Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Update - 14



Posted: 19 Feb 2012 04:01 PM PST
Given that Android and its respective manufacturers are having a tough time against Apple these days it would be nice to see a win for Google and the Android platform altogether. Well boy do I have good news for you folks as Oracle is seeing its patent suits against the search giant crumble down around them. Unofficially known as the suit to end all suits, it was the one that could have effectively killed Android as a platform with its required royalties. This would probably force Google to charge manufacturers to use the platform. While the patent dispute was postponed that didn’t mean that the wheels weren’t turning behind the scenes.
For those that don’t know, Oracle bought Sun and valued the transaction at “approximately $7.4 billion, of $5.6 billion net of Sun’s cash and debt.” Broken down this includes, the hardware, MQL, Solaris and other aspects that encompass more than just Java. But the Sun Microsystems acquiring company valued six, dropped to five, out of 500 Java patents at $6 billion dollars. This figure obviously being over hyped. 
Google is arguing that the valuation is quite inflated. This is apparent as the values have been calculated three times. They say:
“Dr. Cockburn’s third report begins, as his second report did, with the negotiations Google and Sun conducted in early 2006 for a technology partnership to develop a mobile smartphone platform. As before, Dr. Cockburn uses as his monetary starting point Sun’s initial February 2006 demand, which he calculates at $98.7 million, rather than Sun’s final demand in April 2006 of $28 million.”
Because of this Oracle has expressed their wishes to withdrawal claim 14 regarding the ’476 patent or the last patent claim in the case. In December, 17 out of the 21 claims regarding this patent were rejected by the USPTO. Google is asking for permission to file a motion for summary judgment of invalidity for claim 14. By withdrawing their claim they hope to make Google’s request moot. They wrote:
“As part of its continuing effort to streamline the case for trial and make best use of the Court's and parties' resources, Oracle has today by separate letter to Google withdrawn the assertion of Claim 14 of the '476 patent, the only claim that is the subject of Google's précis letter (and the only remaining asserted claim of the '476 patent). Accordingly, Oracle requests that the Court deny Google's request for leave as moot.”
Oracle has until February 20th to appeal the ruling but as of right now there isn’t word suggesting that they will. Given that February 20th is tomorrow chances are they probably won’t. If you would like to read a more detailed account of the most current updates of this suit you can hit the source below.  This is certainly big news for Google and its Android OS and we’re finally seeing the end of the back and forth saga that started all the way back in August of 2010. Here’s hoping Google’s good fortune snowballs into its manufacturers lawsuits against Apple.
source: Groklaw
via: Phandroid 
Posted: 19 Feb 2012 03:02 PM PST
The same developer who brought us the “Motofail” root method that roots most Motorola devices, has turned his attention to Verizon’s LG Spectrum. LG devices have not been difficult to root in the past, and root-magician Dan Rosenberg’s comments confirm that fact, stating simply, “Yawn. LG loses, users win.”
Check out our LG Spectrum hands-on video, then hit up the source link below to grab the files necessary.
source: vulnfactory
via: droid-life
Posted: 19 Feb 2012 01:51 PM PST

Huawei’s press invite for Mobile World Congress already told us the Ascend D1 Q would be their fastest smartphone yet. Now, they have gone ahead and released some teaser pictures of the device. This marks a departure from Huawei’s current reputation of putting out budget devices. The pictures do seem to show a more elegant profile, dare I say reminiscent of HTC designs. See for yourself:

It’s one thing to look like a big boy, but just how will Huawei perform next to the likes of Samsung, HTC, and Motorola? We’ll find out soon at MWC 2012 in Barcelona.
source: techorz
via: unwiredview
Posted: 19 Feb 2012 11:46 AM PST
We’ve already heard about Qualcomm’s latest processor, the Snapdragon S4, which will be quad-core and utilize LTE. Qualcomm took the time to give us some details ahead of Mobile World Congress. The new SoC now supports up to three cameras (two in the back for 3D and one front-facing), 20-megapixels, and recording video at 1080p (30fps). We can also expect zero shutter lag, 3A processing (autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance), and improved blink/smile detection, gaze estimation, range finding and image stabilization. Last but not least, it supports gesture detection/control, augmented reality, and computer vision (via Qualcomm’s FastCV).
Hit the break for a couple of videos featuring image stabilization and gestures.

