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Motorola Atrix 2 Receives Maintenance and Security Update
Motorola has provided a system update for the Atrix 2, which is sold by AT&T. The software update, which must be downloaded via Wi-Fi, makes a number of adjustments to the Atrix 2. According to Motorola, the update improves the performance of the camera; adds the Google Music application; patches security holes; adds emergency alerts from government agencies; and improves the keyboard, device stability, and performance of the Webtop application. The update is free to download and install.
Apple Resumes Selling Older iPhones in Germany
Apple was able to convince a German court to suspend an injunction that went into effect earlier today that temporarily prevented it from selling the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPad 2 via its web site. Apple lost a patent ruling to Motorola in December that effects the aforementioned devices. The patents in question cover GPRS standards. Apple claims that Motorola is seeking licensing terms for the patents that don't comply with fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) rules. The iPhone 4S was excluded from the patent ruling because it uses a Qualcomm baseband rather than one from Infineon. Motorola had to post a $100 million bond for the ban to take effect., but Apple won a reversal. It isn't clear how long the reversal will last. Separately, German courts today issued another ruling against Apple and its iCloud service. Apple was found guilty of infringing on a Motorola patent concerning how email is synced between devices. The ruling gives Motorola leeway to inquire about past device sales as it prepares requests for damages. Apple is appealing the decisions.
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Ting Launches 'Mobile Service That Makes Sense' on Sprint
A company called Ting has this week launched its cellular phone service using Sprint's CDMA and WiMax networks. Ting, which is operated by Tucows, provides inexpensive, no-contract access to mobile services. Potential customers will need to buy a Ting-branded phone from Ting, which range from the Samsung Reclaim for $45 to the Motorola Photon for $545. Phone prices are subsidized only slightly. Voice minutes, messages, and data can be each be ordered separately so that customers get the services they want at the cost they need. Voice plans range from "XS" at $0 per month for zero minutes to "XXL" at $52 per month for 3,000 minutes. Text messaging plans range from $0 to $14 and data plans range from $0 to $60 per month, depending on amounts. Users must pay $6 per handset per month at a bare minimum to keep the service active. The service includes voicemail, picture and video messaging, three-way calling, caller ID, tethering, hotspot at no extra cost. Ting is available anywhere Sprint services is provided.
Verizon Prepping Maintenance Update for Droid RAZR
Verizon Wireless has shared the details about a forthcoming software update headed to the Motorola Droid RAZR. The update does not include Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, but does introduce a wide range of enhancements and bug fixes. Some of the applications affected include the mobile hotspot, visual voicemail, VZ Navigator, Bluetooth performance, battery life, and MotoCast. The update also installs new applications, including V CAST and the Commercial Mobile Alert Service. The update will be available shortly.
Google Wallet Appears in Android Market for AT&T Phones
Google Wallet has become visible to AT&T variants of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S. The application was previously only available to the Sprint version of the Nexus S (though unofficial workarounds for other handsets were possible). The appearance of the application means that Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S owners will be able to download, install, and use the NFC-based Google Wallet mobile payment system to make purchases at select retailers in select cities around the U.S. Google Wallet is still officially unavailable to the Verizon version of the Galaxy Nexus.
Google Intros 'Bouncer' Security System for Android Market
Google today announced that it is taking more active measures to keep malware out of the Android Market. It said it is using a new service that it calls Bouncer to sweep through the Market for potentially malicious software It scans new applications, applications already in Android Market, and developer accounts for known malware, spyware, trojans and for apps that may be misbehaving. Google says that Bouncer has been running for a while now, and has seen the incidences of malware and spyware drop significantly in the last few quarters. Google also notes that it has built Android with security in mind, and sandboxes applications -- meaning that can't always share data back and forth. It also reminds users to use the permissions listings for each application, which could identify malware. Last, it said Android is designed to prevent malware from modifying the platform or hiding, so it can be easily removed if necessary.
LightSquared Caught Up in Bribery Scandal
Senator Chuck Grassley has accused LightSquared of bribery, claiming that the company insinuated that it would build a call center in Iowa if he "pulled his punches" in the government's investigation of LightSquared's GPS interference issue. LightSquared vehemently denied the accusation, saying that Grassley has misstated the facts to create the appearance of impropriety. Grassley has been a vocal critic of LightSquared's planned Long Term Evolution 4G network. LightSquares is awaiting FCC approval to begin building its network.
MetroPCS Revives $40 Smartphone Plan
MetroPCS today announced that is once again offering a $40 plan to all 4G LTE smartphones within its portfolio. This plan had previously been available only for the Samsung Craft, which MetroPCS ceased to sell in December. The new $40 monthly plan includes unlimited talk, text, 4G web browsing, and 100MB of streaming media. Customers may also choose the $50 or $60 monthly plans, which add access to more streaming media.
from MetroPCS
Skype Dials Up Support for Symbian Belle
Skype today released a version of its VoIP application for Nokia's Symbian Belle platform. The application matches the look and feel of the Belle user interface and includes most of the main features, such as Skype-to-Skype calling, instant messaging, and so on. The application is free to download and use over Wi-Fi.
