HTC Adds More U.S. Phones to Android 4.0 List

Today, 1:22 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

HTC today announced via its Facebook page a new round of Android smartphones that will be updated to Ice Cream Sandwich. Those devices include the Rhyme, Thunderbolt, and Droid Incredible 2, which are (or were) sold by Verizon Wireless. HTC did not say when the updates would be delivered.

Samsung Intros Water- and Shockproof MicroSD Cards

Today, 9:33 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Samsung today announced a range of new SD and microSD cards that are waterproof, shockproof, and magnet proof. All the cards in the range can withstand up to 24 hours in water, the pressure of 1.6 tons, and the powerful magnets used in medical equipment. There are two sets of cards available, the High Speed Series and the Plus Extreme Speed Series. They range in capacity from 2GB to 32GB and from Class 4 to Class 10 with respect to read/write speeds. Prices vary from $9.99 to $89.99. Samsung designed the cards for today's mobile devices and they will be able to protect user data in the event of harsh treatment of the host device.

Broadcom Completes NetLogic Acquisition

Today, 9:22 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Broadcom today announced that it has closed its acquisition of NetLogic Microsystems. Broadcom says the acquisition will give it vital technologies that it lacks, including knowledge-based processors, multi-core embedded processors, and digital front-end processors. With these technologies added to its own, Broadcom believes it will be better able to offer its customers more fully integrated products and services. The $3.7 billion acquisition plan was first announced last September.

Clearwire Again Warns of Cash Shortfall

Today, 9:16 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

As part of its quarterly filings, Cleawire indicated that while it has enough cash to last through the end of 2012, it will likely need to seek more sources of funding to continue operations beyond December. "We do not expect our operations to generate cumulative positive cash flows during the next 12 months," said Clearwire. "We may need to raise substantial additional capital to fund our business." Clearwire recently received $1 billion in funding, but also had to make a $300 million debt payment. Clearwire expects to spend $600 million over the course of the next two years building its Long Term Evolution 4G network. Sprint owns 54% of Clearwire and is building its own LTE network in conjunction with Clearwire.

Google Refutes Safari Tracking Accusations Made by WSJ

Today, 9:01 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Researchers recently discovered that some online-based advertising companies -- including Google -- were using a software workaround to avoid the privacy settings of Apple's Safari browser for the iPhone and its Mac computers. The Wall Street Journal reports that the workarounds allow the sites to install cookies on user devices even if the users have set their device to reject such cookies. The cookies can then used to track user browsing habits. Google deactivated this code after it was contacted by the Journal and said, "The Journal mischaracterizes what happened and why. We used known Safari functionality to provide features that signed-in Google users had enabled. It's important to stress that these advertising cookies do not collect personal information." Smartphone user privacy fallen under the spotlight in recent weeks, as a number of applications have been found to collect user data without permission.

Microsoft Offering Lumia 800 in $899 Bundle

Yesterday, 6:37 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

Microsoft and Nokia today announced that the Lumia 800 Windows Phone is available for sale at select Microsoft retail stores to those wishing to purchase it. The Lumia 800 is being sold as part of a promotion bundle, which includes the Nokia Purity HD Stereo Headset by Monster, the Nokia Luna Bluetooth Headset and the Nokia Play 360 speaker. THe Lumia 800 included in the bundle has ben optimized for AT&T's 3G network in the U.S., and is being offered unlocked. The retail price of the bundle is $899.

FCC Clears Small AT&T Spectrum Purchases

Yesterday, 4:46 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

The Federal Communications Commission today approved AT&T's request to acquire 700MHz spectrum licenses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The New Jersey spectrum is owned by BTA Ventures, and is a sliver of lower 700MHz B Block covering portions of the New Jersey shoreline. The FCC also said that AT&T can acquire several 700MHz licenses covering six markets in Pennsylvania from D&E Investments, which is owned by Windstream Corporation. The FCC denied the Rural Cellular Association and Rural Telecommunications Groups' requests to deny the acquisitions, stating that it believes the reassignment of the spectrum licenses won't cause any competitive harms to the public. AT&T said the acquisitions will allow it to increase its system capacity, enhance existing services, better accommodate its overall growth, and make room for future products and services.

