Vantiva eyes H2 recovery after 15% sales decline in January-June
GLOBAL 31 JUL

Vantiva eyes H2 recovery after 15% sales decline in January-June

Vantiva has indicated it expects customer demand to recover in the second half of FY26, after struggling to overcome supply chain volatility caused by memory component shortages in January to June. First-half revenues of EUR 734 million were 14.7 percent lower year-on-year, and also fell 8.9 percent in organic currency terms. That sales dip matches a nominal contraction of around 14 percent in Q1.

Xbox app starts appearing on Hisense and VidaaOS-powered TV sets
GLOBAL 31 JUL

Xbox app starts appearing on Hisense and VidaaOS-powered TV sets

Micrsoft said the Xbox app has become available on Hisense and Vidaa OS-powered television sets to enable computer gamers to play in new ways, especially those who may not be able to afford or justify buying dedicated gaming hardware. Roll-out to smart TVs from 2024-2026 running on Vidaa OS 9.6 or higher has begun over the past month, including supported Hisense models. Players need a compatible Bluetooth controller such as the Xbox Wireless Controller, Adaptive Controller or Elite Wireless Controller Serie

Sony Q1 results get boost from US tariff refunds
JAPAN 31 JUL

Sony Q1 results get boost from US tariff refunds

Sony reported a strong increase in profits for its fiscal first quarter to June, driven by improved profitability at its mobile imaging sensors business. The company increased its forecasts for full-year results, helped also by positive forex effects, a refund on US trade tariffs at the Playstation division and a takeover in the music business. For the three months to June, revenues rose 8 percent year-on-year to JPY 2.84 trillion, operating profit increased 40 percent to JPY 477 billion, and the net profit

Apple achieves record quarterly sales but sees slower growth ahead
GLOBAL 31 JUL

Apple achieves record quarterly sales but sees slower growth ahead

Apple reported record results for its fiscal third quarter to June, with sales up 16 percent year-on-year to USD 109.4 billion. The company realised double-digit growth across iPhone, Mac and services revenues, and in every geographic segment. It also got a boost from US trade tariff refunds, leading to a 27 percent increase in net profit to USD 29.8 billion. However, the company predicted growth will slow from the next quarter, due in part to supply-chain constraints. 

Google launches age check API for Play Store developers
GLOBAL 30 JUL

Google launches age check API for Play Store developers

Google is introducing an age-check API that helps Google Play Store app developers verify the age range of end users. Play Age Signals API is programmed to automatically retrieve age data supplied by the parent or guardian in Google's existing Family Link console, a parental control dashboard that supports supervised app usage.

Swisscom starts selling Xplora X6Play eSIM smart watch
SWITZERLAND 30 JUL

Swisscom starts selling Xplora X6Play eSIM smart watch

Swisscom has begun offering Xplora smart watches aimed particularly at children. The Xplora X6Play eSIM watch in black was available from CHF 209, or from CHF 5.80 on top of subscription costs, but is currently labelled as sold out. Swisscom's Blue Kids Watch subscription costs CHF 19.90 monthly for unlimited calls and texts within Switzerland and 1 GB of top speed domestic data, after which unrestricted use is possible at reduced speed. Blue Kids Watch also allows 30 mins of calls, 30 SMS and 300 MB of dat

Ceconomy sticks to FY outlook amid subdued consumer sentiment as Q3 sales rise 10%
EUROPE 30 JUL

Ceconomy sticks to FY outlook amid subdued consumer sentiment as Q3 sales rise 10%

Ceconomy, the parent company of MediaMarktSaturn, said it is maintaining is full-year outlook against the background of subdued consumer sentiment, after sales rose nearly 10 percent in the third quarter to 30 June. MediaMarktSaturn's online business expanded by 18.3 percent from Q3 last year and brick-and-mortar business grew by 4.8 percent, showing that the digital and stationary touchpoints complement each other "perfectly". CEO Remko Rijnder said it has successfully evolved from a traditional retailer t

KDDI launches App Store and Google Play payment rewards campaign
JAPAN 30 JUL

KDDI launches App Store and Google Play payment rewards campaign

KDDI has launched a promotional campaign offering rewards to customers who use au PAY (au Kantan Kessai) as their payment method for purchases on Apple's App Store and Google's Google Play. Running from 30 July to 8 September, the campaign allows customers who register and spend at least JPY 2,000 through au PAY on either app store to share a pool of three million Ponta points, with the number of entries determined by their total spending. Ponta Pass subscribers will receive additional entries.

