News
New Pantech QMD Both Rugged And Green
Pantech and AT&T; today revealed the Renue, a "quick messaging device" with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and rugged design made from 67% recyclable materials. The phone doesn't require a smartphone data plan, but uses Qualcomm's BREW-MP platform to provide smartphone-like features, including a touch screen and multiple customizable home screens. The Renue is similar to the pantech Swift, but with a larger screen, better camera, and the rugged shell. The Renue is tested and rated to military specs for sand, dust, extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration, and sun. The phone is available starting today for $70 with two-year contract.
Virgin Mobile USA Scores Android-Powered PCD Chaser
Virgin Mobile USA recently made the PCD Chaser available for purchase on its web site. The Chaser is an Android 2.3 Gingerbread smartphone that has a 3.2-inch touch display and 800MHz processor. Stand-out features of the Chaser include a 3-megapixel camera with LED flash and camcorder; Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, and 3G; and 2GB memory card with support for cards up to 32GB. The Chaser is compatible with Virgin Mobile ID packs and VM Live media streaming services. The PCD Chaser costs $79.99 and is compatible with plans starting at $35 per month.
AT&T; Schedules Android 4.0 Update for LG Nitro HD
AT&T; today announced that it will push Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich to the LG Nitro HD starting Tuesday, July 31. The update will also include LG's new Optimus 3.0 UI. Users will be notified when their device is ready for the update. In addition to the ICS update for the Nitro HD, AT&T; said it plans to offer maintenance updates to the HTC One X and the HTC Inspire that enhance performance of the two devices. AT&T; noted that these two maintenance updates will be pushed out in the coming weeks, but it did not supply a specific date.
Apple to Buy Security Firm AuthenTec for $356M
AuthenTec today said that it has agreed to be acquired by Apple for $356 million. AuthenTec has long been a player in the mobile device security space and makes fingerprint swipes and other biometric security hardware. Apple has not yet indicated what it plans to do with AuthenTec and its mobile security products.
Motorola Photon Q to Ship with Unlockable Bootloader
Motorola today revealed that the Photon Q, launching in August on Sprint's network, will have an unlockable bootloader. Motorola has traditionally kept the bootloaders of its Android smartphones locked. The Photon Q will be the first to ship with an unlockable bootloader, and Motorola said more devices with unlockable bootloaders will follow. Motorola said it will provide instructions on how to unlock the Photon Q's bootloader once it launches. In the past, Motorola argued that unlocking the bootloaders of Android smartphones made them less secure. It didn't say what changed its mind on the issue.
Motorola Moving Headquarters to Downtown Chicago
Motorola today announced that it is moving out of the suburbs and into Chicago's central business district. The company has long kept its headquarters in Libertyville, Ill. According to Motorola, it has now signed a lease for Chicago's Merchandise Mart and will relocate there during the summer of 2013. Motorola was founded in Chicago 84 years ago and is now owned by Google, which is based in California.
Google Adds Handwriting Search to Android and iOS
Google today announced a new tool for touch-based devices: the ability to draw letters on the screen in order to compose search queries. Once enabled in the browser, the tool will allow Android and iPhone device owners to draw letters on their touch screen rather than type them on a software keyboard. The feature supports autocomplete, and users can tap automatically generated results before they're done spelling their search query. Handwrite search works in the browser of Apple devices running iOS 5 and up, Android smartphones running Android 2.3 Gingerbread and up, and Android tablets running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and up. Google suggests that its Chrome browser is the best option. The feature is already live, and doesn't require a download.
iPhone 4S and iPads Gets 3D Google Earth Imagery
Google today announced that it has rolled out 3D imagery to the iOS version of Google Earth. The new version of Google Earth, which is a free download from the iTunes store, works on the iPhone 4S, iPad 2, and new iPad with Retina Display as long as they are running iOS 4.2 and up. Users of these devices can now fly through 3D cityscapes and follow virtual tours within Google Earth. The 3D imagery is first available in Los Angeles, Boulder, Boston, Charlotte, Lawrence, Kan., San Francisco, San Diego, Santa Cruz, Tampa, Tucson, Long Beach, Portland, Ore., Geneva, and Rome. Google said that more 3D cities will follow in the coming weeks.