Samsung and Corning Mate OLED and Glass Businesses
Samsung Mobile Display and Corning today announced a new joint venture that will create OLED glass substrates and panels for mobile phones and other devices. Samsung will supply its OLED expertise to the joint venture and Corning will contribute its Lotus Glass technology. The venture will supply OLED backplane glass substrates for Samsung Mobile Display, as well as for the broader market in Korea. The joint venture is an expansion of an existing partnership between the two companies. Growth in the smartphone market has increased the demand for low-cost, durable screens.
Qualcomm Claims First VoLTE-to-WCDMA Call Hand-Off
Qualcomm today announced that it and partner Ericsson have successfully completed the first voice call handover from an LTE mobile network (using voice over LTE -- or VoLTE) to a WCDMA network. The call used Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC), which is required for VoLTE calls to seamlessly switch to a WCDMA network when a consumer on a VoLTE call leaves the LTE network's coverage area. SRVCC and its predecessor CSFB (circuit-switched fall back) allow both LTE and 3G network connections to be supported on a single chip, which lets handset makers design smaller, less expensive, more power-efficient phones. The test was completed using an Ericsson handset with Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 3G/LTE multimode processor.
HTC Issuing Update to Fix Wi-Fi Security Bug
HTC is in the process of sending out software updates to some of its smartphones to address a security issue concerning the Wi-Fi radio. The problem revolves around applications with the "access_wifi_state" permission, and the ability to sniff out Wi-Fi passwords for networks to which the phone is connected. The affected handsets include the Desire HD, myTouch 4G, Desire S, Sensation, EVO 3D, Droid Incredible, and Thunderbolt. The update had already been distributed to some of the phones over the air, though HTC is working to make a manual update available to the last few. HTC suggests owners of the aforementioned phones check its support page the week of February 6 for more instructions.
Senate Looks Askance at Verizon's Spectrum Dealings
A U.S. Senate spokesperson has confirmed that an antitrust panel is going to hold a hearing to discuss Verizon's planned spectrum purchases. Verizon Wireless currently has three spectrum deals on the table with Leap Wireless, Cox, and SpectrumCo that will significantly bolster its AWS and 700MHz holdings. "The subcommittee carefully examines questions about competition in the wireless and video markets, with the ultimate goal of protecting consumers and reducing their cable and cellphone bills, and these deals are no exception," said Senator Herb Kohl in a statement. The hearing will likely take place in March.
Google Docs for Android Now Supports Offline Viewing
Google today announced an update to Google Docs for the Android platform. The chief new feature is support for document viewing when the device is offline. Users need only select to make specific files available offline, and they will be downloaded and stored on the device. Files can then be updated any time the device is reconnected to the network. Google has also improved the Docs viewing experience on Android tablets. Docs as viewed on Android tablets will offer swiping page navigation and high-resolution images, graphics, and other elements. The update to Google Docs for Android is a free download from the Android Market.
U.S. Cellular Launching LTE Network in March
U.S. Cellular today announced that it will launch Long Term Evolution 4G in a handful of markets starting in March. The first markets to have access to U.S. Cellular's faster network include Milwaukee, Madison and Racine, Wis.; Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa; Portland and Bangor, Maine; and Greenville, N.C. According to U.S. Cellular, this represents 25% of its service footprint. It is advertising speeds that are 10 times faster than 3G. In addition to the timing of the launch, U.S. Cellular also announced its first two LTE-capable devices: the Samsung Galaxy S Aviator and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The Aviator is an Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread smartphone that includes a 4.3-inch WVGA SAMOLED+ touchscreen, an 8 megapixel rear-camera, front-facing webcam, and an HDMI port. The Tab will be available in March, but the Aviator won't be available until April. U.S. Cellular said more details will be available closer to launch.
AT&T Blesses Samsung Infuse 4G with Gingerbread
AT&T today made Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread available to the Samsung Infuse 4G. The update brings a wide range of new features to the Infuse 4G, including a new touch keyboard, notification shade controls, new widgets and fonts, and improved power management. According to AT&T, the update can only be installed via a Windows PC. It cannot be downloaded over the air, or through Apple computers.
Casio G'zOne Commando Update Adds Push-to-Talk
Verizon Wireless has made a system update available to the Casio G'zOne Commando that adds support for free push-to-talk services. The update also makes improvements to security, replaces the V CAST Video app with Verizon Video, adds new system alerts, and fixes a variety of bugs. The update can be downloaded over the air.
Samsung Says Galaxy S II Successor Planned for First Half
Samsung today issued a statement indicating that it plans to announce a successor to the Galaxy S II smartphone at some point later this year. "The successor to the Galaxy S II smartphone will be unveiled at a separate Samsung-hosted event in the first half of the year, closer to commercial availability of the product," said Samsung. The statement was issued in response to speculation that the device would be announced at the Mobile World Congress event, which is taking place in Barcelona later this month.
from Samsung / The Verge »
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Verizon Pushing Update to HTC Rezound
Verizon Wireless today said that it has begun pushing a maintenance update to the HTC Rezound. The update improves call quality and stability. The update is being delivered over the air during the next few days.
RIM Accepting Android Apps for Playbook OS 2.0
Research In Motion today indicated that developers who want their Android applications to be available for the BlackBerry Runtime for Android in PlayBook OS 2.0 when it launches next month need to submit them no later than Monday, February 6. The Android Player is a key addition to PlayBook OS, which will be able to run Android applications in an emulator environment. Android apps that can run within PlayBook OS 2.0 will also be compatible with BlackBerry 10 when it launches later this year.
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