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A U.S. judge on Friday ruled that Apple Inc. cannot pursue an injunction against Google’s Motorola Mobility unit, effectively ending a key case for the iPhone maker in the smartphone patent wars.
Judge Richard Posner, of the U.S. District Court for Northern Illinois in Chicago, has also dismissed a counterclaim that Apple was infringing on Motorola’s patent in iPhones. Posner ruled out any damages for either company and said, that neither party is entitled to an injunction as the parties have failed to present enough evidence to create triable issues. In the ruling filed, Posner also said neither side could refile their claims.
[quote]During the legal proceedings, the judge also pointed to serious problems with the U.S. patent system and questioned the worth of many software patents, saying, Reuters reported, You can’t just assume that because someone has a patent, he has some deep moral right to exclude everyone else[/quote].
Dell, the second-largest computer seller in India, will sell personal computers loaded with the free operating system Ubuntu.
Ubuntu, is a widely used Linux-based open source software and Dell India, along with Canonical Ltd., the UK-based owner, has decided to sell personal computers based on it.
[quote]The machines — including the new Inspiron 14R and 15R — will be available with Ubuntu pre-installed from June 21 and more models are slated for release later in the year, Canonical CEO Jane Silber told reporters.[/quote]
Starting this month, the Ubuntu installed laptops and netbooks will be available in 850 Dell stores in India. Dell in India currently sells PCs loaded with Windows, the proprietary operating system, of Microsoft.
The first BlackBerry device running Research In Motion’s new operating software will not have a physical keyboard, only a touchscreen one.
The BlackBerry 10 software will be offered on devices with physical keyboards in the future, but RIM spokeswomen Rebecca Freiburger declined to say when. RIM is expected to start selling BlackBerry 10 touch-screen devices this year.
RIM’s hopes hang on the BlackBerry 10 system, which is meant to offer the multimedia, Internet browsing and apps experience customers now demand. The Canadian company is preparing to launch the new software later this year, just as North Americans are abandoning BlackBerrys for iPhones and Android devices.
If those keyboard-loving customers haven’t already jumped ship, I doubt a couple of months is going to make a huge difference. It’s better for RIM to focus one piece of hardware–one that represents where the industry is headed–than launch Blackberry 10 with a lackluster keyboard model just to appease a fraction of its shrinking customer base.
When the Android Jelly Bean name came out, it was rumored to be given to Android build 5.0 and beyond. But a recent slip on the Google Wallet, while someone was purchasing the Galaxy Nexus reveals that in-fact the Jelly Bean Moniker will go to Android 4.1.
This information might get confirmed at the Google I/O next week. However the slip up has been corrected and does not show on the checkout page anymore.
[quote]While the Galaxy Nexus is still available through Google Play, it no longer makes mention of Android 4.1. A shot of the Galaxy Nexus sporting a new pink and green wallpaper and what looks like a new search box still shows up (as seen above) on Google Play when the Galaxy Nexus is in a user’s shopping cart.Google declined to comment on the Google Play mishap, or on the Jelly Bean nickname. One bit of detail not disclosed on Google Play or by Google is when the next iteration of Android will arrive. A good time for such a launch would, of course, be Google I/O, the company’s massive developer conference taking place June 27-29 in San Francisco.[/quote]
The Nike+ app lets you keep track of your work outs
Good news for Android users, the Nike+ and Flipboard apps have finally made their into the OS, after gaining success and popularity on Apple’s iOS.
Nike announced the Nike+ Running App for Android, which, as you’d expect, connects you to nikeplus.com, making exercise social. It features a smooth, intuitive user interface – tailored and optimized for Android – that hosts a number of features to enhance the running experience. The in-run navigation is seamless and simple, allowing runners to easily check key run stats, see their in-progress GPS maps, change songs or get audio feedback without missing a stride. It is available for free on Google Play.
