Google Assistant has joined the suite of voice assistants currently available on 2020 Samsung Smart TVs, providing viewers with enhanced control and discovery abilities.
Connected
News from the Connected World
Google Assistant's Scheduled Actions feature allows now users to conveniently schedule a smart home command to trigger at a later time.
UK ISP Zen Internet is set to become the third consumer ISP to launch full-fibre services to its customers over CityFibre’s national open access network, following in the steps of Vodafone and TalkTalk.
NEC is to open a Global Centre of Excellence (CoE) in the UK for OpenRAN 5G networking technology, helping to accelerate the global adoption of OpenRAN technology
NEC has established its Global Open RAN Center of Excellence (CoE) in the U.K. to accelerate the global adoption of Open RAN and to further strengthen its structure for accelerating the global deployment of 5G.
The boss of Ericsson has stated that moving ahead with the 5G ban of Huawei is harmful to both trade as well as free competition.
Vodafone UK is giving free connectivity to 250,000 children across the UK to help them access school work from home, catch up on lost learning during school holidays, and continue with their education if they are required to isolate.
Virgin Media Business has signed a major public sector contract with Falkirk Council that will see it improve connectivity in schools and support digital learning.
Elektrobit (EB) corbos AdaptiveCore 2 software now supports the BlackBerry QNX Software Development Platform 7.1 for building high-performance computing (HPC)-based automotive architectures.
Self-driving truck company Plus, has selected BlackBerry QNX for the global commercial deployment of the company's automated driving system for Class 8 trucks.
Swisscom will deploy Nokia FastMile 5G Receivers primarily in rural areas in Switzerland to offer ultra-fast broadband services. Nokia will be Swisscom’s exclusive supplier for 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).
Virgin Media has launched its new Essential broadband service which offers reliable, affordable and hassle-free connectivity to those facing financial difficulty and receiving Universal Credit.
Virgin Media has launched its new TV platform, Virgin TV 360, which offers a seamless connected entertainment experience that moves with you.
Business Messages enables rich features such as carousels, cards, quick replies, photos, and more
Amdocs has signed a new multi-year, strategic agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to deliver integrated, cloud-native Business Support Systems (BSS).
A Swedish court has overturned a decision to prohibit Huawei equipment from entering the country’s 5G network
Ericsson and Telstra are teaming up to develop an enterprise edge cloud solution developed specifically for the Telstra domain.
Vodafone has launched a new plan to help people who have become unemployed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic to stay connected.
Nokia and A1 Austria have signed a services deal, building on the leadership of both companies in the Austrian enterprise market.
Huawei has appealed against Sweden’s decision to exclude the Chinese company from 5G networks, the Swedish telecoms regulator PTS said on Friday.
Along with 35 partners, IBM has launched Cloud for Telecommunications, an open, hybrid cloud architecture
Virgin Media has switched on gigabit broadband across its entire network in Northern Ireland in the operator’s first region-wide gigabit launch.
BlackBerry has launched QNX OS for Safety 2.2, a new release of the safety-certified operating system that OEMs and other embedded software suppliers can use to build safety-critical systems
Samsung and KT have successfully deployed Korea’s first 5G Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) common core in KT’s commercial network.
O2 said today that since April it has increased 4G network capacity in over 33,000 postcodes across London, including some of the city’s most residential boroughs.
Ericsson has been selected by Telia Lithuania as the exclusive provider of 5G in the country in a five-year deal to drive sustainable national digital economy in Lithuania.
BT, University of Warwick and Warwickshire County Council have collaborated to bring 5G innovation and co-development to the University campus and the wider region.
The Apple TV app will be installed on Microsoft's Xbox S and Xbox X, when Microsoft’s next-generation consoles start shipping next week.
ACCESS Europe has released an enhancement to its NetFront Browser BML Edition for cars that extends support from embedded operating systems such as Linux and QNX to Android.
Vodafone's 5G mobile private network is to accelerate development and testing of autonomous vehicles at HORIBA MIRA’s Nuneaton headquarters in the Midlands.
Google is launching “VPN by Google One,” a new virtual private network service, which will initially work on Android and is a free aspect to Google One plans with 2TB plans or higher.
Edinburgh-based company Holoxica has created the first glasses-free 3D videoconferencing solution for remote working.
BT and EE customers are set to benefit from Ericsson 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) connectivity following the company’s selection as BT’s 5G RAN provider in the UK capitals London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff
Nokia is enabling ultra-fast 5G services for Vodacom South Africa’s customers by deploying its 5G radio, core and fixed network solutions across Vodacom’s network.
