Mark Bridge writes:
Google’s big announcement last week involved the company introducing Android v4.3 (as expected), launching a new Nexus 7 tablet (as expected) and also revealing a ‘Chromecast’ HDMI adaptor that’ll stream from most portable devices. That was more of a surprise.
And Nokia announced the large-screen Lumia 625, which had also been much rumoured.
O2 UK had its own unexpected revelation, deciding to close down its Help at Hand mobile care service less than five months after the public launch. Customers with one of its telecare phones will receive a refund and free service for the rest of the year.
Meanwhile, the Mobile by Sainsbury's MVNO announced its tariffs – sensible-sounding ‘pay as you go’ deals – and mobile payment service iZettle cut some of its transaction fees.
Other than that, the week seemed mainly to be about quarterly results. Those headlines included Samsung profits reaching a new record, LG smartphone shipments reaching a new record, Apple iPhone sales increasing, Facebook making over 40% of its revenue from mobile advertising and Amazon.com reporting a $7 million loss.
Finally, we’re starting this week by looking forward to another Google announcement: the company’s Motorola Mobile business is due to unveil its new smartphone on Thursday. 1st August is also the traditional start of the ‘silly season’ for news. Let’s hope there’s no connection between the two.
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