Samsung Electronics has created a gaming controller for its Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

The Smartphone GamePad connects via Bluetooth and will work with most Galaxy devices with a 4-inch to 6.3-inch screen running Android v4.1 or above. It has a rechargeable battery, a steel frame and a grip to hold the mobile device in place.

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has announced a number of updates that form part of the new Bluetooth version 4.1.

This new version will offer a reduced risk of interference with 4G LTE transmissions, more control over automatic reconnections, bulk data transfer, more flexibility when defining devices as ‘hub’ or ‘peripheral’ and more potential for use with the ‘Internet of Things’.

Mark Bridge writes:

Imagine books that could automatically link with your tablet as you touched the pages. Or posters that reacted to your fingertips and displayed the results on your smartphone. It seems this kind of Bluetooth-enabled interactivity is just around the corner, thanks to tiny low-power processors and a patented printing process that doesn’t require specialised equipment.

We start this week's podcast with Ofcom's announcement that it's clarifying the rules for fixed-term mobile phone contracts.

There's also a new curved smartphone from LG, accusations about a mobile security company, information about mobile phone thefts, a report into the UK's communications infrastructure and some quarterly results figures.

BlackBerry has announced its BlackBerry 10 platform will support the Bluetooth Smart Ready standard.

This will enable BlackBerry devices to work with both standard and low-energy Bluetooth peripherals, including fitness and healthcare accessories.