How consumer-electronics makers are faringA look at how selected makers of phones and other consumer-electronic gadgets are faring:
A look at recent tech-industry earningsHere is a summary of recent earnings and reports for selected technology companies and what they reveal about the state of spending and the overall economy:
Jury deals blow to Oracle in case vs. GoogleSAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Google Inc's Android mobile platform has not infringed Oracle Corp's patents, a California jury decided, putting an indefinite hold on Oracle's quest for damages in a legal fight between the two Silicon Valley giants over smartphone technology. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday in a San Francisco federal court. The same jury could not unanimously agree on the copyright allegations earlier in the case, though the jury foreman told reporters on Wednesday that the final vote on a key copyright issue heavily favored Google. ...
Jury: Google didn't infringe on Oracle patentsA federal jury ruled Wednesday that Google didn't infringe on Oracle's patents when the Internet search leader developed its popular Android software for mobile devices.
Google did not infringe Oracle’s patents with AndroidIn the widely publicized patent infringement case between Google and Oracle, a San Francisco jury on Wednesday found that Google’s Android operating system does not infringe Oracle’s patents. Jurors have been dismissed and Judge William Aslup of the U.S. District court of Northern California exonerated the Internet giant of any wrong doing. The verdict marks the end of the trial’s second phase, which focused on patent infringement claims. Google earlier this month was found to have infringed Oracle’s copyrights, however, and the proceedings are set to resume on Tuesday morning. [Via The Verge] Read
Rejoice Bureaucrats! Federal Government Preparing to Break Up with BlackBerrysOfficial Washington is one of the last redoubts of the thumb-tapping BlackBerry user. The new Digital Government Strategy, released on Wednesday, contains hints that the BlackBerry is on the way out as federal government’s leading mobile device.
Google Triumphs Over Oracle in Patent SuitThe jury has handed Google a major win in its case with Oracle over whether the search giant violated patents by using some of Oracle's code for its Android apps, The Next Web reports.
KickStarter projects looks to transform Android tablets from boring to gorgeous [video]Google has focused a great deal of effort over the years on making its Android operating system more attractive. Android partners’ first attempts at tablets were lackluster to say the least, and while Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich have revamped the user interface, they still leave much to be desired for many users. Luckily, Android users have the option of completely customizing their devices with various home screen replacement apps, and a nearly endless number of custom ROMs. These alternatives cannot compete with Chameleon, however, an Android home screen replacement app like no other. Chameleon replaces the standard Android home screens and app launcher with a custom layout of widgets and apps that deliver users a wide range of information. The
How To Find A Lost Cell PhoneWe lose our keys, we lose our wallets, but more than anything these days, we lose our cell phones. So in this article we'll tell you the tracking apps to install while you still have your phone. And worst case, we'll tell you how to track a phone after it's lost even if you've done [...]
New Digital Government Plan Could Mean Bye-Bye BlackBerryOfficial Washington is one of the last redoubts of the thumb-tapping BlackBerry user. The new Digital Government Strategy, released on Wednesday, contains hints that the BlackBerry is on the way out as federal government’s leading mobile device.
Microsoft Office Coming to iOS and Android in November [REPORT]Microsoft is planning to release both iOS and Android variants of its Office suite of products this fall, a new report says. The date matches closely to when the company is expected to release Windows 8 and the new version of Office.
Developments in Google's bid for Motorola MobilityHere are some key developments in Google's Inc.'s planned acquisition of Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc.:
Microsoft set to release Office for iOS and Android tablets in NovemberBGR has learned from a reliable source that Microsoft is currently planning to release the company’s full Office suite for not only Apple’s iPad, but for Android tablets as well. The company is targeting November of this year for both launches. Additionally, our source has seen Microsoft Office running on an iPad first-hand and has said that it looks almost identical to the previous leak from The Daily a few months back, despite the fact that Microsoft flat out denied that the app was authentic. It is also plausible that Microsoft Office will be coming to the iPhone and iPod touch rather than only the iPad, as we’re told the loading screen in the app clearly said “Office for iOS” and
Top new tech products: $49 Android PC, high-end waterproof smartphone, Sony NEX-F3 cameraHigh-tech product releases announced the week ending May 23 include a compact Android PC priced at just $49, Sony’s NEX-F3 mirrorless camera, a DSLR camera built for adventurers, a waterproof smartphone with FeliCa, and a 4G mobile hotspot that’s built to travel.