Motorola Fully Reveals the Photon Q
On the heels of being out by Sprint CEO Dan Hesse, Motorola today provided more details about the Photon Q. The Photon Q is a sideways slider with touch screen and full QWERTY keyboard for messaging. It runs Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich and is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage (expandable by 32GB via microSD). The Phton Q boasts a 4.3-inch ColorBoost display with qHD resolution (960 x 540 pixels). Radio support includes LTE 4G, EVDO 3G, GSM/UMTS for global roaming, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi (802.11b.g.n), GPS, and NFC. The main camera rates 8 megapixels and can capture video at 1080p HD. The user-facing camera can shoot 720p HD video for high-definition Google+ Hangouts. The Photon Q also includes business-friendly features, such as enterprise-grade security and enhanced Microsoft Exchange support. Pricing and availability of the Motorola Photon Q have not been announced.
Sprint Names Three More LTE Markets
Sprint today said that Gainesville, Ga., Manhattan and Junction City, Kan., and Sherman-Denison, Texas, will all have access to LTE 4G along with Baltimore before Labor Day. Sprint didn't provide an exact launch date.
Sprint Has Closed 9,600 iDEN Towers
Sprint today provided an update on its Network Vision project as part of its second quarter financial report. Sprint said that it has completed the deactivation of 9,600 iDEN cell sites across the country, and is ahead of schedule for its planned transition away from iDEN to CDMA-based voice/data services. However, Sprint reported that as customers leave its iDEN network, it is only recapturing 60% of them with Sprint services. This means 40% of iDEN customers not only ditch their iDEN service, but are switching to other carriers when they do. Sprint expects its iDEN network will be fully deactivated no later than June 30, 2013. It previously targeted June 30, 2013 as the "earliest" it would shut down iDEN. Further, the company has made solid progress in switching to multi-modal cell towers and base stations. Sprint has gained the necessary permits and leases for nearly 14,000 cell sites and has already begun construction on 6,300 sites. Sprint says that 2,000 multi-modal cell sites are already operational and performing as expected with respect to coverage and speed. Sprint believes it will have 12,000 of these cell sites operational by the end of the year, and the bulk of its Network Vision project completed by the end of 2013.
Sprint's LTE Headed to Baltimore by End of August
Sprint CEO Dan Hesse today said that Sprint will activate its LTE 4G network in the city of Baltimore by the end of August. Baltimore was one of Sprint's first WiMax markets, and was expected to be among the initial batch of LTE cities. Sprint launched LTE in Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, and San Antonio earlier this month. Hesse did not name any other LTE markets, nor did he say exactly when LTE will go live in Baltimore. Additionally, Hesse mentioned a previously unannounced device, the Motorola Photon Q, which is an Android smartphone that will include LTE 4G, worldwide roaming, and a QWERTY keyboard. No other details of the device were revealed, though Hesse said it is launching soon.
AT&T;'s LTE Footprint Swells With New Markets
AT&T; today announced a sizable expansion of its LTE 4G network, which goes live in several new cities and increases coverage in others. The new cities able to access AT&T;'s LTE 4G network include West Palm Beach, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; and Worcester, Mass. Existing markets enjoying increased access to LTE include Washington, D.C., and surrounding counties, and Baltimore, Md. and surrounding counties. AT&T; also has expanded its Boston-area 4G LTE network to communities in the MetroWest, North Shore, and South Shore areas. The total number of markets covered by AT&T; LTE 4G has grown to 51 with this expansion.
Nokia Slashes Series 40 Replacement Platform
Nokia has cancelled plans to replace its Series 40 platform with a new Linux-based system called Meltemi, reports Reuters. Citing three sources familiar with Nokia's plans, Reuters says the Meltemi project was cancelled as part of Nokia's on-going cost-cutting measures. Meltemi was meant to help Nokia fend off low-cost Android handsets in developing markets, which is where Nokia sells the bulk of its Series 40 handsets. Series 40 has been around for nearly a decade, and is currently sold in Nokia's Asha line of devices. Nokia did not comment on Reuters' report.