U.S. Cellular Boosts Planned LTE Markets

Yesterday, 3:14 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

U.S. Cellular today announced another round of cities that will gain access to LTE 4G coverage later this year. Some of the new markets include Rockford and Peoria, Ill.; Columbia and Jefferson City, Mo.; Manchester, N.H.; Wilmington and Jacksonville, N.C.; Tulsa, Okla.; Medford, Ore.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Roanoke and Lynchburg, Va.; Yakima and the Tri-Cities, Wash.; Morgantown, W. Va. and LaCrosse and Beloit, Wis. U.S. Cellular said that by the end of its year 54% of its service footprint will have access to LTE. In addition to the Samsung Aviator and Galaxy Tab, U.S. Cellular today announced that it will also offer the Samsung Mobile Hotspot with LTE.

Swype Delivers Beta for Android 4.0

Yesterday, 3:05 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

Swype today made good on its promise to provide a version of its software keyboard that works with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Aside from compatibility with Android 4.0, the new Swype beta also offers add-ons with DragonGo, downloadable languages for tablets, and accuracy improvements. The beta is free.

FTC Wants Clarity on Child App Data

Yesterday, 3:00 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

The Federal Trade Commission today asked companies that develop mobile applications for children to come clean on their data collecting and storing practices. "Parents generally cannot determine, before downloading an app, whether the app poses risks related to the collection, use and sharing of their children’s personal information," said the FTC in a report released today. To that end, the FTC said it is prepared to launch a six-month investigation of apps developed for children to determine whether or not they violate the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. The FTC wants app developers to come forward and identify what data they are collecting, if/how it is being transmitted, whether or not it is being stored, and whether or not it is being used by or sent to third parties. The FTC is targeting applications that are available in the Android Market and iPhone App Store.

Congress Alters Legalese, Won't Hinder FCC Auctions

Yesterday, 2:51 PM   by Eric M. Zeman

Congress today reached a compromise concerning some key language in a draft bill that would have hobbled the Federal Communications Commission's ability to run spectrum auctions. At stake was the future of unlicensed spectrum, including white spaces, which the FCC wants to auction off for mobile broadband purposes. As originally drafted, the bill would have removed the right to run auctions from the FCC's grasp. The changed language in the bill will right that wrong. "Sprint agrees with the Federal Communications Commission that all wireless carriers – small, regional and large – should have a meaningful chance to participate in wireless spectrum auctions," said Vonya B. McCann, senior vice president for Government Affairs, Sprint. "While we didn't see the need to amend the statute, the compromise language approved by the conferees preserves the FCC's ability to promote competition as it conducts future wireless spectrum auctions."

Intellectual Ventures Hits AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile with Suits

Yesterday, 10:58 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Intellectual Ventures, a patent-holding firm based in Bellevue, Wash., has filed lawsuits against AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile USA. In the lawsuit, Intellectual Ventures alleges that the three wireless network operators are infringing on 12 patents. "The wireless communications networks of AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile use a variety of important technologies covered by Intellectual Ventures' patents. We previously attempted to discuss licensing options with each of these companies, but none were responsive, said Intellectual Ventures' litigation counsel Melissa Finocchio in a statement. It is seeking unspecified damages.

Government Wants to Restrict In-Vehicle Communications

Yesterday, 10:50 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today proposed new rules for automakers that would have them restrict access to certain communications functions of newer automobiles while in motion. Specifically, LaHood wants car makers to prevent drivers from using built-in features for sending text messages, making calls, surfing the internet, or accessing social media while behind the wheel. "Distracted driving is a dangerous and deadly habit on America's roadways -- that's why I've made it a priority to encourage people to stay focused behind the wheel," LaHood said in a statement. In December, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended that a number hands-free devices be banned from use by drivers. The new rules are open for comment for the next 60 days, and the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will hold hearings in March over the proposals.

