Rugged computer manufacturer Getac has launched what it describes as the world’s most rugged Android tablet.

The Z710 has a 7-inch scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass display and meets MIL-STD 810G / IP65 certification for shock, dust and moisture.

WDS, a UK-based Xerox group business that specialises in wireless customer experience, says smartphone makers are risking dissatisfied customers by not quoting battery performance in a way that reflects day-to-day use.

It analysed fifty of the top smartphones launched from August 2011 to August 2012, discovering that everyday features such as web browsing were generally omitted from battery specifications. Instead, there was a focus on standby time and talk time using 2G networks.

Direct operator billing specialist MACH has been chosen to help VoIP company Skype offer direct-to-carrier billing in key markets from October.

It means that Skype customers in certain countries will be able to buy call credit by adding it to their mobile phone account rather than paying via debit or credit card.

The European Commission has approved the proposed creation of a UK mobile commerce joint venture between Vodafone, Telefónica and Everything Everywhere.

It had been investigating the planned m-commerce partnership - nicknamed ‘Project Oscar’ - since April as there had been concerns about the potential size and power of the scheme.

Nokia has announced its first two Windows Phone 8 devices at a special event in New York today.

The Nokia Lumia 920 is the company’s flagship Windows Phone 8 smartphone, incorporating the company’s PureView imaging technology with low-light capability and image stabilisation to offer clearer photographs. It’s also equipped with Nokia City Lens - a new location-based augmented reality service - along with wireless charging and a 2000mAh battery.