A furore has broken out in the US over tracking software that allegedly lets telcos track your keystrokes, and movement. NBR surveys Telecom, Vodafone, TelstraClear and 2degrees over their use, or not, of such an app.

Earlier this year, NBR relayed how Mrs Bill Gates had expressed her unrequited love for Apple’s handset.

And how Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer had to ban his kids from buying an iPod.

Can no-one resist Planet Apple's gravitational pull?

It seems not.

From today, drivers in New Zealand will only be allowed to use mobile phones in their cars if they use a hands-free kit or phone cradle.

The ban, and its timing, were officially confirmed in August. Mobile phones cannot be used, even while stopped at a red light, unless the phone is in a fixed cradle or a hands-free kit or headset is used. Those who break the rules face a fine of $80, and 20 demerit points.

Chalk up another win for Google in the 21st Century mobile phone war: Dell has announced its first foray into the cellphone market - and it will be with a mobile that runs on the search giant’s Android operating system.

Dell’s Android phone, featuring both a touchscreen and a keyboard, is expected next year on US carrier AT&T, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Dell is also talking to multiple other carriers.

Apple's iPhone 3G (right) has topped NPD's retail sales chart in the world's biggest smartphone market for the first time.

The market tracker says among US adult consumers, Motorola's Razr has let the pack for 12 straight quarters since its 2004 launch.

But among adult retail buyers for Q3, the iPhone 3G is the new sales king. NPD's top 5: