Easy-to-use personal security measures are a welcome antidote to the privacy fears that plague a post-PRISM scandal world. But are encrypted text messages a necessity, or just a fan to the flames of a paranoia epidemic?

BlackBerry was once competing head to head with Apple and Google for people's attention. But now the humbled brand is changing tact, going back to its roots. It's unveiled the BlackBerry Classic – a response to current customers' demand for more familiar design.

In 2009, BlackBerry held 47% of the US smartphone market. In 2014 that figure is less than 1%, both domestically and globally. While critics see BlackBerry as a washed-up brand, the company is trying to making a comeback by focusing on business customers.

Over four iPhones are bought every second. Sprint’s iPhone for Life plan lets Apple fans rent their favourite phone, and get an upgrade whenever a new model comes out. But what impact will it have on brand loyalty, and how does it reflect changing attitudes towards ownership?