Click here to view the embedded video.
Click here to view the embedded video.
source: engadget
Posted: 19 Feb 2012 11:20 AM PST
The LG Optimus Vu was rumored to be officially announced at Mobile World Congress 2012, but it appears that the anticipation was too much for LG to wait until February 27 to tell you about their 5-inch beast. The LTE tabletphone, or phablet, has a 4:3 aspect ratio display which will make viewing pictures, reading a book or web browsing easier in portrait mode.
Some of the main specs are:
  • 1.5GHz dual-core processor
  • 32GB internal memory
  • 2,080 mAh battery
  • 8 MP rear camera
  • 5 inch IPS LCD display, 1024 x 768 resolution, 4:3 aspect ratio
  • 8.5mm thick
The Optimus Vu will also feature a built-in QuickClip button for one touch screen shots, and a specialized stylus. It will initially have Android 2.3 Gingerbread, but LG promises Ice Cream Sandwich within three months.
LG says the Optimus Vu will be available in Korea in March, but did not specify any release dates in the rest of the world. They will have additional information on the device at MWC 2012.
How does the Optimus Vu “measure up” to the Galaxy Note (which is going on sale for AT&T today), in your opinion? Let us know in the comments! Also, check out the full press release and more pictures after the break.
optimus-vu lg optimus vu lg optimus vu1
LG UNVEILS UNIQUE 4:3 RATIO, 5-INCH OPTIMUS VU: AT MWC 2012
With Productivity in Mind, LG Demonstrates its LTE and Display
Leadership with Device that Does, Well, Everything
SEOUL, Feb. 19, 2012 – LG today unveiled one of the most anticipated LTE devices, the Optimus Vu:. Equipped with LG’s advanced LTE and IPS display technology, the Optimus Vu: offers a unique combination of tablet-like viewing with smartphone portability. Running on a powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 32GM internal memory and a large 2,080 mAh battery, the Optimus Vu: is a multimedia lover’s dream device.
“The Optimus Vu: was designed to maximize what customers could do with a smart-phone,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. “By offering an optimal 4:3 ratio viewing experience, 5-inch display combined with superfast LTE technology, Optimus Vu: is just one example of what we can achieve when we combine our best technology with customer needs.”
The large 5-inch display with bright 4:3 aspect ratio makes viewing documents, books, internet and multimedia contents easier and more comfortable. The 4:3 aspect ratio is optimized for viewing to grasp more at a glance and note taking to increase productivity in everyday life. Moreover, IPS display realizes every color in its natural state for the best viewing experience even under bright sunlight.
Backed by unparalleled speed and performance from LG’s advanced LTE technology, the Optimus Vu: boasts unmatched productivity. Its unique built-in QuickClip™ hotkey allows users to conveniently capture screenshots and memos with a single push. Jotting notes is also possible with a finger or with the dedicated Rubberdium™ pen. Among many productive apps installed in the Optimus Vu:, the included Polaris Office allows users to open any document, spreadsheet or presentation while on the go.
At only 8.5mm, the Optimus Vu: is the slimmest among all LTE phones currently on the market and is perfectly suited for a hand and fits comfortably in a jacket pocket. Despite the large 2,080mAh battery, the Optimus Vu: adopts LG’s exclusive floating mass technology to appear slimmer than its actual dimensions.
In addition to HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), Optimus Vu: comes with 32GB memory and an 8-megapixel camera. While it will initially launch running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is already in the works.
The Optimus Vu: will be introduced in Korea in March. Additional information on the unique Optimus Vu: can be found at the LG Stand ( Hall 8 ) at MWC 2012 from February 27 to March 1.
Key Specifications:
- Chipset: 1.5GHz Dual-Core Processor
- Display: 5-inch (1024×768) IPS Display
- Memory: 32GB eMMC and 1GB DDR2
- Camera: 8MP with AF LED Flash (rear) and 1.3MP (front)
- OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
- Battery: 2,080mAh
- Dimension (L x W x D): 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5mm
Posted: 19 Feb 2012 10:01 AM PST
The time is now and the place is the U.S.. You stateside folks can finally get your hands on the ATT Samsung Galaxy Note! Available at many online retailers and even some brick-and-mortar stores, the AT&T Galaxy Note was officially released today.
