Archive for 2010

More on the HTC patent infringement case against Apple

The International Trade Commission said in a brief notice that it would take up the investigation, which has to do with "certain portable devices and related software."

HTC had said in its complaint filed with the ITC in May that Apple infringed five of its patents related to cellphone directory hardware and software and power-management technology in portable devices.

HTC has asked for a ban on import of Apple’s products, most of which are made in countries such as China.

HTC’s suit was expected after Apple filed patent infringement suits against the company in March both at the ITC and in the U.S. District Court in Delaware.

While Apple’s lawsuit against HTC did not name Google as a defendant, it was seen as a strategic move against Google, whose mobile software powers handsets from Samsung Electronics, Motorola Inc and others.

The ITC, a U.S. trade panel that investigates patent infringement involving imported goods, has become an increasingly popular venue for patent lawsuits because it can bar the importation of products that infringe patents.

Legal wrangling is commonplace in the smartphone market, an industry where many vendors work under cross-licensing agreements.

[Source]

A look at a couple of iPad cases

I have received a couple of nice iPad cases from Gear Zap and wanted to do a short post about them, the first one is a silicon case:-

This silicone case for the iPad is an excellent value solution for protecting your Apple iPad from scratches and light bumps. The silicone case is specifically moulded to fit the iPad perfectly, while there are cut-outs for buttons and connection points, allowing you to leave the iPad protected at all times.

It really is a nice slim fitting case although it does lack any protection for the screen.

The second case is a Pixel Plus Sleeve which is my favourite as it offers great protection all around the ipad and is ideal for transporting it around.

Clove World Cup Competition

Clove have put together this competition for the World Cup. All you have to do is answer a simple question and the winning entry gets a free 8GB iPod Nano (4th Generation). Closing date for entry is Wednesday 16th June.

Enter the competition here

O2 introduces new mobile data pricing model

O2 today announced plans for data pricing for new and upgrading mobile customers which gives customers a more transparent pricing model tied to usage.
CEO Ronan Dunne said: “We know that customers are looking for clarity in pricing as too many offers have clauses and catches which are not easy to understand. With the wide range of Internet based services now available on mobile devices we’re providing customers with generous clear data bundles that give customers freedom. This enables us to provide a better overall experience for the vast majority of customers and to better manage demand.”
Based on current usage patterns, 97% of O2 smartphone customers would not need to buy additional data allowances, as the lowest bundle (500MB) provides at least 2.5 times the average O2 customer’s current use.
From 24 June, O2 will introduce three inclusive data bundles for new and upgrading smartphone customers.