Today’s e-Reads: What Went Wrong With Facebook’s IPO?The Wall Street Journal analyzes what went wrong with Facebook’s initial public offering.
10 things you need to know today: May 23, 2012Egypt has its first free election, Morgan Stanley is under investigation, and more in our roundup of the stories that are making news and driving opinion
PC maker Lenovo says profit up 59 percentLenovo Group, the world's second-largest personal computer maker, said Wednesday its quarterly profit rose 59 percent over a year earlier on record sales.
Verizon says global capabilities coming to select Android handsets this summerVerizon Wireless on Monday confirmed that the DROID RAZR, RAZR MAXX, HTC Rezound, and DROID 4 will receive global roaming capabilities later this summer, enabling the handsets to access voice and data services in more than 200 countries, Droid-Life reported. “Customers will see a notification on their device when the software update is available for their device,” a Verizon spokesperson said. “After the software update, customers will be able to take their smartphone overseas and use voice service in more than 220 countries and receive data in more than 205 countries.” While the carrier didn’t give a specific timeline, there is a possibility the update may be included with the smartphone’s upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich updates, which are also slated for
OmniVision’s 16-megapixel smartphone camera sensors support 4K resolutionOmniVision on Tuesday announced the OV16820 and OV16825 smartphone camera chips. The two sensors support up to 16-megapixels and can capture video at a 4k resolution, known as Quad Full High Definition (QFHD), at 60 frames per second. “It was an industry-wide assumption that smartphones would cut into DSC/DVC sales; but at higher resolutions, we’re seeing a very distinct divide between the two markets and both remain strong,” said Devang Patel, senior product marketing manager at OmniVision. “Industry experts have observed that mainstream DSC products are shifting to 16-megapixel resolutions and are offering improved image quality and optics. The OV16820 supports such offerings, allowing DSC/DVC manufacturers to provide consumers a high-resolution, feature-rich point and shoot photography experience, while the OV16825
Summary Box: Google takes control at MotorolaDONE DEAL: Google has completed its $12.5 billion acquisition of device maker Motorola Mobility nine months after the deal was announced. The companies had to wait until regulators were satisfied Google Inc. wouldn't be able use Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. to stifle competition in the smartphone market.
Amazon Appstore now allows Android users to Test Drive appsThe Amazon Appstore was updated on Monday to include the company’s popular Test Drive feature on Android devices. The retail giant previously allowed users to test apps using desktop browsers prior to purchasing them, but now trials can be tested on devices. “Today we begin the beta rollout of Test Drive on Android phones,” Amazon said. “Now customers can instantly try apps on their phone — where a majority of app purchases take place — without downloading or installing anything.” The Test Drive feature is currently available on more than 5,000 apps and is compatible with select Android handsets, however Amazon promises the feature will be rolled out to “many more” devices in the coming months. Read
Google completes Motorola deal, heralding new eraGoogle has completed its $12.5 billion purchase of device maker Motorola Mobility in a deal that poses new challenges for the Internet's most powerful company as it tries to shape the future of mobile computing.
Berkeley police chief assigns 10 officers to find son’s missing iPhoneHow many people have called their local police station about a stolen cell phone or laptop, only to be told by the authorities that they have more pressing issues at hand? Well, Berkeley Police Chief Michael Meehan has opened himself up to a new round of controversy after it was reported that he dispatched 10 [...]
A look at Motorola Mobility's new regimeGoogle promptly reshuffled Motorola Mobility's management Tuesday after completing its $12.5 billion acquisition of the device maker.
Google completes Motorola Mobility takeoverGoogle closed Tuesday its $12.5 billion deal for Motorola Mobility, a key manufacturer of smartphones and other devices that puts the Internet giant in head-to-head competition with Apple.
Google's notable acquisitions besides Motorolanearly four times larger than the previous high, the 2008 purchase of online advertising company DoubleClick for $3.2 billion.
