http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/04/blackberry-patent-featuring-slider-smartphone-might-hint-at-bb10-torch/
BlackBerry just filed a new patent that hints that the company will be coming out with a new phone, a slider phone with a keyboard. While is great for the company, I just feel that a slide phone is sort of outdated in comparison to what's top in market, i.e. samsung galaxy and the apple iphone and it's touch screen. I personally know a lot of people who switched from blackberry to either iPhone or Android simply because the BlackBerry phone was outdated. I'm seriously interested how this will play out in the market. Will BlackBerry come out with apps? Will there be an app store? Or will blackberry run Android on it's phone?
Also, do people really want a slide phone? Personally, I feel like a slidephone is so.....3 years ago. Maybe I really enjoy having a touch screen and sort of think a slide phone is old. Do we really need a keyboard? Is it really annoying. I use to have one with a touch screen and barely used the keyboard.
I want to see what this new BlackBerry could become. How is it going to fare in market?
Friday, April 26, 2013
Week 13, Post 25: Hon Hai
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/Press/2013/Apr13/04-16FoxconnPR.aspx
So this past tuesday, Microsoft and Foxconn's parent company Hon Hai signed a license agreement. What this agreement does allows for use of Microsoft's patent portfolio for devices running the Android and Chrome OS (i.e. smartphones, tablets, TV, etc). Hon Hai will be paying royalties to Microsoft.Hon Hai is currently the world's largest contract manufacturer. Hon Hai itself holds more thatn 54,0000 patents worldwide.
To me, this agreement seems more like an acquisition of a company into Microsoft. Microsoft has gained the largest manufacturing company, meaning that that they could be soon producing a lot more Windows phones and distributing worldwide, their 'global reach'. Microsoft has many patents, and now have captured a super giant patent holder in a licensing contract. This is not to say that Hon Hai will only work with Microsoft. Instead, Hon Hai has now agreed to manufacturer Microsoft devices. Since it's the largest manufacturer, I have a feeling that Microsoft has big plans for their market and are prepping to deploy a new device. I am interested to see how this plays out
So this past tuesday, Microsoft and Foxconn's parent company Hon Hai signed a license agreement. What this agreement does allows for use of Microsoft's patent portfolio for devices running the Android and Chrome OS (i.e. smartphones, tablets, TV, etc). Hon Hai will be paying royalties to Microsoft.Hon Hai is currently the world's largest contract manufacturer. Hon Hai itself holds more thatn 54,0000 patents worldwide.
To me, this agreement seems more like an acquisition of a company into Microsoft. Microsoft has gained the largest manufacturing company, meaning that that they could be soon producing a lot more Windows phones and distributing worldwide, their 'global reach'. Microsoft has many patents, and now have captured a super giant patent holder in a licensing contract. This is not to say that Hon Hai will only work with Microsoft. Instead, Hon Hai has now agreed to manufacturer Microsoft devices. Since it's the largest manufacturer, I have a feeling that Microsoft has big plans for their market and are prepping to deploy a new device. I am interested to see how this plays out
Friday, April 19, 2013
Week 12, Post 24: Google, a third party?
http://www.fosspatents.com/2013/04/apple-calls-out-google-on-flawed-search.html
So I was reading this article from FOSS patents about how Apple is calling out Google for a flawed search methodology. What reallly struck me important is Google's firm statement that they are a third party in the case in Apple vs. Samsung, and yet providing Samsung the OS in question, lawyers on retainment, and engineers to back up Samsung. In reality, Google is providing Samsung with all the help they can give. Apple calls out Google stating that they cannot be a third party if they are so HEAVILY involved in the case.
I have to agree with the article and Apple that it is unfair of Google to treat themselves as 3rd parties. They are highly involved in the case and taking sides. Google is also trying to not print the 'search words' they utilized in the case in regards to the slide to unlock litigation.
