Webwire: Telefonica launches VoIP app; Yahoo director stepping down

Telefonica has launched its own VoIP app to challenge Skype and similar services. The app will be marketed to Telefonica's own customers, but also available for use by subscribers to other providers.
 
Patti Hart, the Yahoo director who led the board committee that selected Scott Thompson as CEO, will not stand for re-election due to controversy over Thompson's credentials.
 
Samsung and Qualcomm have formed an alliance to promote the development and standardization of wireless charging technologies for handsets and other consumer devices.
 
Google has successfully applied for special Nevada license plates for a fleet of self-driving cars, allowing the company to test the vehicles on public highways in the US state.
 
A US judge has thrown out a trademark complaint filed by China's Proview Electronics against Apple over rights to the iPad name.
 
SingTel's mobile advertising business, Amobee, has acquired AdJitsu, a Silicon Valley startup concentrating on 3D animated mobile ads.
 
The Philippines' PLDT plans to downsize its workforce after acquiring rival operator Digitel, and will allocate up to 1.4 billion pesos (€25.3 million) in severance benefits.