Embattled entertainment and electronics giant Sony beat analysts’ expectations with first-half profits today, thanks to a weak yen and the success of Sony’s Xperia smartphones.

“We're going to start with a song we did for Diana Ross, then another song we did for Diana Ross and then one we did for Sister Sledge - and we’re going to keep going until we take it to the top floor.”

There were 260 million pirated films and TV shows downloaded in 2008 but that figure has fallen to 120 million

Fans say the results are 'embarrassing' and make the singers - famous for four-part harmonies - sound more like robots

It seems like an inspired bit of joined-up PR thinking – an invitation from Daft Punk to “Get Lucky” but not also pregnant, or infected with something nasty. The French duo responsible for the horribly catchy single of the summer had apparently jumped into bed  with Durex to create condoms with packaging inspired by the cover of their album, Random Access Memories.

In a product placement deal that was waiting to happen, Daft Punk have created a range of ‘Get Lucky’ condoms with Durex.

'I used to fly to Paris for lunch – insane'

Digital fans are set to make 2013 the biggest year for singles sales in UK history, according to the Official Charts Company.

Ministers accused of policy cover-up

Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ has become the first single released in 2013 to reach one million sales in the UK.

Liam Gallagher has fuelled rumours that his band Beady Eye will play a secret gig at Glastonbury this weekend.

If Kanye West weren't on enough of a high already following the birth last week of his baby daughter North, then the only direction is up as his latest album is at number one.

British pop fans are buying more singles than at any time since the days of Bright Eyes and Blondie. Elisa Bray investigates

Singles are continuing to grow in popularity. Watch the videos below to see tracks from 1979, 2012 and 2013.