Panasonic has announced it’ll be expanding its smartphone business into Europe from March 2012.

The flagship ‘global’ smartphone is likely to be waterproof and dustproof with a 4.3-inch organic LED screen. Full specifications haven’t been revealed, although it’s expected to be an Android device with built-in NFC connectivity.

Google has introduced a new tablet and smartphone application called Google Currents. It works on Android and iOS devices to let users read online magazines and other multimedia content.

Over 150 publishing partners are already involved, including CNET, AllThingsD, Forbes, Huffington Post and Fast Company, although the service is currently available to consumers in the USA.

Mark Bridge writes:

This week’s podcast feature from TheFonecast.com takes a look at mobile telecare: using mobile telecommunications to help elderly people and those with special needs.

UK-based Burnside Telecom has recently announced a couple of telecare products that take advantage of the company’s expertise in producing ‘fixed cellular’ devices, so I’ve been talking to managing director Colin Aitken about these new products.

Colin Aitken from Burnside Telecom talks about the company's new mobile telecare products: the MoniCare GSM remote monitoring solution and a 'fixed cellular phone' designed as a landline alternative for elderly users.

Things haven’t been running smoothly for the Jawbone UP mobile health product.

The UP wristband was announced in July and then went on sale in the USA last month. It works in conjunction with an iPhone application to help track the wearer’s activity, sleep and eating habits.