Telefonica and Microsoft have signed an agreement to create a new video platform that’ll be used for entertainment across Telefonica’s operating businesses worldwide.

The new service will take advantage of Microsoft’s Mediaroom online TV technology and will be capable of delivering video content to compatible set-top boxes, Xbox 360 consoles, web browsers, tablets and smartphones. Initially the service will be offered in Brazil, Chile and Spain.

The market for mobile accessories will grow at an average rate of 10.5% per year from 2012 through until 2017, according to figures from ABI Research.

It says the total revenue generated worldwide by mobile accessories will reach $62 billion in 2017.

Research In Motion has updated its BlackBerry Messenger instant messaging service to allow free voice calls to other BBM users via WiFi.

BBM version 7 enables customers to switch between texting and talking with their contacts.

The UK's 4G spectrum auctions are given a start date, while RIM reveals the launch day for its BlackBerry 10 platform.

This week's podcast also covers the patent deal between Apple and HTC, the departure of Windows Live Messenger, the success of the Samsung Galaxy SIII and some mobile payment innovation.

New analysis of the UK’s communication habits has found that people can be categorised into five different groups of communicators, ranging from the ‘always on’ to the ‘detached’.

Earlier this year, Ofcom’s Communication Market Report revealed that the UK is now texting more that talking. Further analysis of the research, published today, looks at the methods and frequency of communication, as well people’s attitudes towards it.