Samsung have created a Halloween themed display to demonstrate the connective power of Samsung SmartThings technology.
BT and Belfast Harbour are to build a state-of-the-art 5G ecosystem within the Port. The partnership will deliver a series of 5G-led innovations to accelerate Belfast Harbour’s digital transformation.
As part of a diplomatic trip to Japan, British International Trade Secretary Liz Truss spoke to NEC Chairman Nobuhiro Endo about 5G
Nokia has been selected by Finnish Shared Network (SYV) – a joint operation by DNA Oyj and Telia Finland Oyj – as a supplier of 5G radio network equipment.
Ericsson and POST Luxembourg have strengthened their partnership with a multiyear deal to deploy 5G Core and 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) in Luxembourg.
The Italian government has blocked an agreement between Huawei and telecommunications group Fastweb, where Huawei would be supplying equipment for its 5G core network.
Huawei has released the new Porsche Design Huawei Watch GT 2 at the Huawei Mate 40 Series launch event. Huawei’s latest smartwatch is a classic, yet luxurious, addition to the Huawei Watch GT 2 family.
O2's 5G network is now available to customers in 108 UK towns and cities, with new locations now live including Milton Keynes, Ipswich and Chelmsford.
Lithe Audio has launched Wi-Fi Ceiling Speakers with AirPlay 2 built-in. This addition of Apple’s latest protocol enables users to group Lithe Audio’s all-in-one ceiling speakers together with other AirPlay 2-enabled speakers
Virgin Media has launched a trial of a range of Google Smart Home products that can be easily added to customers’ existing packages.
Samsung and Kyocera Communication Systems (KCCS) have signed of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly expand the private 5G network business in Japan.
Nokia has been selected by Telia Company as the exclusive provider of 5G RAN in Finland in a five-year deal that includes the modernization of legacy networks and will cover 7,500 sites.
BlackBerry's QNX technology will power the digital cockpit in ARCFOX αT, a high-end, electric SUV. In ARCFOX αT's digital cockpit system, the fully digital instrument cluster
Verizon is partnering with Nokia to offer private 5G capabilities to enterprises across Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Google has launched a brand new User Interface to the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max Smart Displays. Instead of relying on the Google Assistant to provide all the information you need by listening and speaking, the new interface - with a bunch of new features - is as visual as it is audible.
Verizon and Microsoft are to create new ways for enterprises to accelerate the delivery of fast and secure 5G applications, benefiting from reliable and low-latency connections.
Nokia has been named by NASA as a partner to advance “Tipping Point” technologies for the Moon, deploying the first LTE/4G communications system in space
Apple has launched Apple Music TV, a free 24-hour live stream of music videos, live shows, and other music-related content.
At PT Expo China 2020, Huawei launched the first 5G MEC-based Industrial Visual solution for the manufacturing industry.
Ofcom has received an application from EE to trade its unpaired 2.6 GHz spectrum (2595-2620 MHz) from its Spectrum Access licence no. 1191194 to Telefonica UK.
Starting today, you can hum, whistle or sing a melody to Google to search for a song. On your mobile device, open the latest version of the Google app or find your Google Search widget
Google has released the Android for Cars App Library into an open beta, for any developer, giving developers the ability to design, develop, and test navigation, parking or charging apps on Android Auto.
Nokia today announced its Smart Node portfolio of All-in-One base stations for 5G indoor use will be powered by Qualcomm’s unique chipsets.
Nokia and New Zealand operator Spark have launched 5G services in the Auckland Viaduct area to bring high-speed wireless connectivity to a major international sailing event.
Sony customers can now access the Apple TV app on select Sony smart TVs to enjoy Apple TV+, Apple TV channels, new and popular movies, and personalised and curated recommendations.
Nokia and Google Cloud today announced a five-year strategic collaboration that will see Nokia migrate its on-premise IT infrastructure onto Google Cloud. Nokia will migrate its data centers and servers around the world
Nokia is to provide Taiwanese mobile operator, Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) with a range of products from its small cells portfolio to support CHT’s initiative to deliver comprehensive 5G coverage.
Apple today unveiled HomePod mini, the company's most affordable, diminutive smart speaker at just 3.3 inches tall. The Apple HomePod mini is very similar in design and features to the HomePod, simply smaller.
