Mobile network operators lost an estimated £8.8bn last year thanks to free messaging apps, a report suggests. The research comes courtesy of Ovum, which reckons apps like Apple’s iMessage, BlackBerry Messenger, Facebook chat or Samsung’s ChatON have left the network industry, which is used to raking in cash from text messages, $13.9bn (about £8.8bn) poorer. …

LG Electronics, a second-tier smartphone maker hoping Google’s Android operating system will lift its fortunes, today unveiled its new Optimus 3D Max. The phone, like its 2011 Optimus 3D predecessor, includes glasses-free 3D display technology on a 4.3-inch display and an ability to shoot 3D videos and photos with dual cameras. This year’s model is thinner, has faster 21Mbps HSPA+ …

Starting today, users of the Google Docs app for Android will get to collaborate in real time, while on the go. Just as on the desktop interface, collaborators will see the edits others are making, while they’re making them, regardless of what device anyone is using. Real-time collaboration has always been a huge selling point for the desktop Google Docs, …

Now playing: Watch this: OnLive Desktop Plus for iPad 2:30 During CES 2012, the surprise appearance of OnLive Desktop was an intriguing idea for Windows lovers: rent a Windows 7 computer remotely and stream the whole experience to your iPad. Helping the cause for the first iteration of OnLive Desktop was its price: free. That version had only 2GB of …

Sony is pushing the PlayStation Vita at serious gamers, but from its release tomorrow the Vita will have access to the Sony Entertainment Network. At the Vita’s launch on Sydney Harbour it was announced that both the Sony Entertainment Network’s Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited services will be available on the device, with video streaming and downloads available from day …

Almost a million UK homes will need to have their TVs fitted with special filters in order to prevent interference from 4G signals, the BBC reports. The filters will be fitted to digital TV boxes, and will block noise from 4G signals, many of which will be flying about once the 4G spectrum is auctioned off to networks like Vodafone, …

Samsung is set to take on Netflix, Spotify and iTunes with movies and music on your Samsung Galaxy phone, tablet or TV — and all thanks to Blockbuster. Yes, Blockbuster, where your mate used to work in the 90s. Not only is it still going, but it’s reportedly behind a service that will stream thousands of movies to Galaxy smartphones …

The lack of many phones running Android Ice Cream Sandwich has left a sour taste in the mouths of Android fans everywhere. Hopefully LG’s three new L-Style handsets will sweeten the situation at Mobile World Congress very soon. According to LG’s Korean press site, the company plans to unveil a trio of smartphones at Mobile World Congress next week. Two …

Fujitsu smart phones are headed for the UK, and alongside them the Japanese giant will sell tablets too. It’ll be the first time Fujitsu’s mobiles have come to Europe. The company has lined up “a range of high-end mobile devices for both Android and Windows operating systems”, according to the FT (requires registration). So good news regardless which non-Apple OS …

London calling — the long-rumoured BlackBerry London has leaked again, and this time it’s sporting a svelte new look. CrackBerry has acquired what look to be press shots of the upcoming so-called ‘superphone’, which is going to be the first mobile to arrive running BlackBerry 10 — the new version of the operating system RIM hopes will put the ailing …