Google is following Apple and Facebook by launching gift cards that can be bought from major retailers.

Android smartphone and tablet users can now pay for purchases with Google Play gift cards, although they’re currently only available in the United States.

Long-established camera manufacturer Nikon has announced a new compact camera that uses the Android operating system.

The COOLPIX S800c includes WiFi connectivity and access to the Google Play application store alongside a 10x optical zoom lens and 16-megapixel sensor. It’s also equipped with a 3.5-inch touchscreen, built-in GPS and high-definition video recording.

Truphone, which offers an international mobile phone service with its Tru SIM as well as a mobile VoIP application, has had a complaint against it upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority.

Its online claim describing the Tru SIM as saving money “wherever you are in the world” and describing the product as “the truly global SIM” was challenged by a complainant who said the service wasn’t available in some parts of the world.

We start this week's edition of The Fonecast with confirmation that 4G coverage will be launched in the UK this year, thanks to Everything Everywhere.

However, all's not well in the world of mobile retail - as mystery shopping by a consumer organisation reports widespread misinformation from sales staff.

This morning’s announcement by Ofcom that it was allowing Everything Everywhere - the company behind Orange and T-Mobile in the UK - to use its existing spectrum for 4G has been met by statements of disappointment from both Vodafone and O2.

Vodafone’s official statement said “We are frankly shocked that Ofcom has reached this decision. The regulator has shown a careless disregard for the best interests of consumers, businesses and the wider economy through its refusal to properly regard the competitive distortion created by allowing one operator to run services before the ground has been laid for a fully competitive 4G market.”