Ericsson and China Telecom have successfully completed China’s first 5G Standalone (SA 5G) Ericsson Spectrum Sharing data call on a commercial network. The milestone was achieved recently on China Telecom’s 2.1GHz commercial 5G network in Deyang City, Sichuan Province.
EE has switched on 5G in twelve new UK locations, taking the number of towns and cities with access to the operator’s 5G network to 112. The firm’s new data network is now available in Aberdeen, Aldershot, Barrhead, Blackpool, Castleford, Crawley, Mirfield, Oxford, Porthcawl, Shipley, Stafford and Warwick.
New research from Nokia and Nokia Bell Labs has found that 5G-enabled industries have the potential to add $8 trillion to global GDP by 2030, as COVID-19 accelerates medium and long-term digital investment and value creation.
Ericsson’s Head of Field Services Organisation (FSO), Adam Gordon, has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for safely providing continued telecommunications connectivity during COVID-19.
Google is making it possible to use the voice command “Hey Google” to not just open but also perform specific tasks within Android apps. The feature will be rolled out to all Google Assistant-enabled Android phones, allowing users to launch apps with their voice as well as search inside apps or perform specific tasks.
Nokia's cloud-native Subscriber Data Management (SDM) software has been chosen by Telefónica UK to enhance the security and reliability of the operator’s networks, and to drive 5G services innovation.
Nokia has launched a new portfolio of Wi-Fi 6 solutions with higher throughput, lower latency and better performance that gives customers flawless Wi-Fi connectivity in every corner of the home. Nokia Wi-Fi 6 solutions offer a unique combination of local intelligence in the home network and cloud-based intelligence across Wi-Fi access points
The US Department of Defense (DoD) has selected AT&T, Deloitte, Nokia, Ericsson and others to take part in 5G testing at five military sites - the largest full-scale 5G tests for dual-use applications in the world.
Zoom Video Communications has signed a new carrier agreement with BT, with BT now offering Zoom Meetings, Zoom Phone and Zoom Rooms, in a managed service with integrated networking to ensure optimal user experiences.
Samsung and KDDI have agreed to expand their collaboration in 5G network business in Japan. With this collaboration, the companies will verify and assess optimal 5G network solutions for enterprises to improve user experiences and enhance productivity.
Equinix are to deploy a new Nokia IP/MPLS network infrastructure to support its global interconnection services. As one of the largest data centre and colocation providers, Equinix currently runs services on multiple networks from multiple vendors.
Three UK is currently suffering a mobile network across the UK leaving thousands of customers unable to access the internet or make phone calls.
Vodafone UK has teamed up with autonomous vehicle consortium, Midlands Future Mobility, to deploy 5G on key test routes in the West Midlands. Over 300 miles of West Midlands’ roads are set to trial connected and automated vehicles, making UK roads safer and allowing for more predictable goods delivery and journey times.
For the first time, Opensignal has assessed how mobile users experience real-time multiplayer mobile gaming when using different operators’ networks in the U.K. EE won the inaugural Games Experience award, beating Vodafone by 1.3 points.
Verizon has opened a new 5G Lab and production studio in London – the company’s first 5G-enabled facility outside the United States – to support its international business and media customers.
IMImobile has been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) G-Cloud framework, for its full suite of products. G-Cloud is a CCS procurement framework that enables public sector organisations to search, evaluate and procure cloud services from select suppliers. G-Cloud 12 went live this month.
BT and Toshiba Europe today announced the UK’s first industrial deployment of a quantum-secure network, transmitting between the National Composites Centre (NCC), the UK’s world-leading composite research and development facility, and the Centre for Modelling & Simulation (CFMS)
The first commercial laboratory for 5G and satellite communications in the UK has been launched as part of Project Darwin, a four-year trial programme supported by O2 and the European Space Agency and based in the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
Google today launched the Nest Audio smart speaker, Google’s replacement for its original Home smart speaker from 2017. The new Google Assistant speaker looks more like a smaller version of Google’s big Home Max, with a full fabric-covered body, hidden LEDs on the front and a touch-sensitive top for volume and playback control.
Nokia has been selected by leading Finnish mobile operator Elisa as the nationwide supplier of 5G RAN. Nokia, which will provide its AirScale 5G RAN portfolio, will deliver enhanced ultra-fast, low-latency mobile broadband services to both consumer and enterprise customers.
Google has launched a new version of its Chromecast media-streaming stick that is a bit different to its popular predecessors. It still works as a Chromecast receiver, meaning you can cast photos, audio and video from your phone, but it also has a new smart TV experience called Google TV.
