Whatsapp to add voice calls this summer February 24, 2014 CEO of Whatsapp Jan Koum has announced that the messaging service will be introducing voice calls in the second quarter of 2014. "We want to make sure people always have the ability to stay in touch with their friends and loved ones really affordably," Koum said. The announcement was made at the World Mobile Congress [...]
Nokia launches new Android series in Barcelona February 24, 2014 Nokia has launched its first generation of Android smartphones at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona. The X, X+ and XL models will go on sale for between £74 and £90 and are part of Nokia's strategy to reassert itself in emerging markets. “The sub-$100 price range is a massive opportunity for us,” said Nokia’s [...]
Ford unveils its answer to Google’s self-driving car February 24, 2014 As the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona gets underway Ford has unveiled what could be its answer to Google's self driving Toyota Prius, according to Sky News. Ford's new self-driving car is fitted with four infrared light sensors capable of taking 2.5m measurements every second. The sensors scan the road meticulously for possible obstacles such [...]
Sony’s new Xperia Z2 boasts Ultra HD video recorder February 24, 2014 As the Mobile World Congress kicks off in Barcelona Sony has announced the Xperia Z2, with the tag line "details make the difference." The Z2 boasts a number of improvements on its predecessor. The display is 0.2in bigger but the device is also lighter and colour reproduction has been upgraded. While the camera may be [...]
Bovis Homes profits soar in wake of housing boom February 24, 2014 House builder Bovis Homes has reported a surge in profit before tax of 48 per cent to £78.8m for the year to 31 December. The company said the rise in profits reflected the group's growth strategy. Bovis reported a 14 per cent increase in average sales price to £195,100 and attributed the increase to a [...]
Primark sweetens outlook for AB Foods as sugar disappoints February 24, 2014 Associated British Foods has reported that it expects operating profits for the first half of the year to be in line with that of the previous year. The company expects low profits from sugar to be offset by a stella performance from Primark. Primark enjoyed strong sales in the first half and they are expected [...]
Asian markets falling as G20 fails to impress February 24, 2014 Asian stocks are falling as investors were left unimpressed by the G20's commitment of an extra $2 trillion in output over the next five years and continued to be concerned about the impact of Federal Reserve's withdrawal of stimulus. "This goal is attainable and is in line with International Monetary Fund (IMF) analysis presented to [...]
Here’s what the Fed thought of too big to fail at the height of 2008 panic February 21, 2014 During the height of the financial panic of 2008 members of the board of the Federal Reserve were voicing their concerns about the health of some of the world's largest financial institutions. Board member Thomas Hoenig brought the issue of too big to fail front and centre: Mr. Chairman, I have thought about this considerably [...]
The 7 issues Clegg and Farage must tackle in EU debate February 21, 2014 As Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage prepare to go head to head over Britain's membership of the European Union, LBC listeners will be waiting eagerly to see which arguments the two men use to land their best blows. In terms of what is most important for Britain regarding EU membership, here are seven of key [...]
Nigeria nominates new central bank governor after Sanusi suspension February 21, 2014 Nigeria has nominated a new central bank governor in the wake of the suspension of Lamido Sanusi. On Friday, managing director of Zenith bank Godwin Emefiele was nominated by the Nigerian government to replace Sanusi, who was due to step down in June but was suspended on Thursday for "financial recklessness and "far-reaching irregularities." Earlier [...]