Nokia Drive Knows Your Commute By Heart
Nokia recently updated its Nokia Drive application with a new feature called My Commute. With My Commute enabled, Nokia Drive will learn over time the various routes that Lumia device owners take to and from work. The app also learns the general time that you leave for work in the morning, as well as when you leave work in the evening, and can inform the driver of traffic problems in advance so that they may re-route to avoid problems. The update also allows Lumia device owners to pin destinations to the home screen, allowing for one-press access to their route home. Nokia Drive is a free download for the Lumia 900, 800, 710, and 610, and the My Commute feature is available in the U.S. to start. My Commute will be expanded to other markets over time. Nokia also reiterated that it plans to make Nokia Drive available to all Windows Phone 8 devices later this year, including those made by competitors HTC and Samsung. For now, however, it is exclusive to Lumia devices.
Judge Scolds Samsung Over Deleted Emails
Federal Judge Paul Grewal has sanctioned Samsung for preventing emails meant to be used as evidence in its patent lawsuit with Apple from being automatically deleted. Samsung automatically deletes all emails more than two weeks old, which it says is a tactic employed to prevent sensitive information from being leaked. Though the company instructed employees to save the emails, Samsung never turned off the automatic deletion system. The sanctions put in place, at Apple's behest, mean that the jury will be told that Samsung failed to preserve evidence for the case, and that it is more likely than not Samsung destroyed the evidence on purpose. The trial is set to commence July 30. In separate filings today, Apple accused Samsung of seeking unfair patent licensing fees for its standards essential patents, amounting to 2.4% of the sales price of each infringing device sold. Apple says Samsung demanded Apple pay a higher fee than Samsung charges other companies to license the same patents.
Nexus Q App Updated With Support for Gingerbread
Google has provided an update to the companion application for the Nexus Q. The app, which is a necessary component to the Nexus Q that controls it as well as feeds it content, now supports smartphones and tablets running Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread and up. It previously only supported Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The update also includes improvements to the guest mode feature. The Nexus Q app is a free download from the Google Play Store. Google also updated the YouTube application for Android devices, giving it more video features for the Nexus Q in addition to support for older devices. YouTube for Android is also a free update from the Google Play Store.
Nokia Maps Updated with Groupon Support
Nokia has updated its Maps app for the Windows Phone platform to version 2.5. Nokia Maps 2.5 adds several new features, most notably integration with and support for Groupon in the United States. This means users will be able to view which deals are nearby and route directions to take advantage of them. Nokia Maps 2.5 also adds a route planner and fixes a handful of bugs. It is a free download for Nokia Lumia Windows Phones in the Marketplace for Mobile.
Broadcom Intros New Wi-Fi Chip for Smartphones, Tablets
Broadcom today announced the BCM4335, a combo chip that houses 802.11ac (also called "5G Wi-Fi") and 802.11a/b/g/n/ Wi-Fi radios, in addition to Bluetooth 4.0 and FM radios on a single piece of silicon. The chip is platform agnostics, says Broadcom, and can be used in devices such as smartphones, tablets, ultrabooks, and other mobile devices. The 802.11ac spec boosts Wi-Fi speeds by up to 10% compared to 802.11n, while also contributing a six-fold improvement in power efficiency. The chip has been optimized to minimize interference with LTE radios, and is Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Miracast, and Wi-Fi Passpoint certified. The BCM4335 is now sampling to select customers and is expected to reach full production in early 2013.
