Blackberry bought for £3 billion

 

It was announced on Monday that the mobile phone manufacturer, Blackberry, will be purchased by Fairfax Financial Holdings for $4.7 billion (~£3 billion). Fairfax Financial will be paying $9 (£5.60) per share.

The acquisition comes following news that Blackberry is expected to make a $1 billion (£620,000) loss in Q2 of this year. Blackberry have also announced that over 4,000 staff, around 40% of their workforce, will be laid off. What's more they also had to sell their private jets.

Shares in Blackberry were frozen yesterday at $8.23 (£5.13) after the news of their operating loss.

This leaves the billion dollar question - what's next for Blackberry?

9 Million iPhones sold in 3 days

A record 9 million new iPhone 5s and 5c's were sold in the 3 days from launch on 20th September. Apple also announced that 200 million devices now run iOS 7 - another record number.

Smartphone September - All the latest news

All the latest news and product launches from what is set-to-be a frantic September in the smartphone world.

Wednesday 18th

Apple's new mobile operating - iOS 7 became available for customers to download. The new operating system has had a major overhaul with an all new design and a host of new features.

Tuesday 10th

Apple launch two smartphones - the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s. The 5c replaces the iPhone 5 and features an all new, and cheaper, plastic body in a range of colours. Meanwhile, the 5s has the body as the 5 but features a fingerprint scanner and 64-bit architecture.

Wednesday 4th

Sony launch the Xperia Z1. It's waterproof, features a 20.7 megapixel camera (that's a lot of pixels), has a 5-inch HD display, can stream video live to Facebook, has an all aluminium shell and is available next month. There is also the ability to attach QX10 and QX100 camera lenses to the phone - looks fantastic.

Samsung launch the Galaxy Note 3 at IFA in Berlin. The 4G device promises to be slimmer, lighter and have a longer battery life than its predecessors.

Samsung also launch the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch. It has a 1.63" Super AMOLED display and allows you to read messages and accept calls from your wrist. There's currently 70 apps available with more being added. It also features a camera and uses S Voice.

Tuesday 3rd

Google reveal that the next version of Android will be named KitKat after a non-monetary deal was made with Nestle.

Apple send press invites for a 10th September event at their Cupertino headquarters, likely to announce a new iPhone(s) and the launch of iOS7.

Microsoft announce a deal to purchase Nokia's mobile division including Nokia maps and a range of patents for £4.6 billion.

Microsoft buy Nokia's Mobile Division

The computing giant Microsoft has today purchased the mobile business of the one time mobile giant Nokia for around £4.6 billion. The deal also includes Nokia maps and a large collection of design and manufacturing patents. The deal will be completed by mid 2014 with the majority of Nokia employees remaining in Finland.

Apple Confirm 10th September Event

Apple have sent invites to the press confirming the speculated 10th September event. At the event, taking place at their Cupertino HQ, Apple will likely announce the new iPhone 5S and possibly a low cost iPhone too.