Jimmy Fallon Grows Up; The Ketchup Wars May Be OverWe realize there's only so much time one can spend in a day watching new trailers, viral video clips, and shaky cell phone footage of people arguing on live television. This is why every day The Atlantic Wire highlights the videos that truly earn your five minutes (or less) of attention. Today: Jimmy Fallon discusses POTUS and The Boss, Ketchup may soon be more accesible, and the trouble with retrieving the Costa Concordia.
Motorola Under Google: 3 Possible FuturesNow that Google has officially and completely swallowed up Motorola Mobility, the question becomes: What now?
Google completes Motorola Mobility acquisitionGoogle Inc. on Tuesday completed its $12.5 billion acquisition of phone maker Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. and said it has appointed a Google executive as the new CEO of the business.
Google completes takeover of Motorola MobilityGoogle Tuesday finalized its $12.5 billion deal for Motorola Mobility, a key manufacturer of smartphones and other devices which puts the Internet giant in head-to-head competition with Apple.
Google Holds Its First Google+ Conference For PhotographersThere's a good chance that last year around this time you didn't know about Google+ -- which wasn't even in beta form yet -- and “Hanging out” was something you only did in person. But the search engine giant has made big strides with its social network in the past 12 months, so much so that it's hosting its first-ever Google+ conference in San Francisco this week for photographers.
Congressman’s Slippery Cell Phone ClaimA congressman’s Web video goes too far when it portrays a program that subsidizes cell phone service for very low-income persons as a government giveaway that is costing taxpayers billions. The video also misleadingly claims Arkansas Rep. Tim Griffin is “reforming” the program. His proposed legislation — the “Stop Taxpayer-Funded Cell … More >>
Google names new Motorola Mobility CEONEW YORK (Reuters) - Google Inc completed its $12.5 billion purchase of Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc and named a new chief executive for the cellphone maker, who vowed to focus on "fewer, bigger bets." Google, which made the deal to gain access to Motorola's vast trove of technology patents, said on Tuesday that Motorola Chief Executive Sanjay Jha has stepped down and has been succeeded by Dennis Woodside, former president of Google's Americas region. Woodside oversaw planning for the Motorola integration, according to Google. Jha will be retained to help manage a transition period. ...
Mobile Phones Cut Malaria Response Time From Weeks to MinutesUsing mobile phones to report malaria outbreaks in Africa has been stunningly effective -- reducing the government response time to an outbreak from four weeks to three minutes, according to a new study.
Google closes on Motorola Mobility acquisitionGoogle says it has completed its acquisition of phone maker Motorola Mobility and it has appointed a Google executive as the new CEO of the business.
Google closes Motorola acquisitionIn line with earlier reports, Google on Tuesday finalized its acquisition of Motorola Mobility. The $12.5 billion merger was approved by regulators in China on Monday after having been given the green light by the United States Department of Justice this past February. Chinese regulators did stipulate terms for its approval, however, namely that Google must continue to make Android open-source and freely available. Former Motorola Mobility CEO Sanjay Jha has stepped down and Google’s Dennis Woodside will replace him as chief executive. “I’m excited to announce today that our Motorola Mobility deal has closed,” Google CEO Larry Page wrote in a letter published on Google’s blog. “Motorola is a great American tech company that has driven the mobile revolution, with
Asian markets rise ahead of European summitAsian markets rose Tuesday following a strong performance on Wall Street and on hopes EU leaders will come to an agreement on dealing with the eurozone debt crisis at an upcoming summit.
Google Officially Acquires Motorola, Appoints New CEOMotorola Mobility is now officially part of Google. CEO Larry Page announced Tuesday the search giant had closed the deal to acquire the cellphone manufacturer, also revealing that Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha would be stepping down.
Apple by the Numbers [INFOGRAPHIC]Keeping up with Apple's growth is like sneezing with your eyes open -- it's nearly impossible. That's why every so often we like to bring you an update of the latest Apple news, numbers and trends.
Follow the French Open live on your smartphone and tabletWith a new update just in time for the start of the 2012 event, the official application of the French Open tennis tournament allows fans to follow all the matches and catch every serve of the tournament. The Roland-Garros 2012 app is available for free on iOS and Android devices.
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