Russians repairing old mobile phones more often - M.Video
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 29 JUL

Russians repairing old mobile phones more often - M.Video

Russian mobile and electronics retail chain M.Video said that repairs of devices purchased before 2018 more than doubled by customers in the first half of this year. The study looked at applications from customers to for repairs at the company's chain, M.Master. Battery replacements accounted for 46 percent of all cases, and new screens made up 20 percent of orders. The iPhone 7, iPhone 8 and iPhone X were the models most frequently submitted for repair.

Simyo Spain debuts Android TV-based 4K decoder
SPAIN 29 JUL

Simyo Spain debuts Android TV-based 4K decoder

Simyo Spain (MasOrange) has enhanced its pay-TV service with the launch of a 4K version with a dedicated set-top box. The new offer, dubbed SimyoTV 4K, comes with over 90 premium and DTT channels at up to UHD quality covering genres such as entertainment, movies, series, documentaries, sports and children's content as well as SkyShowtime with ads.

Rakuten, HP launch hybrid AI desktop service on AI PCs in Japan
JAPAN 29 JUL

Rakuten, HP launch hybrid AI desktop service on AI PCs in Japan

Rakuten Group and HP have launched a hybrid AI service for HP PCs in Japan that combines on-device and cloud-based AI, marking the first deployment of Rakuten's Japanese-language large language model (LLM) directly on commercial PCs. Rakuten AI for Desktop is being bundled with eligible HP AI PCs, initially for enterprise customers from 29 July, with consumer availability scheduled for October. The application allows users to switch between locally running AI and cloud-based services, enabling offline acces

Korean operators launch Galaxy Z Fold8 pre-orders with bundles and upgrades
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 29 JUL

Korean operators launch Galaxy Z Fold8 pre-orders with bundles and upgrades

South Korea's three major mobile operators have opened pre-orders for Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8, by offering a range of bundled services, device upgrades, trade-in incentives and membership benefits. KT's pre-order programme runs from 28 July to 3 August, with activations beginning on 4 August. The operator is introducing new "Choice Double" plans that combine YouTube Premium Lite with either Netflix's Standard with Ads plan or discounts on devices includin

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 28 JUL

MTS Russia sells Huawei MatePad ProMax, opens orders for Pura90s phones

Russian operator MTS said that it has started sales of the tablet Huawei MatePad ProMax in its shops. The Huawei MatePad Pro Max (12/256 GB) PaperMatte Wi-Fi costs RUB 99,990, or RUB 114,990 with the attachable keyboard.

UNITED STATES 28 JUL

Apple confirms new device leasing offer with Klarna in US

Apple has confirmed the launch of a new device leasing offer in the US. People buying hardware directly from Apple can now get an iPhone for as little as USD 17.99 per month and an Apple Watch or iPad from USD 11.99 per month. They must go through a credit check with Klarna to qualify for a lease contract, which can run for 12 or 24 months for the iPhone and Watch and 24 or 36 months for an iPad or Mac. At the end of the contract, they can choose to buy the device for a one-off payment, return it to Apple o

GLOBAL 28 JUL

Lenovo becomes founding partner of Esports World Cup 2026

The Esports Foundation (EF) and Lenovo said that the electronics equipment vendor has become a founding partner of the Esports World Cup 2026 (EWC) running in Paris from 06 July until 23 August. The event will welcome more than 2,000 players, 200 esports teams and fans from over 100 countries to compete in 24 games and 25 tournaments for a share of a USD 75 million-plus prize pool. Lenovo brings its latest Legion desktop PCs and monitors to competition arenas, training facilities, broadcast studios and fest

UNITED KINGDOM 28 JUL

VMO2 trials new in-store discovery zone to highlight tech recycling

Virgin Media O2 is piloting a new interactive in-store experience at the flagship O2 store in Westfield Stratford City that looks to boost consumer confidence in buying refurbished tech, donating unused devices and recycling. The store's new 'O2 Tech Refab Lab' discovery zone will help customers learn about sustainable tech reuse and recycling options. It will show how devices are traded through O2 Recycle and refurbished to 'Like New' standard; how they can donate devices to those in need through the Commu

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 28 JUL

SK Telecom offers Netflix benefits with Galaxy Z Foldable8 pre-orders

SK Telecom (SKT) is offering Netflix-related benefits and other promotions to customers pre-ordering Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 smartphones between 28 July and 3 August. The operator is running the promotion in partnership with Netflix, focusing on the devices' large 4:3 displays and their use for media consumption. Customers who activate one of the devices and subscribe to a Netflix plan by 31 August will receive KRW 10,000 in Naver Pay points.

