New figures from the comScore MobiLens service have shown how the use of QR codes is becoming an increasingly popular way of promoting product information and encouraging sales.

The study, which collected information from smartphone users in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, revealed that the number of European smartphone users scanning QR codes via their devices grew by 96% in the past year to 17.4 million users.

HTC is the latest manufacturer to announce smartphones that use the forthcoming Windows Phone 8 operating system, following recent launches by Samsung and Nokia.

Described as ‘the first signature Windows Phones’, the Windows Phone 8X and 8S will be available from November with distribution already arranged in over 50 countries worldwide, including the UK.

James Rosewell writes:

The last time I used a Microsoft based mobile phone was 2008 in the form of the HTC Hermes. Since then Apple and Android have dominated my mobile life. It was therefore with more than a little trepidation that I switched over to Windows Phone 7.5 in the form of the Lumia 800 in July this year. Since then I’m continually being asked what I think of the phone and the operating system. Here are my experiences and thoughts.

Research company IDC has increased its forecast for the worldwide media tablet market following record sales figures and high expectations for the rest of this year. The company has increased its predicted 2012 total from 107.4 million units to 117.1 million units shipped.

Next year’s forecast has also been revised upward from 142.8 million units to 165.9 million units, while worldwide tablet shipments in 2016 are expected to reach 261.4 million units.

Google has acquired Nik Software, a US-based company that develops desktop and mobile photography software.

Nik Software produces the award-winning Snapseed iOS app, which offers a combination of photo editing and filters for iPhone and iPad users.