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
24 Apr 2024
TikTok ban sails through US Senate
A law that will ban TikTok in the US unless its owner sells up pronto passed the US Senate by a landslide majority after being included in a package of military aid Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2024
Report reveals Northern Ireland police put up to 18 journalists and lawyers under surveillance
Disclosures that the Police Service of Northern Ireland obtained phone communications data from journalists and lawyers leads to renewed calls for inquiry Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2024
International police operation infiltrates LabHost phishing website used by thousands of criminals
The Metropolitan Police working with international police forces have shut down LabHost, a phishing-as-a-service website that has claimed 70,000 victims in the UK Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2024
eSIM Go joins GSMA as it expands global coverage
Embedded subscriber identity module provider becomes member of global mobile trade association to underline commitment to extending digital mobile ecosystem, which now covers over 1,000 networks in more than 190 countries Continue Reading
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News
12 Apr 2024
Apple iPhone security alert renews spyware concerns
An Apple security alert received by users in 92 countries raises fresh fears over ongoing campaigns by users of mercenary spyware products Continue Reading
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News
11 Apr 2024
PSNI criticised after ‘utterly vague’ answers on covert surveillance of journalists
The Policing Board of Northern Ireland has asked the Police Service of Northern Ireland to produce a public report on its use of covert surveillance powers against journalists and lawyers after it gave ‘utterly vague’ answers Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2024
Police forces check intelligence and criminal databases after errors discovered in O2 phone data
Criminal Bar Association calls for information about reliability of communications data used in criminal trials to be disclosed Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2024
Organisations getting better at spotting identity fraud
As the barriers to committing identity fraud continue to drop, organisations should consider more sophisticated technical measures to successfully up their game, according to a report Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2024
Cisco unveils enhanced collaboration tech for the hybrid workforce
Multifunctional devices from Cisco aim to enhance collaboration in offices through optimised cameras and AI-powered collaboration features for hybrid teamwork Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2024
Court finds EncroChat hacked messages admissible as former footballer is jailed
A judge in ‘lead’ EncroChat case found that messages obtained by police from the encrypted phone network can be lawfully used in evidence Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2024
US sues Apple, alleging smartphone monopoly
A major legal action against Apple over its dominance of the smartphone market has kicked off in the US, alleging anticompetitive practices on Apple’s part that have damaged the sector and restricted consumer choice Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2024
Three UK sees top-line revenue growth but first EBIT loss since 2010
UK mobile network operator reports earnings loss for the first time since 2010 but growth in certain customer segments driven by business-to-business, 5G, home broadband and Smarty service Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2024
Qualcomm brings more on-device AI to smartphones with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
Chip giant unveils mobile platform using specially selected premium capabilities for next-level on-device generative AI features set to be adopted by major OEMs over the coming months Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2024
US authorities move a step closer to banning TikTok
Lawmakers in Washington DC have moved a step closer to enacting a broad national ban on controversial video app TikTok in the US, with global ramifications Continue Reading
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News
07 Mar 2024
PSNI chief denies ‘industrial’ use of surveillance powers against journalists
PSNI chief constable Jon Boutcher has agreed to provide a report on police surveillance of journalists and lawyers to Northern Ireland’s policing watchdog Continue Reading
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News
07 Mar 2024
NI Policing Board pressed to open inquiry into PSNI spying on journalists’ phones
Amnesty International and the Committee on the Administration of Justice have asked Northern Ireland’s policing watchdog to open an inquiry into the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s use of surveillance powers against journalists Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2024
Apple patches zero-days amid ‘foundational’ post-quantum update
Apple’s iOS 17.4 update not only fixes zero-day flaws that are being actively exploited, but includes important new security protocols to safeguard users against future attacks Continue Reading
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News
01 Mar 2024
Slow roll-out of standalone 5G risks UK SMEs taking annual £8.6bn hit
Research from UK telco suggests lack of availability of true 5G puts smaller businesses at disadvantage compared with continental European counterparts taking advantage of reliable superfast connectivity Continue Reading
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News
01 Mar 2024
MWC 2024: Technology, business building blocks emerge for 5G Advanced
Summit shows how imminent mass introduction of 5G Advanced networks will likely see 2024 being a pivotal year for the mobile industry, breaking the traditional generational cycle in mobile communications technology Continue Reading