[quote]The expansion of Nike+ onto multiple mobile platforms will allow us to serve more runners than ever before. This opportunity will give even more athletes the chance to experience Nike+, which makes this an incredibly exciting time for the running community, said Stefan Olander, Vice President, Digital Sport.[/quote]
Flipboard is a free application that turns Web content into a magazine format
Flipboard is a free application that turns Web content into a magazine format, and it has also been announced the app will be available for the likes of the Kindle Fire, Android tablets, along with Nook tablets and smartphones around the world. and to run the app, consumers will need to be using Android version 2.2 or later on a devices with a chip running at least 800 megahertz. The app will not be available for tablets with larger screen sizes, such as the 10-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Flipboard also announced that it is adding access to Google+ and YouTube, bringing to 12 the number of social networks users can view within the app.
Huawei has come out with a 2600 mAh XL variant for their Ascend P1, dubbed Ascend P1 2600 mAh XL, which like the name suggests has a larger 2600 mAh battery. That’s almost a 56 % increase over the original version which is also the Razor Maxx.
Also in the might package, expect a E5151 3G Mobile Hotspot that also allows tethering via WiFi but what’s new is that it also allows it via a LAN port on the device. As far as the news is concerned the device will only be launched in China, and has a honest chance of heading down to India.
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Huawei Device showcases its portfolio of star products at the Mobile Asia Expo 2012
Launch of the Ascend P1 TD- SCDMA and 2600mAh XL smartphones highlight Huawei’s commitment to expanding its product portfolio
Shanghai, China, 20 June 2012: Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, launched the Ascend P1 TD-SCDMA and the 2600 mAh XL versions at the GSMA Mobile Asia Expo 2012 in Shanghai today. The Ascend P1 TD-SCDMA will be available for sale through e-commerce channels in China at the end of June, while the Ascend P1 XL will be available for sale in China in Q3. At the Expo, Huawei is also showcasing its star products including quad-core smartphone Ascend D quad, the dual-core smartphone Ascend D1, the quad-core HD tablet MediaPad 10 FHD, the compact dual-core smartphone Ascend P1, and Mobile WiFi E5331 and E5151.
“2012 has been an exciting year for Huawei Device as we innovate and transform to achieve a stronger performance in this competitive market,” said Shao Yang, Chief Marketing Officer, Huawei Device. “With the creation of both our star and flagship product series, Huawei Device is working towards establishing a new industry standard that provides outstanding product experiences for consumers. At the same time, Huawei Device is transforming to become a more consumer-facing brand, actively communicating our own value proposition and steadily progressing towards our goal of becoming one of the world’s leading mobile phone brands.”
The Ascend P1 TD-SCDMA and 2600 mAh XL versions, displayed for the first time at the Mobile Asia Expo, are the latest in the Ascend P1 series providing a high-end experience while offering a more personalized choice for consumers. Also on display are other star products from Huawei such as the Ascend D quad, Ascend D1, MediaPad 10 FHD, Ascend P1, Huawei Honor, and the new generation 4.0 thousand yuan smartphone Ascend C8812.
At the Mobile Asia Expo, Huawei Device is also showcasing its data card product series which includes a total of seven products ranging from PA+ standard of 21Mbps downlink speed to LTE Cat4 standard of 150Mbps downlink speed. Highlights of the data card products include the Mobile WiFi E5331, winner of the Red Dot Design Award in Germany, and the new Mobile WiFi E5151 with its Ethernet port supporting Ethernet and 3G dual-WAN connectivity.
Huawei Device’s presence at the Mobile Asia Expo is testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to the global smartphone industry. In 2011 Huawei generated sales revenue of US$6.8 billion, and smartphone shipments of 20 million units. In 2012, Huawei is expected to achieve revenue of US$9 billion, with smartphone shipments of 60 million units.
The Ascend P1 launched in China in April this year and is now available in more than 1,000 high-end retail stores throughout the country. In the coming half year, the Huawei Ascend P1 will be commercially available in Germany, Russia, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The Huawei Ascend D1 will soon be available on e-commerce channels in China, while Ascend D quad is scheduled for commercial availability in China in the second half of 2012.
