US CTA backs FCC 6 GHz order enabling wider Wi-Fi access
UNITED STATES 13:14

US CTA backs FCC 6 GHz order enabling wider Wi-Fi access

The US Consumer Technology Association has welcomed the FCC's decision to expand Wi-Fi rights and other unlicensed wireless technologies in the sought-after 6 GHz frequency range. A statement from the association's CEO and executive chair, Gary Shapiro, thanked FCC chairman Brendan Carr for the decision, calling it "pro-innovation".

O2 Slovakia launches Connect second Sim service to share data bundle with other devices
SLOVAKIA 11:48

O2 Slovakia launches Connect second Sim service to share data bundle with other devices

O2 Slovakia introduced the new data sharing service Connect for customers on unlimited mobile plans. They will be able to share data, SMS and voice bundles on multiple devices. The operator is also reducing the price of the service that allows clients to have one number on both their smartphone and smartwatch, so the monthly fee for eSIMs in smartwatches drops to EUR 4 from EUR 5.

Samsung upgrades Care+ device protection service across Europe
EUROPE 11:28

Samsung upgrades Care+ device protection service across Europe

Samsung has announced an upgrade to the Samsung Care+ device protection service, which is available in 17 markets across Europe. From 29 January, customers selecting Samsung Care+ will benefit from new services and features - including unlimited repairs (instead of two repairs a year), protection for up to five years (up from 3 years), and 24/7 customer support. 

Apple buys start-up Q.AI to develop facial recognition
GLOBAL 07:22

Apple buys start-up Q.AI to develop facial recognition

Apple has acquired the company Q.AI, an Israel-based startup working on AI to detect human intent through small changes in facial expression. The takeover was announced by one of Q.ai's investors, the venture capital firm GV, which said this was Apple's second-largest acquisition ever. Sources familiar with the deal told the Financial Times that Apple valued the company at close to USD 2 billion for the takeover.

Apple sales growth improves to 16% after record quarter for iPhone
GLOBAL 07:02

Apple sales growth improves to 16% after record quarter for iPhone

Apple returned to double-digit growth in its fiscal first quarter to December, driven by record sales of the iPhone. The company's revenues rose 16 percent year-on-year to USD 143.8 billion, double the growth rate of the previous quarter and exceeding Apple's guidance. Net profit was also up 16 percent year over year, to USD 42.1 billion.  

MTS opens orders for Huawei Mate X7, FreeClip 2
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 29 JAN

MTS opens orders for Huawei Mate X7, FreeClip 2

Russian operator MTS has started accepting orders for the foldable smartphone Huawei Mate X7 and the earbuds Huawei FreeClip 2 in its shops. Pre-sales last until 05 February. Customers buying the smartphone in shops during the promotional period will be offered either the smartwatch Huawei Watch Fit4 Pro or the earbuds Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 free. A RUB 4,000 discount will be offered when buying the FreeClip 2 also.

Russian mobile accessories revenues up 8% in 2025
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 29 JAN

Russian mobile accessories revenues up 8% in 2025

The Russian market for mobile accessories reached 48.7 million devices in 2025, up by 35 percent year-on-year, according to data from the mobile and electronics retail chain M.Video. Sales revenues amounted to around RUB 35.8 billion, up by 8 percent. Chargers were the main driver of unit sales.

Snap creates Specs Inc subsidiary to commercialise new smart glasses
GLOBAL 29 JAN

Snap creates Specs Inc subsidiary to commercialise new smart glasses

Snap is creating a new subsidiary to house its smart glasses business. Specs Inc is expected to provide greater operational focus for the business, as the company prepares to launch its new smart glasses later this year. It also makes it easier to bring in outside investors to help grow the business, as well as create a distinct branding for the new hardware, for a wider audience beyond Snapchat. 

Orange Romania, .lumen launch AI-powered mobility package for the visually impaired
ROMANIA 29 JAN

Orange Romania, .lumen launch AI-powered mobility package for the visually impaired

Orange has teamed up with Romanian start-up .lumen to launch a joint offering that combines assistive technology with 5G connectivity to support the independence of visually impaired consumers. This collaboration introduces a mobility package designed specifically for the blind, featuring the .lumen headset, a smartphone, and access to Orange's 5G voice and mobile internet services.

SK Broadband launches Wi-Fi 7 router and lower entry pricing
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 29 JAN

SK Broadband launches Wi-Fi 7 router and lower entry pricing

South Korea's SK Broadband (SKB) said it has launched a new Wi-Fi 7 router offering faster wireless speeds and expanded in-home coverage, reflecting rising demand for high-capacity connectivity driven by applications such as artificial intelligence, ultra-high-definition video streaming and online gaming. The operator said the new Giga Wi-Fi 7 router delivers up to 2.88 Gbps over the 5 GHz band, around twice the speed of its Wi-Fi 6 equipment, and supports wired speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps. The company said th

Telstra investigates network issue impacting older iPhones after software updates
AUSTRALIA 29 JAN

Telstra investigates network issue impacting older iPhones after software updates

Telstra said it is investigating a technical issue preventing some older Apple devices from connecting to its mobile network, including the ability to make emergency calls to triple zero (000). In a notice published on 28 January, the operator said the problem affects certain older iPhone models that have recently installed Apple software updates. Devices identified as potentially impacted include the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X running iOS 16.7.13.

