Mobile developers now have two new device detection databases to help them design and build mobile web sites.

The services are being offered by 51Degrees.mobi, a Reading-based business that specialises in device detection, web optimisation and mobile analytics solutions.

This week’s podcast from The Fonecast contains news of two new mobile platforms: Google’s exotically-named Ice Cream Sandwich and the rather more prosaic BlackBerry BBX. We also talk about the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the new Motorola RAZR and an Android-powered cash register from Casio.

As well as all this there’s a discussion about mobile payments, mobile patents, a new mobile-focussed health study and a new way of saying ‘beta’.

The latest company to sign a patent agreement with Microsoft is Taiwan-based manufacturer Compal Electronics.

The new agreement provides coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for Compal’s tablets, mobile phones and eBook readers running the Android and Chrome platforms.

Microsoft and Quanta Computer have signed a patent agreement to cover Quanta under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for producing tablets, smartphones and other devices running the Android and Chrome platforms.

Quanta joins the ranks of Samsung, HTC, ViewSonic, Acer and several other manufacturers that produce Android-based equipment.

Branding consultancy Interbrand has released the 12th version of its Best Global Brands report. Once again, Coca-Cola is rated as the world’s most-valuable brand at $71,861 million (around £46.5 billion).

In fact, the top seven brands remain in the same places as they did in 2010; after Coca-Cola comes IBM, then Microsoft, Google, GE, McDonald’s and Intel.