Samsung has rolled out an updates to its SmartThings platform, bringing enhanced refinements and meaningful innovations, including SmartThings Find, a new feature which easily tracks a missing device from Samsung’s ecosystem, and SmartThings Daily Board
Vonage has been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) G-Cloud framework, for its Vonage Business Communications and Vonage Contact Center solutions.
Nokia has extended its long-term strategic relationship with BT into the 5G arena, following its selection as a 5G RAN vendor for the UK operator. As part of the deal, which will make Nokia BT’s largest equipment provider, Nokia will provide equipment and services at BT radio sites across the UK
Three Ireland has switched on its 5G network in Ireland, deploying around 315 base stations, giving a total coverage of around 35% of the Irish population. Around 500 more are expected to be deployed by the end of 2020, with Three having invested around €100 million in the rollout over the last year
Samsung are collaborating with Microsoft on an end-to-end, cloud-based private 5G network solution. As a part of this collaboration, the two companies plan to advance the virtualization of 5G solutions, which will include the deployment of Samsung’s virtualized RAN, virtualized Core, and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) technologies on Microsoft Azure.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) readings came to Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Watch Active2 in the US today, as Samsung's Electrocardiogram Monitoring App recently gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Clearance.
Microsoft has unveiled Azure Orbital, a service to help customers move data from satellites directly into the Azure cloud for processing and storage. The announcement marks the latest chapter in the competition between Microsoft and Amazon to connect satellite communications networks with cloud infrastructure.
Samsung TV Plus, one of the top apps on Samsung Smart TVs, will launch September 23, 2020, in the Galaxy Store and Google Play for select Galaxy smartphones. Samsung is limiting TV Plus to variants of the Galaxy S10, Note 10, S20, and Note 20.
AT&T and Microsoft are teaming up to enable enterprises to seamlessly connect machines and equipment to the cloud with highly secure network connectivity across the globe. As part of the effort, AT&T is working with Microsoft to deliver an integrated IoT solution with Azure Sphere.
Virgin Media has successfully delivered 2.2Gbps broadband speeds to homes in Thatcham, Berkshire through a real-world trial. The multi-gigabit speeds have been delivered via Virgin Media’s existing, future-proof cable network using broadband technology known as a DOCSIS 3.1 which brings faster, more reliable broadband speeds to customers’ homes.
Vodafone UK finally supports eSIMs in smartphones on its Pay Monthly plans. Promisingly, Vodafone says eSIMs will be provisioned using Vodafone’s accompanying online interface to load your eSIM on to your phone in just a few minutes rather than waiting days for a physical SIM card, or QR code to arrive in the post.
O2 has announced new flexible business tariffs for SMB customers, designed to suit their ever changing company needs. The new O2 Business tariffs include automatic data rollover and the option to increase or decrease their data allowances, giving them flexibility over their monthly usage.
Ericsson, Qualcomm and U.S. Cellular have successfully achieved the first extended range 5G NR millimeter Wave (mmWave) data call in the U.S. on a commercial network.
As well as unveiling the Apple Watch Series 6 today, Apple unveiled Apple Watch SE, bringing the essential features of Apple Watch into a modern design customers love — all at a more affordable price.
Samsung has launched the Titanium model of Galaxy Watch3, a Galaxy Watch3 with a new luxury shell. Galaxy Watch3 features premium materials and a signature rotating bezel.
Ericsson is advancing 5G core network security for communications service providers (CSPs) through the launch of the cloud native Ericsson Packet Core Firewall. Core network security is a key factor in CSPs’ forward business planning as they pursue innovative new business opportunities powered by 5G and emerging technologies.
Apple today announced the Apple Watch Series 6 and introduced Family Setup in watchOS 7, bringing the communication, health, fitness, and safety features of Apple Watch to kids and older family members of the household who do not have an iPhone.
Apple today unveiled Apple Watch Series 6, bringing a Blood Oxygen feature that offers users even more insight into their overall wellness. Watch Series 6 has a similar square design and always-on screen to its predecessor and comes in two sizes and a range of materials and colours. It has a 20% faster S6 processor and a screen that’s 2.5 times brighter when outside and not actively being used.
Alchimie has partnered with Huawei to bring its factual VOD channels to millions of Huawei Video consumers. This will be achieved through the integration of its TVplayer GO! app into Huawei Video, the pre-loaded entertainment app on all new and existing Huawei smartphone and tablet devices.
