UK communications regulator Ofcom has published a report looking at the use of online communication services. The report reveals that WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app among UK adults, with 76% of respondents having used it in the past three months.

Apple is planning updates to its iOS and iPadOS mobile operating systems that will help prevent the spread of Child Sexual Abuse Material.

The Telephone Preference Service and Ofcom have introduced a new text message service that lets UK mobile users opt out of receiving unsolicited sales and marketing calls.

Mobile phone users can simply text ‘TPS’ and their email address to 78070.

Sajid Javid MP, the UK Government Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, has announced what’s described as a “landmark deal” with the ‘big four’ mobile networks to improve coverage.

It follows a three-week consultation period that involved the government proposing mandated ‘national roaming’ as one of the options to improve rural coverage in areas where some networks provided service but others didn’t.

It's time for another news-packed mobile industry podcast from TheFonecast.com, starting with the European Parliament's latest ruling on in-car emergency communication.

After that we're talking about Microsoft's departure from the Nook eBook business, Three UK's 4G growth, Acer's tablet-sized phone, EE's rural coverage solution and some interesting new research about mobile-enabled customer service.

By incorporating advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities, AI can help to optimize a smartphone's performance, providing users with a faster, more efficient and user-friendly experience.

Mark Bridge writes:

I've been taking a look back at the devices I've written about during the past few years. Some are still faithful companions, others... well, let's just say my faith was misplaced.

Mark Windle, head of marketing at OpenCloud, predicts that this year’s reduction in the number of traditional telecoms operators in some countries will provide an opportunity for other operators to innovate and capture market share in 2016.

He says next year will be a year of rapid change for telecoms… whether it’s MVNO disruption, competitive tariff pricing or simply defence from the ‘dark art’ of hacking.

Mark Bridge writes:

The most memorable moments in life often go unrecorded. You don't have your camera in your hands. Your finger is still hovering over the 'pause' button on your audio recorder. Or you were simply too busy experiencing whatever was happening. It's all about the one that got away.

That's where Kapture can help.

Mark Bridge writes:

James Rosewell shows me a colourful roll of paper that's the width of an iPhone but well over three metres long. When I look closer, I can see it's a printed copy of the Wall Street Journal's mobile website. That's a lot of scrolling to do... and a pretty unfriendly user experience for anyone reading the news online. Why does it work so badly?

The Fonecast returns to its usual format this week, catching up on industry headlines including Ikea’s virtual network, new mobile music services and a surprising survey. There’s also time in the podcast for a quick preview of the new Sony Ericsson T700.

This week we've recorded a special version of The Fonecast for the summer holidays. Download it and discover our top ten tips for taking your phone abroad: essential information whether you're advising customers or planning your own escape!

This week's edition of The Fonecast includes an interview with United Mobile's UK Managing Director about VoIP, a preview of the new S2 Skypephone and a look at news headlines & rumours from the past seven days.

Iain Graham, Mark Bridge and James Rosewell from The Fonecast take an in-depth look at mobile industry headlines from the last seven days, including the potential changes to text charges when using your phone abroad. In addition, there's a preview of the Motorola ROKR E8.

In this week's edition of The Fonecast we take a look at the Samsung Tocco and talk to Amirul Choudhury from ChyTel Communications. As usual, we’ll also be having our regular discussion about the latest mobile industry headlines.