LG Optimus 3D now available SIM-free for 500 at Carphone Warehouse

It's been mere weeks since we got the full specs on LG's Optimus 3D (also known as the Thrill 4G for AT&T), and here it is, as promised, popping up across the pond. Yup, everyone's favorite misnomered online retailer, Carphone Warehouse, has the glassesless Froyo phone going for a cool £500, SIM-free. You can also get 3D on your dual-core LG for £35 per month from O2, Orange, T-Mobile, or Vodafone. For those of you US patriots looking to get your hands on the thing in time for the Fourth of July, however, you'll have to find another way to capture the weenie roast in all three dimensions -- there's still no word on when the Optimus 3D will land stateside.

Leaked HP presentation hints at faster 64GB TouchPad in August, Pre 3 in fall?

Go grab the Morton -- you're gonna need a grain or two. According to a "confidential HP product brief" sent anonymously to PreCentral, HP is on track to launch a new 64GB TouchPad next month, complete with a white glossy cabinet and a "processor bump," along with support for AT&T's HSPA+ network. The company just started shipping its 16GB and 32GB TouchPads, but even August wouldn't be too soon for a speed boost, considering the tablet's disappointing performance during our review. The presentation also lists the Pre 3 for a "fall" launch, along with that mysterious Opal tablet. Despite the so-called leaked confidential presentation, this rumor should be approached like any other -- but on the other hand, with the Pre 3 making recent appearances at the FCC in both AT&T and Verizon flavors, HP's latest webOS smartphone could easily be on-track to hit stores by autumn.

LG Optimus Black on Its Way to the US

When the LG Optimus Black was announced back in May, there was no information on what carrier will launch the phone to open market. Canada has been lucky enough to hear that Telus will have it released, the first in North America. However, US were left to none, still having no idea on what carrier would carry out the Optimus Black for customers. All of the suspicion now ends with four carriers: Virgin Mobile, Sprint, Alltel, and US Cellular.

It can be somewhat surprising that giant cellular names, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon have not considered LG’s new phone in the bandwagon, being a focus of the smaller names instead. It has average features such as a 4-inch touch screen, 1 GHz dual-core processor, 512MB RAM, 2 GB of internal storage, all on a Froyo upfront that can be furnished with a Gingerbread. It also has cameras of 5 megapixels with dual flash at the back and 2 megapixels at the front.

Source: PocketNow

Samsung Drops One Of Its Many Law Suits Against Apple

It’s looking like Samsung and Apple got a bit carried away there for a while. Apparently the web of litigation surrounding the mobile giants has become too complicated for Samsung, who has chosen to drop one of its counter-suits against Apple. Specifically, the South Korea-based company will dismiss its counter-suit against Apple’s original April filing alleging that the Galaxy line of phones and tablets mimic the iPad and iPhone.

Nam Ki Yung, a spokesman for Samsung, today explained to Bloomberg that the company dropped the suit “to streamline legal proceedings.” However, this one suit won’t slim down Samsung or Apple’s legal files any time soon. The companies are wrapped up in litigation in five different countries, including Germany, South Korea, the U.K., Japan, and of course, here in the States. “Samsung will continue to actively defend and protect our intellectual property,” said Mr. Nam.

This is just the latest in a string of patent suits and counter-suits between the two tech giants. Most recently, Samsung revised its patent violation allegations against Apple, and added sarcastically that what Apple is perceiving as “copyist,” is merely competition, despite “Apple’s efforts to avoid such competition.” Hopefully Samsung’s streamlined vision will end this copycat drama once and for all.

[via Bloomberg]

Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 with the Mango update

Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 with the Mango update, which include a new music and video hub, multitasking, a new games hub, and many more with a total of 500 new features being added in the update.

Now the guys over at Engadget have put together a hands on preview of Windows Phone 7 Mango, along with some videos and lots of photos which show us how the major new features will look in Windows Phone 7 Mango.It certainly looks very interesting you get to have a look at quite a few of the different features, including the new social networking intergation and lots more

Kodak granted reprieve in its ITC battle with Apple and RIM

Kodak scored a small victory this week in its International Trade Commission (ITC) case against Apple and RIM for their devices' infringement of Kodak's patent on picture previews. Back in January, an ITC administrative law judge (ALJ) made an initial determination that the patent was invalid and that iPhones and Blackberrys don't infringe Kodak's IP. After reviewing the decision per the parties' request, the Commission changed a few of the ALJ's patent claim interpretations and remanded the case for fresh analysis regarding both infringement and validity. Kodak, naturally, is painting the remand as a victory, even going so far as issuing a celebratory press release. Such swagger seems a bit premature, however, as the judge could once again find in favor of the crowds from Cupertino and Waterloo. The next Kodak moment isn't until August 30th, when the ALJ is due to render his ruling. Stay tuned.

