Apple seems to have a monopoly on special launch events this month, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been a busy start to September for other top technology firms. Over in the US, online marketplace don Amazon officially unveiled its next generation of Kindle products yesterday. Crucially, a number of the devices announced are going to be coming to Blighty - the Kindle range's first UK appearance. The contraptions heading for Britain include a refreshed version of the original Kindle eBook reader and an updated 7in Kindle Fire tablet, but most exciting of all is the brand new 7in Kindle Fire HD - a direct rival to both the Nexus 7 and a potential iPad mini.

Sticking with the theme of major announcements, Everything Everywhere has confirmed it will launch its 4G network at a special event in London's swanky Kensington neighbourhood next week, and ITProPortal will of course be in attendance. The firm - made up Orange and T-Mobile - was granted approval to make the move last month. Now, Everything Everywhere has also announced it is planning to launch a new brand that will "sit alongside" the subsidiary duo, but more interesting still is the timing of the event - is it pure coincidence that the goings-on in SW7 are set for just a day before Apple's blockbuster iPhone 5 launch?

Elsewhere, Huawei has defended itself against criticism by the US Congress, who have questioned the company's dealings with Iran. The Chinese smartphone manufacturer released a plump white paper on cyber security written by its global security officer - former UK government chief information officer John Suffolk - in which it argued that global networking connects "different regions" and "different cultures," ultimately working to "advance ... the progress of human civilization."

Finally, a more contemplative piece to tide you over until ITProPortal's customary weekend roundup is released. Self-styled cranky geek John C. Dvorak has fired off another characteristic volley, opining on a potential conspiracy within the murky world of home printing. Apparently, print firms are now replacing the full cartridge sets supplied with their new hardware with so-called "starter kits," which contain only partial ink supplies. The buyer then needs to buy a costly second set of ink almost immediately, thereby preventing people from buying a new printer for the price of a refill kit. You just couldn't make it up, could you?