Patent Licensing Firm Hits Phone Makers with Lawsuits
Alliacense today announced new patent litigation it is filing against 13 different companies, many of which make mobile products. Alliacense alleges that the companies involved are violating the patents held by MMP Portfolio, which is a patent-holding and licensing firm contributed to and run by a number of other organizations. The companies being sued include Acer, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Garmin, HTC, Huawei, Kyocera, LG Electronics, Nintendo, Novatel Wireless, Samsung Electronics, Sierra Wireless, and ZTE. Alliacense and MMP have filed complaints with the U.S. International Trade Commission seeking to prevent the companies involved from importing the infringing products. It also filed action seeking damages for past infringement that includes triple unpaid royalties and interest, plus attorney's fees; and injunctions barring future products from entering the U.S. Alliacense and MMP Portfolio didn't specify the nature of the patents involved in the litigation.
FCC Gives AT&T; Permission to Purchase NEATT Spectrum
The Federal Communications Commission today concluded that AT&T;'s 2010 proposal to purchase 13 PCS spectrum licenses from NEATT won't result in competitive harm and will serve the public interest. The spectrum licenses in question pertain to five cellular markets covering 25 counties and approximately 690,000 points of presence across Arkansas. According to AT&T;, the PCS 1900MHz spectrum will help improve its UMTS/HSPA coverage in the region. The licenses were originally held by AT&T; and divested in order for AT&T; to gain FCC approval of its acquisition of Cingular Wireless in 2004. The FCC is, in effect, giving AT&T; permission to take the spectrum back. The spectrum is being purchased by AT&T; subsidiary New Cingular. The FCC said, "The proposed acquisition of NEATT's broadband PCS licenses is unlikely to cause competitive or other public interest harms and that it is in the public interest to grant the application." NEATT has been trying to sell this block of spectrum for several years, and AT&T; has thus far been the only bidder. If AT&T; were not allowed to purchase the spectrum, it would continue to law fallow, as NEATT has been unable to put it to use.
RadioShack Selling Low-Cost 'Remanufactured' iPhones
RadioShack today announced a new program whereby it is selling refreshed and remanufactured iPhone/iPhone 4S smartphones at a discount when compared to brand new products. Both AT&T; and Verizon customers can get a refreshed or remanufactured 8GB or 16GB iPhone 4 for free with an upgrade or new agreement. AT&T; customers can also get the 32GB model for free. The iPhone 4S costs closer to the price of new gear. RadioShack customers can purchase a refreshed or remanufactured AT&T; iPhone 4S 16GB for $99.99 or an iPhone 4S 32GB for $149.99. The refreshed or remanufactured iPhone 4S for Verizon Wireless costs $99.99 for the 16GB version, $199.99 for the 32GB, and $299.99 for the 64GB version. RadioShack explains that refreshed phones have been restored and repackaged internally but don't offer a manufacturer warranty. Remanufactured devices come from a third party that have been remanufactured with a new warranty. RadioShack is including a $50 gift card for all refreshed or remanufactured Verizon iPhone purchases. RadioShack is offering a $10 gift card to customers who purchase an AT&T; or Verizon 4GB iPhone 4 with AppleCare.
from RadioShack
Box Adds Windows Phone App to Marketplace
Online storage service Box today announced its first application for the Windows Phone platform. Box is offering support for Windows Phone 7 to start, and will support Windows Phone 8 when it arrives later this year. According to Box, the Windows Phone app will support most of the same features offered to other platforms such as Android and iOS. These include the ability to: view, upload and share files; invite others to shared folders and leave comments on files; access content via search; pin live tiles to the Start screen to see file updates; and manage files and folders with batch move, copy, and delete operations. The application is free to download, and Box offers both free and paid-for online storage options.
Nokia Completes Acquisition of Scalado
Nokia today announced that it has finalized its purchase of camera technology maker Scalado. The acquisition covers developers, technologies, and intellectual property from Scalado. The two companies have worked together for more than 10 years. Nokia has long focused on providing the best possible camera experience in its smart devices, and this acquisition should help it in those pursuits. Terms of the acquisition were not made public.
