Even though the first mainstream 64-bit mobile processor was only launched towards the end of 2013, new figures from ABI Research show this type of chip will dominate the mobile market within the next five years.

Apple’s 64-bit A7 processor had been shipped in more than 36 million iPhones and iPads within the first three months of launch. It was followed by Intel, Marvell, MediaTek, Qualcomm and Nvidia all announcing their first 64-bit mobile processors at Mobile World Congress 2014.

Microsoft says it’s now working with nine new hardware partners on Windows Phone devices: Foxconn, Gionee, Lava/Xolo, Lenovo, LG, Longcheer, JSR, Karbonn and ZTE.

These will join the four current partners, which are HTC, Huawei, Nokia and Samsung.

Strategy Analytics has published information about the major companies producing applications processors for smartphones during 2013.

It shows that Qualcomm remains the leading producer of smartphone processors and is also the second-largest tablet chip producer as well.

We start this week's podcast by looking at the new Ofcom rules that should end unexpected mid-contract price rises for UK mobile phone customers.

There's also talk about misleading mobile network advertising, patent agreements, takeover bids, satellite broadband and 4G data usage... plus a curious patent application from Google.

Mark Bridge writes:

Great news for mobile phone users. Ofcom’s new rules preventing unexpected mid-contract price rises came into force last week, which means UK consumers can no longer be surprised by their subscription charge increasing while they’re still locked into a minimum-term deal.