Wayra, Telefónica’s technology investment scheme, has opened for business in the UK. Launched a year ago in Latin America and Spain, Wayra - which means ‘wind’ in the central Andean language of Quechua - was created to find and nurture the best technology ideas and talent worldwide.

It’s offering UK entrepreneurs an investment of up to €50,000, access to technology expertise within Telefonica & O2 and use of a new state-of-the-art workspace in London.

Apple has announced the third generation of its iPad tablet. The new device - called simply ‘new iPad’ rather than iPad 3 - has a higher-resolution display, Apple’s new A5X chip and a 5 megapixel camera.

In addition, Apple has cut the retail price for iPad 2 devices.

The UK-based Mobile Money Network, which is behind the Simply Tap mobile shopping app, says Visa Europe is planning to take a 15% stake in its business. Visa Europe will join the MNN’s three founders: Monitise, Best Buy Europe and Charles Dunstone.

The two businesses aim to implement a number of m-commerce initiatives in the UK in 2012.

Global satellite communications business Iridium has reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2011.

It ended the year with 523,000 total billable subscribers, up 22% from December 2010 when it had 427,000 customers.

Three UK is launching a range of new price plans tomorrow with a fixed data allowance that can’t be exceeded.

Its ‘Essential’ tariffs will include a 250MB data allowance with a guarantee that charging will stop when the limit is reached. Alternatively, the company’s ‘Ultimate’ and ‘The One Plan’ tariffs include unlimited mobile data.