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News
29 Feb 2024
MWC 2024: Open Gateway, AI drive future mobile networks
Mobile industry’s flagship event reveals that more than 40 mobile operator networks across five continents have now commercially launched network API services to the developer community to unlock 5G’s full potential Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2024
Ericsson, Telefónica claim to redefine 5G experiences with on-demand slicing
Proof of concept from telco and leading comms tech provide said to provide superior service experience for mobile consumers, enhancing performance of 5G services Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2024
Singtel rolls out network slicing on 5G network
Singtel’s app-based network slicing capabilities will boost the performance of 5G applications and cater to different experience, security and privacy requirements Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2024
Record high returned to US smartphone consumers through trade-in
Report reveals record $4.3bn returned to US consumers through mobile device trade-in programmes in 2023, with $1.6bn in the last quarter alone Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2024
Dutch Supreme Court approves use of EncroChat evidence
Defence lawyers plan appeal to European Court of Human Rights after Supreme Court upholds a conviction based on intercepted messages from the EncroChat encrypted phone network Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2024
Executive alleged to be behind EncroChat encrypted phone network arrested
A businessman allegedly behind EncroChat, an encrypted phone network that was used by organised crime groups, has been extradited from the Dominican Republic to France Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2024
Dozens of surveillance companies are supplying spyware to governments, says Google
Google’s Threat Analysis Group has identified 40 companies involved in selling and supplying security exploits and spyware services to governments Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2024
UK and France push for international agreement on spyware
The UK and France are hosting diplomats, big tech companies and civil society groups, in a two-day conference in London targeting the proliferation of spyware tools and ‘hackers for hire’ Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Jan 2024
The race to regulate AI: 2024 unpacked
EU’s AI Act is set to become ‘gold standard’ of AI regulation. Will other countries adopt the same high standards or like the UK opt for a light touch in favour of growth and investment? Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2024
WebKit vulnerability sparks Apple’s first major security update of 2024
A zero-day in the open source WebKit browser engine that powers Safari has sparked Apple’s first major patch roll-out of the new year Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2024
SEC bitcoin hack was result of SIM-swapping
A cyber attack on the US financial regulator earlier in January 2024 occurred after hackers took over one of its mobile phone accounts in a so-called SIM-swapping attack Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2024
Chat control: Tech companies warn ministers over EU encryption plans
Tech companies have written to EU ministers to urge them to back the European Parliament, rather than the European Commission, over proposed regulations to police child abuse Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2024
Galaxy S24 Series represents Samsung’s ‘AI moment’
Launch of flagship mobile phone sees Korean giant aim to use AI to open up a new era in the mobile experience and make consumers aware of edge-AI use cases Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jan 2024
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung Galaxy is a product line of Android smartphones, tablets and internet of things devices manufactured by Samsung Electronics. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2024
Tech firms: Investigatory Powers review will undermine privacy of UK citizens
Trade group TechUK argues in a briefing sent to the Home Office that proposed amendments to the Investigatory Powers Bill could have a far-reaching impact on privacy and security Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2024
Kaspersky shares Pegasus spyware-hunting tool
Kaspersky has developed a way of easily exposing the presence of Pegasus spyware on iOS devices and believes its methodology may also help users identify other such surveillance malware Continue Reading
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News
15 Jan 2024
5G-Advanced, RedCap set to drive 5G market in 2024
Latest evolution of next-generation mobile technology and low-load next-generation mobile wireless standard set to be key engines of 5G market Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2024
CES 2024: automotive to the fore as Qualcomm revs up for new world of AI
Leading trade show sees latest steps in Qualcomm’s evolution into connected processor and artificial intelligence company, eyeing up a new computing space for its products and services Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jan 2024
Apple 3D Touch
Apple 3D Touch was a hardware-based feature Apple introduced in iPhone 6s and 6s Plus devices running iOS 9 that perceives the amount of force a user puts on the touchscreen to activate different functions. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2024
CES 2024: Sony announces development of spatial content creation system
Sony is developing a device equipped with extended reality head-mounted display and controllers dedicated to interaction with 3D objects Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2024
CES 2024: Samsung gets into gear with Tesla, Hyundai
CE giant unveils at leading tech event connected vehicle offerings for two of the leading global auto manufacturers, with particular emphasis on smart energy savings Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2024
OpenRoaming vs. Passpoint: What's the difference?