Announced back in September, the Note’s Euro version was released a few months ago and according to Samsung, has already shipped over 1 million units. Originally speculated by many to be too large of a smartphone to be widely adopted, the Note has already seen overwhelming success. In fact, even though the device wasn’t considered “new” anymore at this years CES, the Note all but stole the show. Once the 5.3-inch phablet actually made its way in to peoples hands, it seemed the general response instantly turned from negative to positive. The one word I have heard used to describe the device more than any other (besides “huge”), is “beautiful.”
The U.S. version of the Galaxy Note differs slightly from its Euro counterpart. Samsung opted to use the four button layout instead of just one centered home button. This isn’t a surprise as we have seen the same thing done with the U.S. Galaxy S and Galaxy S II. The AT&T Note is also equipped with 4G LTE and HSPA+ radios. You still get the same 5.3-inch Super AMOLED display with a 800 x 1280 resolution, a 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front snapper. Oh, and the S Pen… I can’t forget about the S Pen! While currently there aren’t many apps that take full advantage of the advanced stylus, you can bet there are developers creating cool apps as we speak. It’s only a matter of time before we see more apps get released.
We are currently fondling the device with joy and will give you guys a full on review very soon. In the meantime, if you haven’t already, you should check out our initial unboxing and hands on review. If you are the type that jumps in head first, you can find the AT&T Galaxy Note in many AT&T and Best Buy stores and online. Hit up one of the links below to place an order now. I really think you’ll dig it.
source: AT&T / Best Buy
Posted: 18 Feb 2012 07:54 PM PST
A couple of days ago, our own Stacy Bruce reported that the DROID XYBOARD had been rooted. Now, apparently, the developer of this root method, which he calls “Motofail”, is stating that this same exploit works on all current Motorola devices running Gingerbread or Honeycomb.
The Droid 4 root (“Motofail”) should work on all Gingerbread Motorola devices that I know of. The just-released XYBoard root (“XYZ”) should root all Gingerbread and Honeycomb Motorola devices. Both Motofail and XYZ rely on the same vulnerability, but the XYBoard had an additional hurdle in place that required me to exploit a second bug in order to trigger the first one.
-Dan Rosenberg
This is great news for the modding community. With this root method, dozens of devices can now be rooted, including the Droid 4, Droid RAZR, Droid Maxx, Droid Bionic, Atrix, Atrix 2, Xoom, and many more. Interestingly, reports are coming in that the this exploit is NOT working on the Xoom Family Edition.
This comes on the heels of Motorola’s Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade schedule for many of their devices. Some updates are coming in Q2 or Q3, and some are not coming at all. Perfect timing for those on the “not coming at all” list.
source: androidcommunity
Posted: 18 Feb 2012 07:24 PM PST
Don’t you hate it when you drop $300 million to buy S3 Graphics to get a hold of its patents only to find they won’t help you against the sue-happy Apple? Well if you’re HTC then yes, you hate it when this happens. While at heart it was a good idea, considering that Motorola and Samsung are also having problems with their respective handsets being fodder for patent litigation, the plan was for not. The ITC felt that Apple didn’t infringe on any of these patents in the first place back in November.
HTC made an attempt at a repealing the ruling however the ITC is standing firm in their decision. Although HTC could make an attempt at repealing this second ruling they probably won’t considering the amount of resources they could potentially waste given their first two defeats. However as all of Apple’s federal lawsuits have been stayed against the Taiwanese company by the US District Court for the District of Delaware, we may not see any rulings on Apple’s US claims against HTC in 2012.
It appears that HTC is going to have to go back to the drawing boards in their battles against the sue-happy, iDevice making Apple. Given that Motorola recently suffered a defeat against Apple as well and Samsung is battling a new suit by Apple regarding its new Nexus, having FOSS patents in your bookmarks may be a good idea if you’re curious as to how these legal battles are shaping up. Even though HTC promised that these suits wouldn’t affect profits, they will surely take their toll on the company. It will be interesting to see just how HTC will come back from this legal loss.
source: FOSS Patents
via:  Phandroid


Posted by at 11:15 PM

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