Motorola has announced that it will be releasing the RAZR V during the third quarter of the year. It follows the release of the Razr MAXX which was launched last week.
An amazing 8.35mm thin, the phone comes with ColorBoostTM display technology which makes for extremely vibrant colours for better clarity and sharper images. It comes with Android 4.0 and a dual-core 1.2GHz processor.
[quote]RAZR is synonymous with design excellence and both Motorola RAZR MAXX and Motorola RAZR V reflect that, said Robert van Tilburg, senior regional sales director, South Asia, Motorola Mobility. With its fantastic battery, Motorola RAZR MAXX is in a class of its own. Not only do you get everything you love about the Motorola RAZR, but now you get the power to last through marathon calls, hours of surfing the Web, or streaming movies. You’ll drop long before this phone ever does. With Motorola RAZR V, we’ve created the perfect smartphone for stylish, smart and tech-savvy consumers who want great looks, great performance and great value.[/quote]
Sony has started pushing out the new Software update for the Xperia S to Android 4.0.4. Among several features and fixes already included in the Android Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade, will be several add ons from Sony Mobile. The new apps including the “WALKMAN”, “Album” and “Movies” applications will come standard with the update.
The “WALKMAN” application blends the best of signature Sony audio technology with social features; to discover the music your friends like and share personal favorites. Facebook integration gives you a visual way to interact with content – accessing album art, artist images and information, directly from Gracenote®
The “Album” application brings new intuitive ways to sort and browse high quality photos and videos in blazing speed, as well as providing instant viewing, commenting and sharing of photos on Facebook and other online albums, leveraging the great camera capabilities of Xperia S
The “Movies” application streamlines the playback and viewing of movies in high quality audio and video, whilst using intelligent database search to grab movie posters and information for a richer experience
Some new Android 4 features:
Lock screen with improved functionality
Resizable widgets (improved personalization)
Improved control of your mobile data consumption
Recent Apps button for clear overview of your applications
The update will be directly accessible in your phone over mobile networks and WiFi, but also with the option of upgrading using a computer – either with our web-based Xperia Update, PC Companion or Bridge for Mac.
However our Xperia S is yet to show an update notification, we will keep you updated, a small hands on video awaits on the other side of the software update.
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Today, we bring you some exciting news! As planned, we’re now starting our software rollout for Xperia S including, Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 upgrade and new unique media applications.
First off, we’re excited to introduce a completely new way to experience your media – your music, images, videos, movies and films – with our new “WALKMAN”, “Album” and “Movies” applications:
The “WALKMAN” application blends the best of signature Sony audio technology with social features; to discover the music your friends like and share personal favorites. Facebook integration gives you a visual way to interact with content – accessing album art, artist images and information, directly from Gracenote®
The “Album” application brings new intuitive ways to sort and browse high quality photos and videos in blazing speed, as well as providing instant viewing, commenting and sharing of photos on Facebook and other online albums, leveraging the great camera capabilities of Xperia S
The “Movies” application streamlines the playback and viewing of movies in high quality audio and video, whilst using intelligent database search to grab movie posters and information for a richer experience
And now for the software upgrade to Android version 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich– some of the cool features you can look forward to are:
Lock screen with improved functionality
Resizable widgets (improved personalization)
Improved control of your mobile data consumption
Recent Apps button for clear overview of your applications
Be sure to check out our video above for a look at some of this new functionality!
The update will be directly accessible in your phone over mobile networks and WiFi, but also with the option of upgrading using a computer – either with our web-based Xperia Update, PC Companion or Bridge for Mac.
If you’d like or need help on installing the software, we’ve pulled together a step-by-step run through video on our Xperia support YouTube channel.
All Xperia S users will get a notification when the upgrade is ready, but direct availability in the phone may vary across different carriers.
It’s also worth noting that the software package required for download is around 200MB, so you might want to consider using WiFi, if directly upgrading from your Xperia S.
The rollout will continue over the next few weeks* and as usual, we will continue to keep you up-to-date with our progress, handling as much of your feedback along the way as possible.
