Encrypted communications provider Silent Circle says it’s discontinued its Silent Mail email encryption service to avoid the risk of compromising its customers if governments demanded to see user information.

The company points out that it’s not received any government subpoenas, warrants or security letters at the moment.

Mark Bridge writes:

August is traditionally known as the ‘silly season’… but last week’s mobile industry news was all very serious. Apple started with a move designed to reassure customers about unsafe iPhone chargers by arranging a discounted exchange scheme – and it ended the week with a patent victory in the USA.

The US International Trade Commission has banned a number of Samsung mobile devices from being imported to the USA.

It’s upheld a decision about two patents: one involved touch-screen technology and listed Apple founder Steve Jobs as one of the inventors, the other related to the way an audio socket detected the type of equipment that had been connected. Four other claims were rejected by the US ITC.

Mark Bridge writes:

Don't sell the steak – sell the sizzle!  That's the mantra of many salespeople. It's all about emphasising the benefits of a product rather than its features. You don't tell people about the 13 megapixel camera when they ask about the new LG smartphone, you tell them it'll capture the first steps of their precious young nephew in pin-sharp accuracy. Or something like that.

Telefónica has announced that it’s closing the TU Me voice-over-IP service next month.

TU Me, which offers free voice calls as well as messaging and photo sharing, was originally launched in May last year. It’s currently available as an Apple iOS, Google Android and BlackBerry application.