It seems to me that Google is heavily involved and yet denying their involvement in this particular case. Google seems to be inconsistent in their involvement in other litagations that surround the technology and android field, sometimes they are involved and sometimes they are no where to be found. I think Google should fess up and stop saying they are a third party in the case between Apple and Samsung. They are clearly not, so why lie?
So I was reading this article from FOSS patents about how Apple is calling out Google for a flawed search methodology. What reallly struck me important is Google's firm statement that they are a third party in the case in Apple vs. Samsung, and yet providing Samsung the OS in question, lawyers on retainment, and engineers to back up Samsung. In reality, Google is providing Samsung with all the help they can give. Apple calls out Google stating that they cannot be a third party if they are so HEAVILY involved in the case.
I have to agree with the article and Apple that it is unfair of Google to treat themselves as 3rd parties. They are highly involved in the case and taking sides. Google is also trying to not print the 'search words' they utilized in the case in regards to the slide to unlock litigation.
It seems to me that Google is heavily involved and yet denying their involvement in this particular case. Google seems to be inconsistent in their involvement in other litagations that surround the technology and android field, sometimes they are involved and sometimes they are no where to be found. I think Google should fess up and stop saying they are a third party in the case between Apple and Samsung. They are clearly not, so why lie?
Week 12, Post 23: Troller's strike again!
http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/04/12/apple-hit-with-patent-suit-over-simultaneous-voice-and-data-wi-fi-tech
Well, another non-practicing entitity, aka patent troll, has striked again! This time, Wyncomm, the NPE, is targeting Apple, Acer, ASUSTek, Blu Products, Bonac Innovation, and Casio. Wyncomm is arguing that these companies are violating a 1996 patent from AT&T that allowed for simultaneous voice and data technology. The patent originated in AT&T's possession but was transferred multiple times until it has reached Wyncomm.
I think this is the first time I've actually read about a patent litigation utilizing patents that happened before 2000. I think technology has evolved and grown so much since then that earlier patents have been outdated. But obviously this is not the case. I am bit shocked that a company was able to patent the simultaneous voice and data technology. I know for a fact that our phones never had data capabilities in the 90s, so how did AT&T come up and patent such a concept? I still people had those brick cellphones only capable of calling, not even texting!!
This will really affect Apple with their iPhones and iPads. I have an iPhone and the ability to talk to someone on the phone and then simultaneously google something up on the internet has been really useful. I think people who have gotten accustomed to this ability will not be pleased with newer versions of Apple products if the case proves Apple guilty and Wyncomm does not license.
Well, another non-practicing entitity, aka patent troll, has striked again! This time, Wyncomm, the NPE, is targeting Apple, Acer, ASUSTek, Blu Products, Bonac Innovation, and Casio. Wyncomm is arguing that these companies are violating a 1996 patent from AT&T that allowed for simultaneous voice and data technology. The patent originated in AT&T's possession but was transferred multiple times until it has reached Wyncomm.
I think this is the first time I've actually read about a patent litigation utilizing patents that happened before 2000. I think technology has evolved and grown so much since then that earlier patents have been outdated. But obviously this is not the case. I am bit shocked that a company was able to patent the simultaneous voice and data technology. I know for a fact that our phones never had data capabilities in the 90s, so how did AT&T come up and patent such a concept? I still people had those brick cellphones only capable of calling, not even texting!!
This will really affect Apple with their iPhones and iPads. I have an iPhone and the ability to talk to someone on the phone and then simultaneously google something up on the internet has been really useful. I think people who have gotten accustomed to this ability will not be pleased with newer versions of Apple products if the case proves Apple guilty and Wyncomm does not license.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Week 11, Post 22: Samsung loses
http://newyork.newsday.com/business/technology/apple-vs-samsung-iphone-ipad-patent-infringed-by-galaxy-nexus-judge-rules-1.5017414
Wow a big win for Apple. Apple just won a huge case that may stop the importation of Samsung Galaxy and Nexus. They infringed patent that described the methodology of text selection on the iPad/iPhone.