Apple's New 'Messages' Beta Mixes iMessage with iChat

Yesterday, 9:00 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Apple today announced the availability of a new messaging platform simply called Messages. The beta application is a new version of its desktop-based iChat client, but it adds the ability to send text, picture, and video messages, as well as locations data and contact data to iMessage users on iOS devices and vice versa. Messages can also be used on the desktop to initiate FaceTime sessions with iOS device users. Users of Messages can also transition conversations from the desktop to their iOS device. The beta is free for users of Apple's OS X Lion.

LightSquared Eying Spectrum Swap to Save Itself

Yesterday, 8:47 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Now that the government has decided against allowing LightSquared to use its L-Band spectrum to operate an LTE 4G network, the company is scrambling to come up with alternatives. One such alternative would be to swap its spectrum with some used by the U.S. Department of Defense to test aircraft, reports the Wall Street Journal. Citing a source familiar with LightSquared's plans, the Journal notes that this alternative plan may not come to pass. The NTIA earlier this week recommended that the FCC prevent LightSquared from operating its planned network, and the FCC agreed with the NTIA's position. LightSquared has already invested more than $4 billion to make its network a reality.

Nvidia CEO Says Tegra 3 Super Phones Launching in Q1

Yesterday, 8:42 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang revealed during an earnings call that its smartphone maker customers will announce devices with Nvidia's Tegra 3 processor on board at Mobile World Congress and launch those devices before the end of the quarter. The company also noted that it expects to ship a 3G/LTE 4G system-on-a-chip later this year that combines a dual modem with an application processor. Mobile World Congress is being held later this month in Barcelona.

Clearwire Targeting June 2013 for TD-LTE Launch

Yesterday, 8:28 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Clearwire has indicated that it will launch its TD-LTE 4G network by June of 2013. Clearwire CEO Erik Prusch said the company expects to have about 5,000 TD-LTE base stations up and running by that time. Clearwire is working with Sprint to determine the best locations to overlay its TD-LTE network with its existing WiMax network. The locations chosen will be based in part on where the consumer demand for mobile broadband services is highest, not necessarily where it will cover the most POPs. Soon after the initial 5,000 site launch, Clearwire expects to expand coverage to 8,000 sites. The TD-LTE network build-out will begin by the end of the first quarter of this year.

Sony Completes Buyout of Ericsson, Launches Sony Mobile

Yesterday, 8:22 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Sony announced that it has finalized the acquisition of Ericsson's shares of the two companies' joint venture, Sony Ericsson. Sony Ericsson is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corp. and has been renamed to Sony Mobile Communications. Sony said that it will work to integrate Sony Mobile and its handsets across Sony's line of consumer electronics.

Apple Looking to Sue Bankrupt Kodak

Yesterday, 8:18 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

Apple is seeking permission to from bankruptcy courts to pursue a lawsuit against Eastman Kodak. Apple would like to file a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission and request that it block Kodak from importing certain products, such as digital cameras, that it believes infringe on its patents. Apple also wants to file a lawsuit in a Manhattan court. The two companies have tangled in court over patents in the past. The court overseeing Kodak's bankruptcy has not made a decision in the matter.

AT&T Continues Quest for More Spectrum

Yesterday, 8:14 AM   by Eric M. Zeman

AT&T has not let the government's denial of its proposed T-Mobile USA acquisition stop its hunt for additional spectrum resources. AT&T is having discussions with Dish Network, Leap Wireless, and MetroPCS about potential deals, reports the Wall Street Journal. Citing sources familiar with AT&T's plans, the Journal says despite the active discussions, no firm deals are in place and it would be months before any such deals might be announced or come to pass. AT&T is said to be leaning towards acquiring Leap Wireless, though, because the two companies have had favorable relations in the past. None of the companies involved commented on the Journal's story.

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