| Google Books lawsuit comes to an end with a favorable verdict for Google Nov 14th 2013, 17:48, by Nate Swanner After an eight year battle, Google has finally won a lawsuit surrounding Google Books. The lawsuit centered around copyright protection the Authors Guid felt Google violated. By scanning books, and making text and cover images searchable, the Authors Guild contended Google violated their copyright protection, and scanned the material without permission. Google's contention was that the act was transformative enough to warrant no such legal action. 
According to Judge Denny Chin, Google was right. "The use of book text to facilitate search through the display of snippets is transformative" he said, and went on to cite Perfect 10 v. amazon.com, which he believes shows precedent for this case. In that instance, Amazon was sued for using thumb nailed images of books as searchable content.
After the verdict, Authors Guild issued a prepared statement, saying (in part) "This case presents a fundamental challenge to copyright that merits review by a higher court. In our view, such mass digitization and exploitation far exceeds the bounds of the fair use defense." This, as you may have guessed, is a precursor for appeal. While Authors Guild is set to see this all the way through, it could have little effect moving forward. A precedent was set with the Amazon case, and essentially upheld by this ruling. While it's clear to see the merits of the argument, the case seems to have little basis moving forward. Google may be using the data they get from scanning the books for search purposes, but they can't sell advertising or charge money for the books. |  | Nexus G still not happening Nov 14th 2013, 17:07, by Robert Nelson The Nexus 5 launched on Halloween, as had been rumored. But while this latest Nexus smartphone has an appropriate name, both in regards to this being the fifth-generation and also because it follows the Nexus 4 — LG apparently had something else in mind. Details coming from the Korean language Chosun bring talk of the Nexus G. 
This isn’t the first time we have heard talk of the Nexus G. In fact, there was some chatter about how LG was pushing for this name in the lead up to the Nexus 4. Basically, it seems they didn’t get their way last year, so they tried again this year. Google, obviously, nixed the idea and as we see, went with the Nexus 5. Regardless of what you think about the Nexus 5 versus the Nexus G, that could have been a decent score for LG. That could easily have been a continuation of the current G branding they are doing. Not to mention, the Nexus 5 does have roots in the LG G2 so it would sort of make sense in that regard. A Nexus G could also have kept LG more in the minds of Nexus users. It is no secret that LG made the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5, however these handsets appear more often thought of as the Google phone, not an LG phone. At present the LG logo sits on the back (towards the bottom) of the handset. While this doesn’t really change anything given Google and LG already launched the handset as the Nexus 5, looking back into Nexus smartphone history and we wonder if LG feels a bit burned. The original Nexus One was made by HTC, however Samsung entered for the second and third-generation models and did have some influence in the names. If you remember, they had the Nexus S and then the Galaxy Nexus. VIA: SlashGear | | Moto X arrives with Republic Wireless Nov 14th 2013, 16:25, by Robert Nelson As we had been expecting, Republic Wireless has officially launched the Moto X. The handset is priced at $299 and available in black or white. Keeping in mind that is a contract-free price, Republic Wireless also has plans that range from $5 to $40 per month depending on your needs. 
The Moto X that is available from Republic Wireless will still have the same key features such as Touchless Controls, Active Display and the quick camera launch gesture, but there is one extra that is also included. In the case of the Republic Wireless Moto X, users will also have Hybrid Calling. This is a Republic Wireless specific feature, and is what allows the carrier to offer such low priced plans. Hybrid Calling means the phone will use WiFi as a default. Basically, assuming you are connected to WiFi — all of your calls and messages are routed that way. Of course, your data will also go out just fine over WiFi. This is where the monthly plans come in. Take the $5 per month option, that includes unlimited talk, text and data over WiFi with no cellular coverage. Bumping up to the $10 plan and you get the same WiFi coverage with the addition of unlimited talk and text over cellular. The 3G and 4G data comes in with the $25 and $40 per month plans.The cellular data options are both billed as unlimited, however a quick look at the fine print points towards a slowdown for those topping the 5GB mark. Otherwise, aside from the Hybrid Calling and potential for lower monthly prices, the Moto X still sports the same 4.7-inch 720p display and Motorola X8 Mobile Computing System with 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 50GB of Google Drive storage (free for two-years), 2200 mAh battery and 10 megapixel Clear Pixel (RGBC) camera on the back. The handset is also launching with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. VIA: Republic Wireless | | T-Mobile Nexus 5 arrives for online purchases Nov 14th 2013, 16:00, by Robert Nelson T-Mobile had already confirmed the availability and pricing details for the Nexus 5. At the time they had said online sales would begin on November 14th and retail availability would begin a bit later, on November 20th. Basically, those who had been waiting can now move forward with an online purchase. 
The Nexus 5 is available with a downpayment of $41.99. Along with that comes an additional 24 monthly payments of $17. Otherwise, there is also the option to go full retail, which in the case of T-Mobile means $449.99. Simply put, while we suspect the monthly payment route will be appealing for some, those looking to pay the full cost up front may want to save some money and shop by way of the Google Play Store. Regardless of where you make the purchase, the phone will be the same and work just fine with the T-Mobile network. The only difference you will see from buying direct from the Play Store, is that you will need to hit up T-Mobile for a compatible SIM card to get service up and running. The handset still sports the 4.95-inch 1080p display and Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage space. Remaining specs for the Nexus 5 include Android 4.4 Kit Kat along with a 2300 mAh battery, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera and 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with OIS (optical image stabilization). Lastly, those curious about the Nexus 5 may want to check out some of our earlier coverage which included both an initial hands-on and first impressions post as well as a full review. | |
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