OpenRoaming and Passpoint both provide users with internet access outside of their coverage area via Wi-Fi, but they differ in terms of use cases, implementation, cost and more. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2024
Inside the Met Police’s investigation into EncroChat crime gangs
The Met’s senior investigating officer responsible for investigating criminals using the EncroChat encrypted phone network tells the inside story of the UK’s biggest organised crime bust in a BBC podcast series released this week Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Dec 2023
Decoding zero trust in endpoint security: A practical guide for CISOs
The exponential increase in endpoints has vastly expanded the average organisation’s attack surface – address this by applying zero-trust best practice to endpoints Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Dec 2023
unlocked cell phone
An unlocked cell phone is a cellular telephone that can be used with more than one service provider, allowing a user the flexibility to switch between different networks. Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2023
The Security Interviews: Talking identity with Microsoft’s Joy Chik
Microsoft’s president of identity and network access, Joy Chik, joins Computer Weekly to discuss the evolving threat landscape in identity security, using innovations in artificial intelligence to stay ahead, and advocating for the coming passwordless future Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2023
Vodafone: 5G SA to accelerate UK net-zero journey
Research reveals 5G-enabled technologies could help deliver huge emissions savings, which could accelerate the UK’s renewable energy transition, especially in wind power generation Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Dec 2023
Considerations for the security of evolving workspaces
Remote working has enabled people to work from almost anywhere but has piled pressure on cyber pros. Three years after Covid, how are best practices evolving and what can we expect going forward? Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2023
Verizon Business, Zebra Technologies team to accelerate private 5G
Business comms provider certifies mobile device manufacturer to work with private 5G and LTE networks throughout the US to enable frontline workers in multiple industries to manage projects and comms on job sites more efficiently Continue Reading
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News
04 Dec 2023
5G to be the last 'G' for Orange as comms hits singularity
Telco believes mobile communications has hit tipping point with imminent end of traditional generational paradigm and delivery of products to be replaced by services enhanced on a continuous basis Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Dec 2023
Cyber and remote working: How Covid moved the cursor
Remote working has enabled people to work from almost anywhere but has piled pressure on cyber pros. Three years after Covid, how are best practices evolving and what can we expect going forward? Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Dec 2023
Security Think Tank: Four steps to secure remote workers
Remote working has enabled people to work from almost anywhere but has piled pressure on cyber pros. Three years after Covid, how are best practices evolving and what can we expect going forward? Continue Reading
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News
27 Nov 2023
Advanced metering infrastructure deployment to exceed expectations
Research predicts that while proprietary and RF communications technologies will remain pivotal connectivity options for water AMI projects in the foreseeable future, emerging alternatives are rapidly growing Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2023
Growing European mobile data traffic drives pressure on network investment
Research from global mobile trade association shows that mobile contributed €910bn to Europe’s economy in 2022 Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2023
Slow or fast UK 5G Standalone deployment could make £7.4bn difference
Research shows transformative potential of 5G Standalone technology for the UK economy beyond NHS cost savings and shorter travel times Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2023
MediaTek unveils RedCap services
Looking to advance a transition to the 5G-NR wireless standard for enterprise and industrial IoT applications, leading fabless semiconductor company introduces modem technology and chipset family Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2023
Defence lawyers seek appeal of tribunal ruling on police EncroChat cryptophone hack
Defence lawyers are seeking leave to appeal against a tribunal ruling that found the National Crime Agency had lawfully obtained warrants to access messages from 9,000 cryptophones used in the UK Continue Reading
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News
17 Nov 2023
Qualcomm claims ‘remarkable’ gains with Snapdragon 7-Series platform
Gen 3 mobile platform said to amplify mobile user experiences bringing next-generation technology and features to more consumers, with on-device AI, fan-favourite mobile gaming Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2023
Million Brits could lose access to bank branch if closure rate continues
Even people in urban constituencies could lose access to a local bank branch, according to research Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2023
5G phones drive almost $1bn returned to customers in Q3
Global business services company’s quarterly assessment of mobile trade-in arena shows that iPhone 11 still dominates as the top traded device but that for the first time more than half of the top five traded models were 5G capable devices. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2023
How the UK crime agency repurposed Amazon cloud platform to analyse EncroChat cryptophone data