I thought that this was huge for Apple. Samsung is clearly Apple's biggest competitor (and also biggest enemy in patent litigation) so this win will do a lot for Apple. It'll definitely hurt Samsung's sales as they would not be allowed to import their products in, and the US is a pretty big market for smart phones. In addition, Samsung will have to create a new method for text selection. Also, I feel that if Apple can win this case in the US, they may (and probably will) use the same arguments and sue Samsung in other countries to slow down their business. It's mean, but will definitely help Apple achieve world domination, I mean better sales. I am intrigued to see what Apple does next. I am also interested to see if Samsung will uphold the ruling or appeal. If they appeal, it's going to be a long lengthy legal battle ahead of us.
Wow a big win for Apple. Apple just won a huge case that may stop the importation of Samsung Galaxy and Nexus. They infringed patent that described the methodology of text selection on the iPad/iPhone.
I thought that this was huge for Apple. Samsung is clearly Apple's biggest competitor (and also biggest enemy in patent litigation) so this win will do a lot for Apple. It'll definitely hurt Samsung's sales as they would not be allowed to import their products in, and the US is a pretty big market for smart phones. In addition, Samsung will have to create a new method for text selection. Also, I feel that if Apple can win this case in the US, they may (and probably will) use the same arguments and sue Samsung in other countries to slow down their business. It's mean, but will definitely help Apple achieve world domination, I mean better sales. I am intrigued to see what Apple does next. I am also interested to see if Samsung will uphold the ruling or appeal. If they appeal, it's going to be a long lengthy legal battle ahead of us.
Week 11, Post 21: iMessage
http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2013/04/mobile-telecommunications-technologies-sue-apple-over-imessage.html
So I read this blog which talked about Mobile Telecommunications Technologies (MTEL)) suing Apple. What they claim is that Apple infringed upon 7 of their patents, including the communication service behind iMessage. For those who don't know what iMessage is, it is a messaging system used by Apple on all their devices that allow the use of wi-fi, internet etc to send messages to and from iOS machines. What's great is that its completely free (yay for free texting!). MTEL is arguing that Apple is infringing on their patents by offering this service(specifically Patent 5590403, 5659891 and 5915210). MTEL presented the case in the Texas Eastern District Court.
What I found interesting was that someone has actually patented this system. I feel that this form of messaging is very similar to many products out in the world, gchat, facebook messanger, etc. I guess I'm a bit confused why MTEL is targeting Apple. I'm also quite surprised that this method of sending messages is actually patented. I feel that since taking this course, I have realized there are so many things that are patented that I never sit down to think about!
So I read this blog which talked about Mobile Telecommunications Technologies (MTEL)) suing Apple. What they claim is that Apple infringed upon 7 of their patents, including the communication service behind iMessage. For those who don't know what iMessage is, it is a messaging system used by Apple on all their devices that allow the use of wi-fi, internet etc to send messages to and from iOS machines. What's great is that its completely free (yay for free texting!). MTEL is arguing that Apple is infringing on their patents by offering this service(specifically Patent 5590403, 5659891 and 5915210). MTEL presented the case in the Texas Eastern District Court.
What I found interesting was that someone has actually patented this system. I feel that this form of messaging is very similar to many products out in the world, gchat, facebook messanger, etc. I guess I'm a bit confused why MTEL is targeting Apple. I'm also quite surprised that this method of sending messages is actually patented. I feel that since taking this course, I have realized there are so many things that are patented that I never sit down to think about!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Week 10, Post 20: Facebook Smartphone
Related Articles:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/facebook-home-app-display-friends-messages-smartphone-homepage-article-1.1307753
http://www.extremetech.com/mobile/152595-facebook-home-for-android-and-htc-facebook-phone-launch-on-april-12
Yesterday, Facebook announced it's new 'app' for the Android system, "Home". When I first heard of this, I though that Facebook had gone to the effort of creating its very own operating system, and was immediately intrigued. I found out that the Facebook "Home" is much more of just user interface that is placed on top of the android system.
The "Home" allows users to utilize all their apps and even text/facebook message their friends without exiting whatever they are doing on their screen.