EUROPE 27 JUL

EU publishes guidance on new cybersecurity rules for connected devices

The European Commission has published guidance for manufacturers and regulators implementing the Cyber Resilience Act, the EU's law on mandatory cybersecurity for digital devices and related services. In effect since December 2024, the law lays out the requirements for obtaining the CE mark for safe products. The guidelines come ahead of new CRA obligations taking effect this September to report and patch security vulnerabilities discovered in digital products. From December 2027 the remaining obligations t

GLOBAL 27 JUL

AppleCare One rolls out in UK, Australia, France, Germany

Apple has announced the launch of AppleCare One, its insurance scheme for multiple devices, in the UK from 01 August 2026. Prices will start from GBP 16.99 per month for up to three devices, with customers able to cover extra devices for GBP 4.99 per month per device. AppleCare One includes all benefits of AppleCare+, including unlimited repairs for accidental damage, replacement battery service, and 24/7 priority access to Apple experts. Customers can also cover just their iPhone from GBP 7.99 per month or

UGANDA 27 JUL

UCC and Kampala City Traders Association tackle counterfeit communication devices

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) have agreed to facilitate the execution of the SIMU Klear enforcement programme. SIMU Klear uses the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), a system deployed by the UCC on 08 October 2025 to detects and block counterfeit, unapproved, stolen or non-compliant communications hardware from accessing local mobile networks. To protect stakeholders from immediate losses on existing inventory, CEIR coordinator Muheki W

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 24 JUL

KT opens Galaxy Z series experience spaces across South Korea

Korea Telecom (KT) is operating dedicated experience spaces for Samsung's new Galaxy Z series at three flagship stores and six regional locations across South Korea, allowing customers to test selected features of the Galaxy Z Flip8 and Galaxy Z Fold8. The flagship experience spaces are located at KT Onmari in Gwanghwamun, KT Avenue and Hongdae Adshop Plus. Visitors can complete missions using features including the Galaxy Z Flip8's Flex Window and the Galaxy Z Fold8's Dual Recording and My Fancam functions

JAPAN 24 JUL

Motorola's moto g37 to launch through three Japanese mobile operators

Motorola's moto g37 smartphone series will be offered through three of Japan's major mobile operators, with SoftBank and NTT Docomo launching the moto g37 and Rakuten Mobile offering the related moto g37j. KDDI's au is not listed among the operators launching either model. SoftBank will launch the 5G-capable moto g37 on 31 July, while Rakuten Mobile will offer the moto g37j from the same date. NTT Docomo will launch its moto g37 M-51G variant from mid-October, with pre-orders opening on 24 July. 

POLAND 23 JUL

Play launches Screen Protection insurance

Polish operator Play, controlled by Iliad, has introduced its new insurance plan 'Screen Protection'. Offered with insurance companies SPB Poland and Axeria, the monthly premium costs PLN 20 and covers screens of smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, TVs and other devices. The policy protects devices against accidental damage to the display, and in the event of flooding or power surges, the insurance covers all damaged components of the device, provided that the display is also damaged.

POLAND 23 JUL

Polish operators open orders for new Samsung foldable smartphones

All four Polish mobile operators - T-Mobile, Orange, Plus and Play - have started accepting orders for the new foldable smartphones from Samsung in their shops. Play said that it offers up to PLN 2,750 discounts when buying the smartphones with postpaid contracts. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 5G 256GB costs PLN 2,949 in such case, down from PLN 5,699 rate without a contract. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 5G 256GB costs PLN 5,999 with a postpaid contract, down from PLN 8,749, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

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Background

26 JUL 23:19

The week in telecom: Samsung works on foldable challenge, US telcos try FMC

19 JUL 23:41

The week in telecom: OnePlus exits tough smartphone market and Apple takes on OpenAI

12 JUL 23:30

The week in telecom: European telcos take shape as Xavier Niel buys more of Vodafone, Telenor expands in Sweden

5 JUL 23:03

The week in telecom: Comcast gives up on vertical integration, BT and Verizon agree global alliance