Just as before, you’ll also be able to see the released software kits (customized software specific to your operator) on our support community; http://talk.sonymobile.com – please continue to check in if yours is not yet listed, as it’ll be updated when new kits become available.
I’ve enjoyed getting to grips with my Xperia S over the past few weeks and I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to taste this sweet software treat
HTC today launched the One S, which unfortunately would be available in India with the outdated and overclocked S3 processor.
The One S is fitted with the dual-core 1.7GHz Qualcomm S3 processor instead of the better Qualcomm S4 Krait processor in India and is available for purchase at a starting price of Rs 33,590/-.
The phone features a 4.3 inch AMOLED qHD display, 8MP rear camera, front camera, Android 4.0, HTC Sense 4.0, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, and 1650mAh battery. It is also company’s thinnest phone till date with just 7.8mm thick body.
[quote]In continuation to the introduction of One series in India, this is a time to bring a highly desirable lifestyle handset for everyone who want to achieve a unique artistic bling and advanced technology said Mr. Faisal Siddiqui, Country Manager, HTC India. HTC One S is truly a complete package of style and performance. It is an easy-to-use smartphone that enriches customer experience with super fast camera with unique ImageSense technology and authentic, studio-quality sound withBeats Audio.[/quote]
The Spec-Sheet of the One S
Check out the press release below :
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HTC INTRODUCES THE ONE S™ IN INDIA
Features include the amazing camera and authentic sound experience
Brand new handset combines stunning design and super-fast technology
Packed with the latest smartphone technology this is the must-have all-in-pocket gadget
New Delhi; June 21, 2012– HTC One™ S is the brand new handset from HTC, which combines a sleek and slim design with a super-fast dual-core processor – the ultimate combination of powerful technology and impressive style. Perfect for taking pictures, watching videos and keeping up with the latest music, news and fashion trends, this phone combines everything needed to complement an active lifestyle. Wrapped under a high-resolution 4.3-inch screen, the HTC One S is jam-packed with the latest smartphone technology making it a one-stop device for all things social.
“In continuation to the introduction of One series in India, this is a time to bring a highly desirable lifestyle handset for everyone who want to achieve a unique artistic bling and advanced technology” said Mr. Faisal Siddiqui, Country Manager, HTC India. “HTC One S is truly a complete package of style and performance. It is an easy-to-use smartphone that enriches customer experience with super fast camera with unique ImageSense technology and authentic, studio-quality sound withBeats Audio.”
Available in striking finish of the ultra-chic Gradient Metal, this phone is leap ahead in the style stakes. Those looking for a highly durable handset will love the unibody design in the sophisticated light-to-dark gradient finish, which feels soft to touch yet is super scratch-resistant perfect for those looking for a stylish accessory.
Challenging traditional digital compact cameras, the HTC One S delivers super-fast instant image capture and excellent picture quality through its unique ImageSenseTM technology. With a blisteringly fast 8 megapixel camera that autofocuses faster than the blink of an eye, alongside a host of advanced camera functions, users will never miss that perfect shot.
Fashion fanatics can capture the catwalk or latest street styles by snapping multiple images using the continuous shooting mode, record the action as a film and simultaneously take still shots, or even extract high-res images directly from the video later on. Music fans can make use of the low-light capabilities so they never lose the perfect picture in a dark concert venue or record the live performance on the HD camcorder. Proud friends and family never have to miss a one-off photo opportunity again, with the camcorder’s slow-motion setting making the quickest glimpse of a wedding or graduation a moment to remember. Also snapping and sharing pictures when out with friends is easier than ever via the camera’s smile detection and quick focus technology. Combine this with an easy-to-use interface that allows sharing at the tap of a screen, the next perfect profile picture is just around the corner.
For those who love music, this phone integrates Beats AudioTM for authentic, studio-quality sound so, whether blasting heavy house tunes or relaxing to the latest acoustic sessions, it will feel as if the artist is performing right in front of you. Keep up-to-date with all the latest tracks by listening to live streaming services and accessing over 50,000 international stations through internet radio. The new Music Hub allows users to gather all these services and applications together, providing one go-to place for all things music. Those with a busy lifestyle will also appreciate the in-built HTC Media Manager software, which makes it even easier to wirelessly update libraries and transfer songs without connecting to a computer.