Why is the Facebook "Home" so important? Well first of all, I feel like this is Facebook's first step into becoming more then just a social network website. Facebook has dominated the globe with it's site and I feel that they are trying to move forward with new ideas. I feel that this Facebook's "Home" is possibly the first steps for Facebook to create their own OS.
Facebook is currently supported for the HTC One, HTC One X, HTC One X+, Samsung Galaxy S3, Samsung Galaxy S4, and Samsung Galaxy Note II. However with these phones, you will have to download the "home' app from Google Play when available on April 12, 2013. Facebook has worked with HTC and will be launching a phone, HTC First, that will come with the "Home" already installed onto the phone.
I am very interested in seeing how many Android users (sorry I'm an iPhone user) will make the switch over to using Facebook "Home" on their device
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/facebook-home-app-display-friends-messages-smartphone-homepage-article-1.1307753
http://www.extremetech.com/mobile/152595-facebook-home-for-android-and-htc-facebook-phone-launch-on-april-12
Yesterday, Facebook announced it's new 'app' for the Android system, "Home". When I first heard of this, I though that Facebook had gone to the effort of creating its very own operating system, and was immediately intrigued. I found out that the Facebook "Home" is much more of just user interface that is placed on top of the android system.
The "Home" allows users to utilize all their apps and even text/facebook message their friends without exiting whatever they are doing on their screen.
Why is the Facebook "Home" so important? Well first of all, I feel like this is Facebook's first step into becoming more then just a social network website. Facebook has dominated the globe with it's site and I feel that they are trying to move forward with new ideas. I feel that this Facebook's "Home" is possibly the first steps for Facebook to create their own OS.
Facebook is currently supported for the HTC One, HTC One X, HTC One X+, Samsung Galaxy S3, Samsung Galaxy S4, and Samsung Galaxy Note II. However with these phones, you will have to download the "home' app from Google Play when available on April 12, 2013. Facebook has worked with HTC and will be launching a phone, HTC First, that will come with the "Home" already installed onto the phone.
I am very interested in seeing how many Android users (sorry I'm an iPhone user) will make the switch over to using Facebook "Home" on their device
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Week 10, Post 19: Apple's patent is invalidated
http://www.fosspatents.com/2013/04/apples-slide-to-unlock-patent.html
So I guess this is pretty big news. Apple has had this patent which makes the 'slide to unlock' feature of the iPhone, iPad, iWhatever. Apple has been using this against their competitors, but just loss in Germany against Google/Motorola.
The German courts hold that the idea of unlocking the device through a swipe mechanism is just not patentable. Why? Because everyone phone needs to be able to do it. The sliding feature is much more of a visual then anything else, and therefore was deemed not a technical innovation.
I have to agree with the German courts on this ruling. Every touch screen needs a mechanism of unlocking their phone to let the phone know that we are actually in attempt to utilize it, not that it's touch screen was brushed. After reading this article, I went on my own search to find a touch screen device that didn't utilize some sort of swipe mechanism and couldn't find any!
I feel that Apple is just trying to use their power and wealth to slow down other competitors over petty things like how to unlock your phone.
So I guess this is pretty big news. Apple has had this patent which makes the 'slide to unlock' feature of the iPhone, iPad, iWhatever. Apple has been using this against their competitors, but just loss in Germany against Google/Motorola.
The German courts hold that the idea of unlocking the device through a swipe mechanism is just not patentable. Why? Because everyone phone needs to be able to do it. The sliding feature is much more of a visual then anything else, and therefore was deemed not a technical innovation.
I have to agree with the German courts on this ruling. Every touch screen needs a mechanism of unlocking their phone to let the phone know that we are actually in attempt to utilize it, not that it's touch screen was brushed. After reading this article, I went on my own search to find a touch screen device that didn't utilize some sort of swipe mechanism and couldn't find any!
I feel that Apple is just trying to use their power and wealth to slow down other competitors over petty things like how to unlock your phone.
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