Thailand bans 3 Lava models due to fire risk
Thailand’s telecoms regulator banned the import and sale of three Lava smartphone models after a review found the devices were prone to catching fire while charging.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, which started an investigation after online reports of the phones exploding, also asked the Civil Aviation Authority to ban the Lava Iris 600, 700 and 708 on flights.

China’s wearable device shipments jump 81%
Chinese vendors’ shipments of wearable devices jumped 81.4 per cent – to 9.54 million units – in Q2 from a year ago.

Shipments of basic wearable devices such as wristbands, children’s watches and smart running shoes expanded 92 per cent, while smart wearables led by smart watches were up by 3.4 per cent from a year earlier, according to IDC.

“Unlike basic wearable products in overseas markets where fitness tracking is their main function, basic wearable devices in China are of much richer product forms and offer more functionality,” said Jean Xiao, research manager at IDC China. “This has enabled the fast expansion of China’s basic wearable device market.”

SoftBank runs LTE-B trials at baseball games
Japan’s third largest mobile operator SoftBank carried out an LTE-Broadcast field test at baseball games from 17 to 19 September.

SoftBank delivered real-time video of the games between the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and Orix Buffaloes from various angles using multiple cameras.

In addition to testing the technical reliability, the operator said it planned to analyse customer satisfaction by letting visitors take part in the immersive viewing experience from their smartphones.

Vodafone acquires Australian MVNO
Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) purchased the mobile assets of Lebara, an MVNO that has been using Vodafone’s network since 2009.

Lebara, which focused on the global migrant community, has about 130,000 customers.

VHA said Lebara Mobile products will continue to be sold through existing retail partners including Coles, Woolworths and a large range of convenience stores.