To ensure that precious photos, music and files are never lost, the super slim handset comes with 25GB free Dropbox space, meaning everything needed to protect those memories or the treasured music collection is backed up and stored safely online.
The HTC One S is available with a selection of accessories which enable users to get even more out of this powerful device. The impressive HTC wireless Media Link HD enables the phone to connect directly with a HDMI-enabled television, taking all content stored on the phone onto the big screen with a swift three finger swipe across the phone’s screen. Gamers can also make the most out of TV streaming by activating mirror mode and transforming the handset into a games controller, whilst showing-off their skills on the big screen. Those who can’t bear to miss a call or text need not worry, as the phone’s multi-tasking ability means users can still call and message without interrupting a movie, ‘slideshow’ or game.
Users who spend time behind the wheel can wirelessly link up the phone to a car sound system thanks to the HTC Car StereoClip, allowing them to take full advantage of the phone’s integrated mapping and navigation services, whilst blasting out the latest hits from the music library.
Pricing
Recommended price: The HTC One S will be available at an MOP (Best Buy) of INR 33,590/- only
For a super-fast, super-slick phone, which is guaranteed to turn heads, visit www.htc.com to learn more about the HTC One S.
Swype has now updated its app available for Android adding a host of new features to the mix. The new version packs the same next-word prediction from Nuance’s XT9 heritage and a new voice-text dictionary sync feature will add new words to both speech and text databases. You can even get the app to crawl around your emails and texts for some extra personalization. The latest version can now download over 55 languages, while Nuance has crystallize all of its know-how into a four-in-one keyboard.
New features include:
· Next Word Prediction: Swype’s next word prediction is amazingly intelligent as Nuance has integrated capabilities from its renowned XT9 portfolio. Swype gets smarter based on historical usage, so prediction becomes more accurate with each use.
· Voice-Text Dictionary Syncing: Swype now includes a personal dictionary. Every new word a user enters on the keyboard gets added to their personal dictionary for speech and text, and you can even have Swype learn from emails, texts and posts. These updates are then mapped into Swype’s unified language model, so people can immediately speak or write that same word no matter how unique or specialized.
· Language Downloads: Swypers everywhere can communicate in any language they speak, as Swype now supports the download of over 55 languages right from the device.
· Four-in-One Keyboard: Swype now delivers a four input modalities in one keyboard. People can swype from letter to letter; type rapidly with predictive text input powered by XT9; speak their text naturally through a fully integrated Dragon button; or, simply write letters, words and symbols using their fingertip. Further, users can switch back and forth between modalities on the fly – providing the ultimate in keyboard personalization.
“People use their keyboards every day in every way – so input needs to be fast and simple,” said Michael Thompson, executive vice president and general manager, Nuance Mobile. “The new Swype living, learning keyboard ushers in a new era of input, where the keyboard adapts to the users’ unique way of communicating every time they swype, speak, tap or write.”
Along with the release of the latest version of their Windows Phone OS, the WP8, Microsoft has also taken the opportunity to announce that their Windows Phone Marketplace now has more than 100,000 apps.
Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore stated that the Windows Phone Marketplace officially hit 100,000 apps and games, a milestone that they have reached faster than Android, and a testament to the thousands of talented developers around the world who have supported Microsoft since its launch. He also goes on to thank the developers and states that Microsoft appreciates their creativity, effort and value they bring to the Windows Phone users.
Microsoft is now announcing a new batch of marquee titles, with the official Audible app for audiobooks arrives in Marketplace today. Official apps from Chase and PayPal are in the works. Gameloft has Windows Phone versions of Asphalt 7: Heat and N.O.V.A. 3 Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance on the way.