UK crime agency repurposed AWS-based analytics platform to triage EncroChat data and identify threats to life in messages sent on encrypted phone network Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2023
CGI, Eutelsat OneWeb, Icomera pilot satellite broadband for UK trains
IT and business consulting services reveal live trials to demonstrate how integrated low-earth orbit satellite and terrestrial communications networks can provide seamless, low latency broadband connectivity on Britain’s rail network Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2023
Over a quarter of UK adults use buy now, pay later fintechs
Latest research from UK financial services regulator shows BNPL more likely to be used by people experiencing financial difficulty Continue Reading
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News
27 Oct 2023
Tech firms cite risk to end-to-end encryption as Online Safety Bill gets royal assent
Tech firms continue to be concerned that the Online Safety Bill could undermine end-to-end encryption despite government reassurances Continue Reading
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News
27 Oct 2023
Germany: European Court opinion kicks questions over EncroChat back to national courts
Germany lawfully obtained data on German EncroChat users from France, but whether the evidence is legally admissible is a matter for national courts Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2023
Kaspersky opens up over spyware campaign targeting its staffers
Kaspersky has shared more details of the TriangleDB spyware that was used against its own workforce by an unknown APT group Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Oct 2023
Could the iPhone 15's USB-C port drive device consolidation?
With the coming of the new iPhone with the USB-C port, organizations might look at this new compatibility feature as the impetus for some changes to their device policies. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Sep 2023
dual SIM phone
A dual SIM phone is a mobile phone, typically a smartphone, with the capacity to use two subscriber identity module (SIM) cards. Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2023
Apple fixes three vulnerabilities found by spyware researchers
Apple has patched three more vulnerabilities uncovered by spyware and surveillance researchers at The Citizen Lab Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Sep 2023
Smartphone recycling: UK buyers say let’s go round again
The cost-of-living crisis in the UK shows no sign of abating, and nor does the need for consumers of all products and services to act more sustainably. There are few markets where both dynamics apply as strongly as they do for smartphones Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2023
Google, Microsoft and Mozilla push browser updates to foil zero-day
A zero-day in Google’s Chrome browser was first reported by surveillance researchers at The Citizen Lab and Apple, but also affects other browsers Continue Reading
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News
08 Sep 2023
Apple patches Blastpass exploit abused by spyware makers
Apple has patched two vulnerabilities that formed an exploit chain which has been allegedly abused by spyware company NSO Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2023
German court unclear whether intercepted EncroChat cryptophone messages are legally admissible
Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court is waiting to hear five complaints that could decide whether data from the hacked EncroChat phone network can be lawfully used in German courts, but situation remains unclear for now Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2023
Thousands of Klarna staff access ChatGPT Enterprise
Fintech unicorn Klarna has become an early adopter of the enterprise version of ChatGPT as it continues to focus on artificial intelligence Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2023
July sees huge jump in open banking payments
The number of open banking payments in the UK have doubled over the past year, according to latest figures Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2023
Premium shines as mid- to low-end smartphone market trends down in H1
Research group’s study of smartphone arena confirms general downward trend among major suppliers for the first half of 2023, with premium market holding up and slump in the mid- to low-end market expected to continue Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2023
Huawei, Ericsson ink long-term patent cross-licensing agreement
Rival tech firms and contributors of standard essential patents for mobile communication recognise value of each other’s intellectual property in agreement designed to create stronger patent environment Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2023
Tata Communications launches global, 5G Roaming Lab
Global digital ecosystem enabler announces launch of cloud-based 5G Roaming Laboratory to allow trial of 5G standalone network use cases before introducing services to enterprise customers Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2023
Innovative UK SMEs spend half of turnover on tech
UK SMEs are increasing spending on technology, with dedicated IT teams set up to enable them to keep pace with tech change Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Aug 2023
The right digital tools on the go for SMEs
SMEs should look out for business laptops that come with the performance, durability and easy management to empower their hybrid workforce to be more productive while on the move Continue Reading
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News
18 Aug 2023
Average US trade-in value for smartphones increases for fifth consecutive quarter
Quarterly research of smartphone trade-in market reveals sustained rise in value of pre-owned devices in US over three-month period to 30 June 2023, with iPhones reaching their highest recorded value of $215 Continue Reading
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News