NTT East launches AR navigation trial using digital twins and personal mobility
JAPAN 29 JAN

NTT East launches AR navigation trial using digital twins and personal mobility

NTT East has begun a field trial of an augmented reality navigation system that combines personal mobility devices with digital twin technology at its NTTe-City Labo facility in Chofu, Tokyo. The trial started on 28 January and forms part of NTT East's efforts to apply ICT to local mobility challenges. It uses a digital twin of the site created from LiDAR-based 3D point cloud data and image information, integrated with an AR navigation application known as e-City Navi.

JAPAN 28 JAN

NTT reports one million-unit milestone for GIGA School Pack

NTT Docomo Business said its GIGA School Pack has surpassed one million units in sales since its launch in April 2024, including units already ordered and scheduled for future delivery. The operator said the package is designed to support the second phase of Japan's GIGA School programme, which focuses on renewing and managing one-to-one student computing environments.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 28 JAN

LG Uplus tracks malicious app servers to protect from voice phishing threats

LG Uplus has successfully protected over 30,000 customers from voice phishing risks through continuous tracking of malicious app control servers operated by criminal organisations last year. Using its AI-powered, integrated data analysis and response system, the Customer Damage Prevention Analysis System, LG Uplus claims it has, since last year, been the only domestic telecom provider actively tracking malicious app control servers run by voice phishing and smishing criminal networks.

GLOBAL 28 JAN

Samsung to introduce built-in display privacy feature for Galaxy range

Samsung Electronics is preparing to introduce a new built-in privacy feature on its Galaxy smartphones designed to limit on-screen visibility in public settings. The company said the new feature is intended to reduce the risk of "shoulder surfing" by allowing users to control how much of their screen content can be seen by others nearby. Rather than relying on external screen protectors or privacy films, the capability will be integrated directly into the device's display and software.

UNITED STATES 27 JAN

Samsung brings Galaxy Z TriFold to US from 30 January

Samsung has announced a launch date for its Galazy Z TriFold in the US, after first introducing the device in Korea last year. The smartphone with two hinges, which opens up to create a 10-inch display, will sell from 30 January in the US, at a retail price of USD 2,899. It comes in a black with 512GB of storage. The Galaxy Z TriFold is on display at Samsung Experience Stores already and will also sell online from Samsung's web store.

SCANDINAVIA 27 JAN

Telenor Nordics deploys Scalstrm Origin and Packaging platform for TV and VoD

Swedish company Scalstrm has announced that it is providing Telenor with its Origin and Packaging platform for Telenor's live television and video on demand (VoD) streaming in Norway, Sweden and Finland. Deployment is progressing and the first three live TV channels have been deployed for customers of Telenor's Finnish operation, DNA. Scalstrm Origin introduces a flexible cloud deployment model based on Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for rapid implementation and efficient resource use.

JAPAN 27 JAN

SoftBank to launch Kids Phone 4 with new child-focused plan

SoftBank will launch a new children's mobile handset, the Kids Phone 4, on 20 February, alongside the introduction of a new dedicated pricing plan for kids' devices. At the same time as the handset launch, SoftBank will begin offering a new tariff, Basic Plan 2 (Kids Phone), priced at JPY 748 per month. The plan includes free domestic calls of up to five minutes per call, free calls to family members even beyond five minutes, and free MMS messaging. The plan will replace the existing basic plan for Kids Pho

GLOBAL 27 JAN

Apple updates AirTag with longer range and expanded Find My integration

Apple has announced a new version of its AirTag item tracker, introducing a longer finding range, louder audio alerts and broader support across its device ecosystem. The update builds on the company's Find My network, which relies on Bluetooth signals detected by nearby Apple devices to relay an item's approximate location back to its owner.

BELARUS 26 JAN

Beltelecom extends video service to LG TVs

Belarusian national operator Beltelecom announced that customers can access its video service 'Oho! Kino!' directly on TVs from LG. The option is available on WebOS-powered devices produced since 2023. The service earlier started on Android TV sets and Android-powered mobile devices.

EUROPE 26 JAN

Fnac Darty shareholder launches takeover bid for full control

Fnac Darty's board of directors unanimously welcomed a proposed takeover bid from EP Group, which has been the retailer's main shareholder since 2023. Controlled by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, EP Group holds a 28.5 percent stake via affiliate Vesa Equity Investment. It plans to file a public tender offer by March for the remaining shares at EUR 36 per share, representing a premium of 19 percent over the last closing price. The transaction will not involve a squeeze‑out procedure at the end of the of

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 26 JAN

M.Video marketplace revenues rise 37% in December from November

Revenues at Russian company M.Video's marketplace reached RUB 2.9 billion in December of 2025, up by 37 percent month on month and 83 percent higher year on year. The mobile device and electronics retail chain said annual revenues of its marketplace totaled RUB 14.1 billion in 2025. The figure was RUB 6.6 billion in the fourth quarter, up by 58 percent year-on-year.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 26 JAN

Laptop sales drop by a third in 2025 in Russia

Russian sales of laptops totaled around 2.9 million in 2025, according to data from the mobile and electronics retail chain. M.Video. Sales revenues amounted to approximately RUB 169 billion. Devices costing up to RUB 55,000 formed the lion's share of the market. Asus, Huawei, Lenovo, Acer and Apple led sales in units, while Asus, Apple, Lenovo, Huawei and Acer led sales revenues. In 2024, Russian laptop sales totaled 3.9 million units, and revenues were RUB 242 billion.

BELARUS 26 JAN

MTS Belarus offers discount with device trade-in

MTS Belarus introduced a new promotion to customers returning obsolete devices to its shops, offering a discount up to 3 percent on the purchase of goods in the shops. Customers can trade in their old phones at 14 shops of the operator across the country. The discount is valid on electronic devices of up to 80 cm, including telephones, handsets, intercoms, gaming consoles and other devices.

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