams is the best way to drive innovation throughout a business Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2018
Mobile will be more disruptive for retail than online, says Facebook representative
Facebook’s retail industry head says mobile technology is likely to cause a bigger shift in retail than online shopping did Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2018
Brighton’s 5G experiment enters new test phase with focus on virtual reality
The latest phase of the Digital Catapult’s 5G mobile network testbed in Brighton has begun, with digital businesses from across Sussex taking part in trials of augmented, mixed and virtual reality technology Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2018
Finland’s e-retail sector driven by international growth
Finland has a fast-growing e-retail industry as a positive consequence of the huge job cuts at Nokia Continue Reading
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Photo Story
25 Sep 2018
Motorola turns 90
The company's 90 year history has seen it broadcast messages from the Moon, power FM military transmitters and launch the first commercial mobile phone Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Sep 2018
Mobile-first strategy rings true for jeweller
Mobile has played a key role in how London jeweller Taylor & Hart has changed the rules for buying a ring Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2018
Phased roll-out of ESN to start in early 2019
The government will adopt a phased approach to the roll-out of the new emergency services 4G communications network Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2018
Out-of-contract users paying millions for phones they already own
Despite calls for MNOs to change their ways, users are still being overcharged for their devices, says Citizens Advice Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2018
BMW innovation lab bears fruit with insurtech deal
BMW has struck a deal with one of the tech startups that participated in its innovation incubator Continue Reading
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18 Sep 2018
Sustainability and the smartphone: How to give your old device a second life
Find out what happens to your smartphone after you’re finished with it and why you should commit to the circular economy. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
18 Sep 2018
The importance of smartphone sustainability
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine the considerable environmental footprint of the mobile phone industry and ask what can be done to further the circular economy. We find out how disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS) is being used and when it’s an option for businesses. And we look at some of the UK’s emerging fintech success stories. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2018
Nationwide Building Society adds over a billion pounds to IT spend
Nationwide is increasing the budget for its latest multi-year IT project Continue Reading
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Podcast
14 Sep 2018
Printing, document capture and compliance risk in the GDPR era
Printers, scanners and mobile devices that capture data from documents all store data in some way or other. How can you be sure to be compliant with GDPR with regard to that data? Continue Reading