17 Aug 2023
Researchers demo fake airplane mode exploit that tricks iPhone users
Exploit chain that tricks a victim into believing their iOS device is offline in airplane mode when it is not could open the door to grave privacy concerns Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2023
TSB and Fintech Scotland lab open for applications
High street bank opens applications to its latest fintech programme in partnership with Fintech Scotland Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2023
MPs warn about growing prevalence of tech-enabled domestic abuse
The UK government must take action to prevent perpetrators from being able to use connected or smart technologies to conduct their domestic abuse, a select committee has warned Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2023
Many UK organisations considering ChatGPT bans on employee devices
More than 60% of organisations in the UK have either banned, or are considering banning, the use of generative AI tools on employee- or business-owned devices Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2023
Global smartphone shipments decline year on year for eighth consecutive quarter
Omdia study reveals headwinds now buffeting the once unstoppable smartphone industry and predicts times will be tough for the industry until the end of 2023 Continue Reading
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News
02 Aug 2023
Ivanti MDM users told to patch against two dangerous flaws
Users of Ivanti’s mobile device management platform have been warned to act now to patch two vulnerabilities that were chained by a threat actor in a series of cyber attacks on the Norwegian government Continue Reading
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News
31 Jul 2023
Baicells, Alef, Sky Packets team to take LTE networks across unserved communities
Community connectivity programme takes advantage of funding options and Private CBRS networks to deliver affordable broadband and digital equity for the unconnected Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2023
ETSI launches OpenSlice group to deliver mobile network slicing as a service
Association for ICT development, ratification and testing of standards introduces software development group for dedicated portions of mobile networks Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jul 2023
unique device identifier (UDID)
A unique device identifier (UDID) is a 24-character string assigned to Apple devices. Apple uses the UDID for software beta test enrollment and Find My activation status. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2023
Digital transformation to drive tenfold rise in 5G mobile connections in Asia-Pacific
Survey finds APAC’s uptake of 5G will continue gathering pace until the end of the decade, but barriers in certain countries mean the region still has one of the largest usage gaps in the world Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2023
Tribunal investigates complaint that journalists’ phones were unlawfully monitored
The Investigatory Powers Tribunal has agreed to investigate complaints by Northern Ireland investigative journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey that they were unlawfully placed under surveillance Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Jul 2023
The problem with ‘secure’ messaging
Secure instant messaging is becoming a norm for business communications but it raises three important security and compliance questions Continue Reading
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News
21 Jul 2023
Government boosts protection for encryption in Online Safety Bill but civil society groups concerned
House of Lords adopts amendment to require Ofcom to commission a report before requiring technology companies to scan encrypted messages, but drops proposals for judicial oversight Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2023
Apple pushes Rapid Response patch to fix WebKit zero-day
Apple deployed an emergency patch under its Rapid Security Response update programme, but had to temporarily suspend delivery after it caused problems for users of the Safari browser Continue Reading
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News
05 Jul 2023
Germany: European Court of Justice hears arguments on lawfulness of EncroChat cryptophone evidence
The European Court of Justice will decide whether the collection and sharing of data intercepted by law enforcement from EncroChat crypto phone network is compatible with European law Continue Reading
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Opinion
29 Jun 2023
Has mobile become the battleground for banking?
Head of Insights at data.ai discusses the unstoppable freight train that is the mobile banking revolution Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2023
Brits are using healthcare apps without proper checks
As mobile health app acceptance increases, people are taking risks by using them without any advice from their medical professionals, finds survey Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2023
Three years on, EncroChat cryptophone hack nets 6,500 arrests and seizures of €900m
French and Dutch prosecutors say three years after they infiltrated the EncroChat cryptophone network in a novel hacking operation, Europe’s courts are opening the way for more collaboration and data sharing between law enforcement agencies Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2023
HSBC leaving Canary Wharf headquarters
HSBC is to leave its current Canary Wharf headquarters by 2027 as hybrid-working policies reduce demand for office space Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2023
Vodafone unveils UK’s first consumer 5G standalone mobile network 5G Ultra
UK operator claims to be first of its kind in the country to offer a 5G Standalone network and that customers will be able to experience the most technologically advanced 5G network in the UK. Continue Reading