Brian Heater contributed to this post.

HTC EVO 3D torn down, three-dimensional magic revealed (video)

So, it turns out that when you crack open the EVO 3D, pixie dust doesn't pour out of the thing -- disappointing, sure, but such is life. Thankfully, there are some interesting things to look at, however, like the dual-core processor and, of course, the cameras that let you take all of those awesome 3D shots of your pets. Wanna see more of the magic? How about a seven minute teardown video shot with a cameraphone? It's not quite the manner of pro teardowns we're used to seeing from the folks at iFixit, but there is a certain joy in watching a guy excitedly tear open his new toy. For the rest of you, we don't recommend trying this at home -- but if you do, definitely upload it to YouTube. Video after the break.

AT&T and HTC Announce ChaCha as Status

After first being leaked last week, AT&T and HTC have jointly announced the forthcoming launch of the HTC ChaCha as the HTC Status. The Status features a dedicated Facebook button and customized software that allows users to more easily share activity to Facebook.

The Status features a 2.6-inch touch display; 3G, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 3.0+HS with A2DP; 5.0 megapixel camera with autofocus, flash, and VGA user-facing camera; gyroscope, compass, proximity and light sensors; 800MHz Qualcomm Scorpion processor, 3.5mm headphone jack, and support for microSDHC cards. The Status runs the latest version of HTC’s Sense user interface as found on the Sensation, but heavily modified to fit the display and features deep Facebook integration. Pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed.

New dual screen Android smartphone

This new dual screen Android smartphone is the work of two design companies Imerj and Frog, and it features two 3 inch displays which can be folded out into one 6 inch display.

It certainly looks very interesting

Android powered devices for your home by Archos

Archos also announced a couple of Android powered devices for your home, the Archos 35 Smart Home Phone and the Archos 35 Home Connect.

First up is the Archos 35 Smart Home Phone, which Archos describe as ‘the best of a DECT phone and a Smartphone for your home’, and it comes with a range of features including MP3 ring tones, caller photo display and the ability to run Android apps, check your email and surf the web.

Next up is the Archos 35 Home Connect, which is a portable Android device designed to stream music and radio around your home, it features a pair of high definition speakers, and a built in touchscreen, and you can stream music from over 50,000 web radio stations and also load music onto the device.Both the Archos 35 Smart Home Phone and the Archos 35 Home Connect will go on sale in September with the home phone retailing for $159 and the Home Connect retailing for $149.

Consortium including Apple, EMC, Ericsson, Microsoft, RIM and Sony snags Nortel patents for $4.5 billion

News that Google had competition for a bundle of patents being sold by bankrupt Nortel Networks surfaced a week ago and now it's official; a consortium of companies including Apple, EMC, Ericsson, Microsoft, RIM and Sony won the multi-day auction with a bid of $4.5 billion. According to Reuters, RIM contributed $770 million to the effort while Ericsson is on the hook for $340 million when the deal closes, which is expected to be in the third quarter of this year. What they'll do with the over 6,000 patents and patent applications covering everything from wireless to optical to semiconductors isn't immediately clear, but what won't happen is Google using them as leverage to stave off the patent trolling hordes. Before any of that happens, the sale has to clear US and Canadian courts which is why a joint hearing has been scheduled for July 11th, so expect plenty of words -- and probably a few more cross licensing agreements -- from the involved parties by then.

Show full PR text

June 30, 2011, 11:51 p.m. EDT
Nortel Announces the Winning Bidder of Its Patent Portfolio for a Purchase Price of US$4.5 Billion
- Working Toward a Q3 2011 Closing

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Jun 30, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Nortel(1) Networks Corporation /quotes/zigman/442381 NRTLQ +19.05% announced today that it, its subsidiary Nortel Networks Limited (NNL), and certain of its other subsidiaries, including Nortel Networks Inc. and Nortel Networks UK Limited (in administration), have concluded a successful auction of all of Nortel's remaining patents and patent applications. After a multi-day auction, a consortium emerged as the winning bidder with a cash purchase price of US$4.5 billion. The consortium consists of Apple, EMC, Ericsson, Microsoft, Research In Motion and Sony.