Cello has launched their brand new range of smart, Android TVs, developed in partnership with Google. The Bishop Auckland based electronics firm, and last remaining LED TV manufacturer in the UK, worked closely with Google to develop an exclusive range of smart TVs, which come with Google Assistant, Chromecast and Google Play Store all built in to one device, straight out of the box.
Vodafone and Disney have collaborated to create a premium kids smart watch planned to launch in time for Christmas. It will feature hardware designed by the Vodafone smart tech team and a software experience from world class designers at Vodafone and Disney.
Canada is indicating it might not compensate major telecom providers if the federal government bans Huawei equipment from 5G networks, setting up a potential fight over a bill that could hit C$1bn. Canada, under pressure from the United States to ban Huawei gear on security grounds, is studying whether to allow the firm into the country’s next-generation 5G networks.
Vodafone has been selected by Asda as the new network for its Asda Mobile MVNO. In a five-year exclusive deal, Asda Mobile customers will benefit from Vodafone’s 4G and 5G coverage, unlimited mobile data plans, Wi-Fi calling and other benefits, such as family discounts.
Huawei today hosted the Huawei Seamless AI Life New Products Global Launch event, where the company announced six new products during today’s keynote: HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro, HUAWEI FreeLace Pro, HUAWEI WATCH GT 2 Pro, HUAWEI WATCH FIT, HUAWEI MateBook X and HUAWEI MateBook 14.
The newly-launched Samsung Galaxy Watch3 4G and Galaxy Watch Active2 4G are now available to purchase from O2 in-store. The new devices are available on O2 custom plans meaning that customers can spread the cost of the devices up to 36 months and purchase alongside an Airtime Plan.
StradVision will utilise BlackBerry's QNX Software Development Platform within a number of next generation Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV) from South Korean automakers.
Orange has launched nationwide 5G in Spain. Ericsson 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) and Core products and solutions are powering Orange Spain's 5G services in Madrid and Barcelona, the nation's two largest cities. Ericsson's initial 5G deployments in Madrid and Barcelona will be followed by other locations under a four-year partnership to help Orange Spain develop its 5G offering across Spain.
Samsung said on Monday it had won a US$6.64 billion order to provide wireless communication solutions to Verizon in the United States, a major win for the firm in the next-generation 5G network market.
Three UK has awarded a multi-million backhaul contract to CityFibre, to connect an additional 1,300 key mobile masts across 59 towns and cities. Full Fibre backhaul is an essential part of delivering a great mobile experience, so partnering with CityFibre is part of Three’s strategy to deliver the UK’s fastest 5G network thanks to its leading 5G spectrum portfolio.
EE has launched a new range of 5G Business Plans, allowing customers Unlimited Data and a range of unique Smart Benefits. Exclusive to EE only, business handset customers also cover Lifetime Guarantee and Free Next Day Replacement for their device at no extra cost, and the option to upgrade to a new device when they want during their contract.
Google is working on bringing Google Meet and Google Duo, to Android TV, allowing users to arrange video calls through their smart television screens.
Huawei has launched the new Huawei TalkBand B6 in the UK, combining a wearable fitness tracker with a Bluetooth headset. Housing a high definition, a 3D curved screen in a 1.53-inch long body, the new band is stylish and offers a range of rich features.
Vodafone UK is currently experiencing an outage across the United Kingdom today, leaving thousands of customers unable to access 4G internet or make calls. Particular hotspots appear to include London and the south of England, as well as Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.
French telecom operator Bouygues Telecom is to dismantle 3,000 Huawei-made mobile antennas in France’s highly populated areas by 2028, the latest blow to the Chinese tech giant which is the target of countries labelling its 5G equipment as a potential national security threat.
Virgin Media is to launch a broadband-only plan, called “Virgin Media Essential Broadband”, which will be available to those receiving Universal Credit and will come with a speed of 15 Mbps and a fixed price of £15 per month, with no fixed-term contract length and no price changes while benefit payments are being received.
Vodafone UK has launched its Gigafast Full Fibre Broadband service to 360,000 homes and businesses across Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool, bringing residents and small businesses access to speeds of up to 900 Mbps.
BlackBerry has announced the IPU-03, an autonomous driving domain controller developed in conjunction with Desay SV Automotive, has been officially mass produced in the Xpeng P7, a super-long range, high-performance and fast-charging intelligent EV sports sedan from Xpeng Motors, one of China's leading electric vehicle and technology companies.