Apple and Samsung Chiefs at Loggerheads Over Patents
Apple CEO Tim Cook and top Samsung executives met recently to discuss the upcoming patent trial between them, but were unable to come to an agreement with respect to the patents. Citing sources familiar with the discussions, Reuters reports that the companies can't agree on the value of certain patents at stake. For example, some of the patents Samsung alleges Apple of infringing are standards essential. Apple believes they should be licensed at a lower rate than Samsung is offering. The company chiefs met as part of court-mandated mediation ahead of the July 30 trial. Reuters says the companies are unlikely to come to an agreement before the trial gets under way.
NTP Resolves Mobile Email Spat with Apple and Others
NTP today announced that it has reached agreements with 13 different companies that it accused of violating its mobile email patents. The companies include wireless network operators: AT&T;, Sprint, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless; smartphone manufacturers: Apple, HTC, Motorola Mobility, Palm, LG, and Samsung; and email service providers: Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo. NTP holds eight patents regarding mobile email, and has signed licensing agreements with the 13 companies involved. As a result, NTP has dropped its lawsuits against the new licensees.
Qualcomm Ends Mirasol Production
Qualcomm recently revealed that it will no longer manufacture displays using its Mirasol technology. Instead, the company will license the technology to other manufacturing firms. "With respect to QMT, we're now focusing on licensing our next-generation Mirasol display technology and will directly commercialize only certain Mirasol products. We believe that this strategy will better align our updated roadmap with the addressable opportunities," said Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs during a recent earnings call. There are four Mirasol-based products available in the market, all of which are e-readers. Qualcomm's Mirasol displays have been under development for years and are meant to serve as a low-power alternative to competing technologies, such as OLEDs and LCDs.
from Qualcomm / SlashGear »
Apple and Motorola Appeal Tossed Lawsuit Ruling
Both Apple and Motorola have filed separate appeals looking to reinstate a patent-related lawsuit that was tossed in its entirety. U.S. Circuit Judge Richard Posner last month determined that neither company could adequately prove damages for the alleged patent infringement, and neither was entitled to injunctive relief. Posner dismissed the case, which was to be argued in front of a jury. Now that Motorola is owned by Google, it would have been the first time Apple and Google faced one another in court directly over smartphone patents. It is not clear if or how the case could be resurrected.
Court Hands Kodak a Loss in Case Against Apple and RIM
The U.S. International Trade Commission recently upheld a May ruling that exonerated Apple and Research In Motion from infringing on a digital imaging patent held by Eastman Kodak. The ITC cleared the two companies from violating the patent, which refers to previewing images on a digital device. Kodak is currently in bankruptcy protection and hopes to generate $1 billion in revenue through the sale of its 1,100 digital imaging patent portfolio. The ITC terminated the case. Kodak said it will continue to pursue its claims through other legal avenues.
Jelly Bean Headed to T-Mobile's Nexus S
Google recently revealed that the Samsung Nexus S for T-Mobile and a number of other global operators will soon receive the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update. Users will be notified when their device is ready for the update. Google said the update is being rolled out over time. Android 4.1 adds Google Now, the Project Butter performance optimizations, and improved notifications.
AT&T; Getting More Fusion From Huawei
The unannounced Huawei Fusion 2 for AT&T; made an appearance on the FCC web site this weekend. The user manual and photos submitted to the FCC describe a phone with features identical to the original Fusion, including a 3.2-megapixel camera, FM radio, Swype, and a memory card slot. The Fusion is a basic Android phone for AT&T;'s GoPhone prepaid service.
HTC Lowers The Volume On Beats Stake
HTC and Beats today announced that HTC has sold half of its stake in Beats back to Beats. HTC will maintain an approximate 25% stake in Beats and continue to hold exclusive commercial rights to Beats technology in mobile devices. Owning a controlling stake "provides Beats with more flexibility for global expansion", according to the companies. HTC bought a 51% majority stake in Beats one year ago.
Google Acquires Email App Maker Sparrow
Sparrow today announced that it has been acquired by Google for an undisclosed sum. Sparrow offers a Gmail client for Apple computers and for the iPhone. The company said that it will be joining Google's Gmail team, to "accomplish a bigger vision ... that we think we can better achieve with Google." Sparrow will continue to support its current products and customers.