Existing Windows Phone devices will not be updated to Windows Phone 8
After the launch of Windows Phone 8, Microsoft confirmed that not a single smartphone out right now, not even the Lumia 900, will be able to upgrade to Windows Phone 8. The hardware requirements for WP8 preclude its running on any current WP device. After all, how can single-core devices with WVGA screens take advantage of multi-core and additional resolution support? That part makes sense, but if you’re a recent customer, you might be frustrated.
To keep its existing user happy, Microsoft has launched the Windows Phone 7.8, few software benefits will be included in WP8, and a hearty helping of these killer features (such as the new Start screen) will be available to legacy devices in the form of Windows Phone 7.8. There’ll be support for three tile sizes, with the smallest being fingertip size (a quarter of the standard square). The update will be delivered directly to users, sidestepping carriers, and can be done over WiFi.
After Apple and Samsung transformed the Voice features on their flagship products, LG must’ve felt left behind. So enter ‘Quick Voice’ for its Android phones (time for more lawsuits). Just announced in Korea and rolling out soon for various members of the Optimus family like the Vu and Optimus 3D Max and L7, it brings natural voice recognition to commonly used functions like searching, setting up appointments or pulling up videos on YouTube.
HTC has done extremely well for themselves with their new line of Smartphones, the One Series. Last week several reports of WiFi issues on the HTC One X came to light, issues that led to difficulty connecting to Wi-Fi networks and annoying lag when playing games. The issues, which can also negatively affect the handset’s battery life, may have related to a flaw in manufacturing, have now actually been confirmed.
Taiwanese manufacturer, HTC, has officially confirmed the device is infact suffering said issues. But having finally come clean on the issue, the Taiwanese Smartphone Giant also claims it’s found a fix, and has changed its production process for the One X to tackle the problem.
[quote]
After investigating isolated reports of Wi-Fi connectivity issues in the HTC One X, we have identified a fix that strengthens the area of the phone around the Wi-Fi antennae connection points.
While many customers have not experienced any problems with signal strength, we have taken immediate steps to implement a solution in our production process to prevent this issue from happening in the future.
HTC is committed to making sure every customer has a great experience and we apologise for any inconvenience this issue may have caused while we conducted a thorough investigation.
[/quote]
HTC has not confirmed what its line of action will be for those who are affected by this issue, and whether or not the company will replace affected handsets with the new design ones.
Windows Phone 8 was revealed at the Windows Phone Summit today
Just days after announcing its first tablet computer, the Surface, Microsoft Corp. revealed Windows Phone 8, a dramatic update to its phone software, one that won’t be available to current Windows Phones.
If you’re currently holding a Windows Phone device, don’t worry you’d get the Windows Phone 7.8.
The hardware requirements for WP8 preclude its running on any current WP device – not even the Lumia 900! The software will bring Windows phones closer to PCs and tablets running the company’s upcoming Windows 8, which is also scheduled to launch later this year. To ensure current Windows Phone users stay happy: a few software benefits will be included in WP8, and a hearty helping of these killer features (such as the new Start screen) will be available to legacy devices in the form of Windows Phone 7.8. There’ll be support for three tile sizes, with the smallest being fingertip size (a quarter of the standard square). The update will be delivered directly to users, sidestepping carriers, and can be done over WiFi.
WP8 would share the same kernel as that of Windows 8 and Windows RT
Windows Phone 8 requires multi-core processors (up to 64), displays up to WXGA (1280 x 768) and external storage on SD. This better, faster hardware will enable new, faster games and other demanding apps which, for the first time, can be written in native code. (C/C++) All this will run on a kernel shared with Windows 8 and Windows RT. In other words Microsoft has managed to get one platform running on desktops, laptops, tablets and phones, the idea being that apps can be more easily ported from one to the next, promising “games we’ve never seen before” running on your phones, with popular titles like Gameloft’s Nova 3 and Zynga’s Draw Something also coming to Windows Phone.
There’s also a new wallet functionality thanks to the NFC support, but reliant on an augmented SIM, not hardware on the phone itself. Nokia maps is now built into the OS, including offline map support.
The OS will be available later this year along with Windows 8 and the new Surface tablets.