The sale includes more than 6,000 patents and patent applications spanning wireless, wireless 4G, data networking, optical, voice, internet, service provider, semiconductors and other patents. The extensive patent portfolio touches nearly every aspect of telecommunications and additional markets as well, including Internet search and social networking.

"Following a very robust auction, we are pleased at the outcome of the auction of this extensive patent portfolio", said George Riedel, Chief Strategy Officer and President of Business Units, Nortel. "The size and dollar value for this transaction is unprecedented, as was the significant interest in the portfolio among major companies around the world."

The sale is subject to applicable Canadian and U.S. Court approvals which will be sought at a joint hearing expected to be held on July 11, 2011. Nortel will work diligently with the consortium to close the sale in the third quarter of 2011.

As previously announced, Nortel does not expect that the Company's common shareholders or the NNL preferred shareholders will receive any value from Nortel's creditor protection proceedings and expects that the proceedings will result in the cancellation of these equity interests.

Nintendo announces summer/autumn 2011 line-up of games for Nintendo 3DS, Wii and Nintendo DS

Nintendo

This summer promises to be a scorcher for Nintendo 3DS, Wii and Nintendo DS owners alike, as Nintendo announces the latest line-up of game releases for summer and autumn 2011. This year sees the hotly anticipated return of Fox McCloud, when Star Fox 64 3D comes to Nintendo 3DS on 9th September 2011. Graphically re-mastered from the original Nintendo 64 title, there is a greater depth of detail and in addition to the classic controls and enhanced Nintendo 3DS controls, Nintendo has integrated the Nintendo 3DS gyro sensor and motion controls. You’ll also be able to battle your friends face-to-face using the inner camera to broadcast a live feed of each player’s facial expressions during multiplayer dogfights. 

Packed with pulsating action, Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D delivers an intense race against the clock featuring well-known Resident Evil characters from both past and present. Play as some of the most famous Resident Evil characters such as Albert Wesker, Chris Redfield and – making her debut in a Mercenaries game – Claire Redfield. Take part in face-offs against some of the most notorious enemies, such as the Executioner and PopoKarimu. With re-mastered stages from Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, the game – launching on Nintendo 3DS on 1st July 2011 – is a race against time as you attempt to defeat as many enemies as possible before the countdown reaches zero.

 

Since its launch, Nintendo eShop available on Nintendo 3DS has treated you to delights ranging from the classic NES game Excitebike, re-mastered in 3D for the new 3D Classics range and available as a free limited period download, to Pokdex 3D, the free application where you can see Pokmon in full 3D glory. Virtual Console Game Boy and Game Boy Color games – The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX, Super Mario Land, Alleyway, Tennis & Donkey Kong  have also made their debut on Nintendo eShop, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

 

 

With breath-taking graphics and an emotive soundtrack, Xenoblade Chronicles brings to life the clashing worlds of Bionis and Mechonis, where the Homs and Mechon are engaged in war. This epic game – launching on 2nd September 2011 on Wii – is a fresh take on the RPG genre with real-time battles and a genuine spirit of gameplay freedom.

 

Explore the immersive landscapes of Bionis and Mechonis for as far as the eye can see and experience seamlessly integrated gameplay features. Virtually endless customisation options give you access to an assortment of equipment, from armour and weapons to gems and crystals. Use these items as tools to enhance and boost your weaponry, helping you to battle even the most hardened foe.

 

Click here to see just a taster of some of the games that will launch for Nintendo 3DS, Wii and the Nintendo DS family of consoles during spring/summer 2011.

 

In addition to the above variety of titles, Nintendo also has a treat for Mario fans later in the year.  Players will be spoilt for choice as not one, but two Mario games are brought to life in stunning 3D on Nintendo 3DS – Mario Kart (temp) and Super Mario (temp).  Nintendo DS owners will also see the return of master puzzler Professor Layton in Professor Layton and the Spectre’s Call (Nintendo) while The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Nintendo) and Kirby Wii (Nintendo) launch on Wii in 2011.