A new report from Juniper Research shows that new smartphone operating systems are expected to gain ground in niche areas during the next few years. Mobile platforms such as Asha, Sailfish and HTML5-based systems are likely to increase their market share thanks to cost innovation and local knowledge.

However, the global smartphone market is still expected to be dominated by Android and Apple iOS.

The Ubuntu Edge, a high-spec flagship smartphone from Canonical that was attempting to raise $32 million via crowd-funding site Indiegogo, has failed to achieve its target.

In total, over $12.8 million was pledged by almost 20,000 people around the world. Their money is now being refunded.

It’s reported that the UK government is considering a sales ban on small mobile phones designed to look like remote-access car keys.

Although many of the phones resemble keys used by major vehicle brands, which would infringe the manufacturers’ copyright, there are also concerns that the phones are small enough to be smuggled into prisons.

LG Display, part of the LG Electronics business, has announced the world’s highest-resolution mobile phone display so far.

The new 5.5-inch panel is described as ‘quad HD’, offering 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution with 538 pixels per inch. Standard HD is 1280 x 720p.

The UK Advertising Standards Authority has upheld a complaint about recent advertisements for discounted Barnes & Noble Nook eBook readers.

In April Barnes & Noble cut the price of the basic Nook reader from £79 to £29, advertising the product’s availability at Argos, Asda, Blackwell’s, Currys, Foyles, John Lewis, PC World, Sainsbury’s and Very.