Mark Bridge writes:

Let's talk mobile payments for a moment. Not using your 'mobile wallet' in shops but simply purchasing something online. Opening your phone's web browser and placing an order. Opening an app and buying an upgraded zombie-killing mega-gun. That kind of thing.

Mark Bridge writes:

There's been a bit of a location-based theme in the mobile industry this week.

Hardly surprising, with a new report from Pyramid Research saying location-based advertising is becoming increasingly popular – and NAVTEQ revealing that most consumers are happy receiving promotional offers in exchange for free location-related content.

WDS, which handles technical support for a number of mobile operators worldwide, is warning that varying hardware quality levels can cause problems for networks offering low-cost Android devices.

The open-source operating system offers more freedom than Windows Phone 7, which sets minimum hardware requirements, or Apple and RIM's in-house products.

Jon S von Tetzchner, who co-founded browser company Opera Software and led the company until last year, is leaving on 30th June.

Lars Boilesen, the current CEO of Opera Software, said "We are very proud of Jon, and of course of the company. We are aiming at 500 million users by 2013, and we have a very positive flow right now."

ARCHOS, originally best-known for its portable music and video players before moving into Android tablets, has just announced two new Android devices for the home.

The ARCHOS 35 Smart Home Phone is an Android-powered DECT cordless phone, while the ARCHOS 35 Home Connect uses WiFi to stream music and internet radio stations.