Here at My Mobile Centre we are always keen to embrace new creations and innovative  ideas – especially when it comes to technology. When we find something new and exciting we then look to share these things with our readers, so they too can learn more about these latest developments in digital technology – whether it be in the form of new mobile phones, tablets, apps, websites or online resources.

One such thing we have discovered recently is a fantastic online tool called QikPad. This handy little site requires no download or signup, but essentially allows multiple people or users who may be based in different locations across the world to work together on a single shared document or piece of coding etc, that is accessed collaboratively via a single URL on the internet (and can therefore also be easily emailed to colleagues in different offices for example).

     QikPad is free and extremely simple to use, and useful for businesses who have multiple offices, students who may want to collaborate on a shared project or essay and much more. You can also follow QikPad on Twitter: @qikpad

As seems to always be the case with fans of both Apple mobile phones and tablets, rumours are already circling across the internet about the potential technical advancements and design features that could be included in the forthcoming iPhone 5 handset.

Indeed, the latest news from the iPhone rumour mill is that the forthcoming iPhone 5 handsets are likely to feature an all new super powerful quad core processor chip – a feature which could in theory then allow the new phone to function on both 4G and the newer 4G networks.

The handset is also expected to be much slimmer and lightweight in its design than its predecessors such as the Apple iPhone 4 and 4s (not that these phones are particularly chunky in any case) making it hit the market as the slimmest iPhone handset ever.

It may come as no great surprise, but recent figures published by Net Market Share (a leading online provider of usage and market trends  data in the fields of mobile phones, search, and social media) have suggested that Apple are still far and away the market leader when it comes to providers of mobile and tablet operating systems – with Android failing to make any major impact on the gap.

Statistics from December 2011 stated that Apple still accounted for over half of the market in mobile device operating systems – some 52% in fact. This largely comes on the back of the brand’s superb sales of the new Iphone and Ipad handset units across the world.

Intriguingly, figures suggested that it was Java ME who were playing second fiddle in the market during this period controlling around 21% of the market - with Google Android perhaps surprisingly still some distance behind with just over 16% over the market share of operating systems.

Electronics manufacturer Samsung is predicted to unveil some company record breaking profit margins following the huge success of its mobile phone handsets. Models such as the Samsung Galaxy S 2 saw the brand launch itself into the mobile phone big time in 2011 – and on the back of this success Samsung has reached new financial heights.

In the fourth quarter of the year the electronics giant defied tough market conditions (mobile phone rival HTC for example had seen its profits curbed in the final quarter of 2011) to oversee an approximate 12 percent increase in profits – equating to around £3 million pounds profit in the final 3 months of 2011.

Although it is yet to match the unprecedented sales of Apple’s ground breaking Iphone 4s, Samsung are continuing to produce excellent smart phones with features that rival Apple’s dominance and things will be looking good for the company moving into 2012.

Following its release in spring earlier this year, the IPod 2 has taken the tablet world by storm offering excellent technology and style to users across the world. Indeed, you may have just received your shiny new Apple IPod 2 from Santa for your Christmas present but rumours are already widespread online about the potential release of an all new IPod 3 in 2012.

Latest reports have tended to suggest that Foxconn (who are a major manufacturing firm operating alongside designers Apple) would start to produce an all new IPod 3 in the New Year. Speculation over a possible release date has varied according to different sources, with some putting forward a potential release date of Spring 2012 – but other sources claiming a more imminent launch, perhaps as early as February 2012.

Any potential release date is most likely to follow the same sequence as that of the first 2 Apple tablets – The IPad 1 and IPad 2 – which saw the products originally unleashed to consumers in the USA prior to a UK release.

With the emergence of the IPad 2 as the ultimate “must have” tablet device for the year 2011 and the huge amount of success it has brought to the company, many would think that Apple would also opt to design and go into production on a smaller 7 inch screened device in order to go head to head in the market place against the smaller sized Amazon Kindle. However, prior to his tragic death earlier this year, Apple boss Steve Jobs had dismissed the idea (although back in 2005 he had openly written off the idea of making a mobile phone handset and we all know what happened there!)

At the moment the IPad 2 retails for more than twice that of the Kindle Fire – and while it offers a larger screen and much greater functionality and smooth delivery of service it is difficult to consider it a direct competitor for these reasons. Apple could potentially have a gap in the market which it may be able to use its strong brand to exploit should it opt for production and marketing of a smaller screened, lower priced device that could potentially offer much better software and performance than the Kindle Fire – but in or around the same price bracket. Rumours have been abound about such a device for 2012 so watch this space!

Expected for public release in the early months of 2012, the latest range of Prada phones by the LG – the LG 3.0 – will represent the electronics manufacturer’s third collaboration with world renowned designer clothing and fashion manufacturer Prada. The handset represents the first smart phone to emerge from this partnership and as you would expect from such a venture combines strong technical specifications with stunning style and beautiful design.

The phone features a Google Android 2.3 operating platform (and is widely expected to support the forthcoming upgrade to Android 4.0) and a 1 GH dual channel CPU in addition to 1GB of RAM to keep things running smoothly. It also features an 8 meg camera device with high definition video recording possible making it the most advanced phone yet from the LG / Prada partnership.

The handset is also extremely slim in its design – only 8.5 millimetres deep in fact – and the smooth black finish gives the phone a sleek and stylish touch. All in all the phone offers style and sophistication in terms of looks with many of the key features you would expect from a leading smartphone for early 2012.

To most people these days a mobile phone is all but an essential item. The demand from users for the latest features in their handset models has rapidly grown, and as such the level of technology incorporated into new handsets has accelerated in equal measure. However, with most UK users now tied into 18 month and even 24 month contracts on their mobile phones, the pressures of selecting a handset that is perfect for their individual needs is critical prior to making that all important contractual commitment. In this post we explore the key things to consider when buying a contract mobile phone.

What Handset Features Will You Really Use?

As most modern contract deals will come with a handset included, it is important first and foremost to consider what you need from your handset in terms of features. Higher cost pay monthly contracts will generally include a more complex high performance smart phone that does not require a fee at the start of the contract. However if you are unlikely to use a phone handset such advanced features you may get greater value for money by choosing an older, more simple mobile phone with a much lower monthly fee – or even a pay as you go mobile phone.

Which Network Offers a Price Plan For Your Needs?

As well as choosing a mobile phone handset which is right for you, before buying a pay monthly mobile phone you will also have to consider which network in your region offers a monthly price plan that is right for your own personal needs. Price plans for mobile phone contracts will vary greatly according to how many minutes, texts and internet data you receive in your monthly allowance – so always consider how much of these elements you are actually going to use each month. If you tend to prefer texting to phoning for example, there are price plans available that offer infinite texts but smaller volume of call time minutes accordingly.

Which Phone Networks Get Strong Coverage in Your Area?

As well as your choice of handset and monthly allowance of calls, text and data usage it may be worth considering which networks get strong coverage in your region. Network coverage from all major UK networks has improved dramatically in the last decade – but if you live in rural areas you will no doubt be aware that certain networks will perform better than others. Why not do some research and find out what networks have good coverage in your area before you commit to that 24 month contract deal.