HTC Says Jelly Bean On the Way for One X, One XL, One S
HTC confirmed that it is preparing Android 4.1 Jelly Bean for several of its devices. "We know HTC fans are excited to get their hands on Google's latest version of Android," said spokesperson Jeff Gordon in a statement to The Verge. "At this point in time, we can confirm that we have plans to upgrade our HTC One X, HTC One XL and HTC One S to Jelly Bean. Please stay tuned for more updates regarding device upgrades, timing and other details about HTC and Jelly Bean." HTC didn't specify if the U.S. variants of these devices will be updated or not. The One X is sold by AT&T; and the One S is sold by T-Mobile. Noticeably absent from the list is HTC's most affordable One series device, the One V. Few other handset makers have come forward with their plans for Android 4.1 updates.
Rebtel Launches App for Windows Phone
Rebtel made a version of its VoIP-based calling service available to the Windows Phone platform earlier this month. Rebtel for Windows Phone connects calls with local numbers and uses the owner's wireless plan minutes instead of their data plan. It does not pass VoIP calls over 3G or Wi-Fi as it does on the Android and iOS platforms, and Rebtel says local carrier fees may apply. Rebtel says the app provides low-cost calling, low-cost SMS, and native integration with the Windows Phone People Hub. Rebtel didn't indicate if or when the app would gain feature parity with those offered to Google's Android or Apple's iOS platforms. The application is free to download from the Microsoft Market for Mobile.
Sony Music Unlimited Gains New Phone and Tablet Powers
Sony today announced new updates for its Music Unlimited Android smartphone and Android tablet applications. Music Unlimited Android Mobile app version 1.4 lets device owners access the "My Channels" feature. This feature gives users the ability to create and control customized radio stations. The update for tablets adds the ability to cache music for offline listening. Both the smartphone and tablet versions of Music Unlimited are free to download and install, though some features require a monthly subscription in order to access them.
RIM Updates BlackBerry 10 Developer Tools
Research In Motion today provided BlackBerry developers with an updated set of tools to use for creating BB10 apps. The three most significant new features include an application invocation framework, push APIs, and a new version of BlackBerry App World. The application invocation framework will give developers the ability to tie their applications to native BlackBerry 10 features and to other applications. The Push APIs will let developers push content from their application servers directly to end users. The App World update allow developers to target the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha test device for applications. The Dev Alpha was released to BlackBerry developers in May. The new tools can be downloaded directly from RIM's developer web site.
Virgin Mobile Opening First Flagship Store in Chicago
Virgin Mobile USA is opening its first company-owned flagship store in Chicago today. Traditionally, Virgin Mobile has sold devices and service within other retail stores, such as Best Buy. The new flagship store is not focusing on device sales, however, so much as it is focusing on providing an introduction to the Virgin Mobile USA brand and in-store tutorials on what users can do with their devices. "Employees at the store will do everything they can to keep you a fan, coming back," said Ron Faris, head of brand marketing at Virgin Mobile, to The New York Times. The store is not explicitly designed to be a retail space, but has more of a relaxed, lounge atmosphere. According to Virgin Mobile USA, it will serve as the blueprint for more company-owned stores to come.
Swiftkey Updates Keyboard to Work with Jelly Bean
Swiftkey updated the most recent version of its Android keyboard to make it compatible with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. In addition to Jelly Bean support, the minor update also includes several bug fixes. Both the free and paid versions of the app for phones and tablets has been updated.
Google Play Music Version 4.3 Adds Playlist Reordering
Google recently released Google Play Music version 4.3 for Android devices via the Google Play Store. The updated app adds a handful of new features, most notably the ability to reorder tracks in a playlist on the fly. Other changes include a new user interface for navigation controls in the action bar; a larger view of album art; and new playlist art. Last, the home screen widget now displays album art and adds the ability to "thumbs up" a track from the widget without requiring users to open the full app. Google Play Music 4.3 is a free download from the Play Store.
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