Google and Sprint are unveiling a mobile payment processing system ahead of other similar systems. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

Google has announced it will unveil its own mobile payment system that will allow people to use their cell phones in lieu of a wallet. Google is launching its own near-field communication technology, which uses a chip mounted in a phone that is read by a sensor and linked to a bank account. Google is the latest company to join in attempting to phase out the ancient technology of the wallet.

Sprint debuting new payment system on Nexus S smartphone

The latest trend in smartphone technology is mobile payment processing. There is already a joint venture between AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon in developing and installing ISIS, a proprietary type of near-field communications technology, on smartphones in the next few years. Near-field communication, or NFC, technology works by planting a readable chip in a phone that contains the user’s credit card or bank account information. If a merchant has an NFC reader at the point of purchase, customers need only to tap the phone near the reader to initiate the transaction and have their checking or credit account charged accordingly. Sprint, according to Bloomberg, is unveiling its own NFC system developed in part with Google, and will be available on Sprint phones starting with the Nexus S Android smartphone.

Same product, but from Google

The Google mobile payment system will first be available on the Nexus S, an Android smartphone. The Google payment system should start to become available on a growing number of phones with the Google-based Android platform. Google plans to debut its NFC technology in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington D.C. to start with. The Google NFC technology uses hardware and software from VeriFone Systems and ViVOtech to run the feature. Mobile-phone based commerce was estimated at $370 million worldwide last year. Apple is currently working on its own NFC system. ISIS, according to Forbes, hopes to partner with Google, Apple and all banks and credit card companies in the United States, including other NFC system producing firms, in order to ensure uniformity of technology nationwide. NFC technology is rarely used in the United States for transaction purposes, but the technology is a decade old.

Other mobile payment systems on the horizon

There is more than one type of “mobile wallet.” Square, for instance, turns a smartphone into a credit card machine. A user needs only download and install the Square app and plug the credit card reader into the headphone jack. The user then can simply swipe a credit card to receive a payment. Square debuted in 2009 and originally only received and did not spend payments. The new version of the Square app includes a way to pay for goods in participating stores using a mobile phone, according to CNN, by selecting the store in the app when a person goes to pay the clerk. The store clerk simply checks the store’s database for Square-using customers and bills the customers credit card. No chip reading is required.

Sources

Bloomberg

Forbes

CNN

Visa wants to make mobile payments your payment method of choice. (Photo Credit: CC BY/MoneyBlogNewz/Flickr)

Paying with cash, check or credit is almost completely passé now, if you believe the hoards of iPhone and Android supporters. Yet the move toward a cashless society may be closer than we think, thanks to Visa. Wired reports that the credit card company will debut Visa Digital Wallet via smartphone for retail electronic point-of-sale locations by Fall 2011.

Near Field Communication technology is the key

Visa’s Digital Wallet announcement will no doubt bring additional urgency to the mobile payments race. Credit card companies, retail businesses and consumers have looked forward to the day that a convenient wave of a phone could complete a transaction. With secure Near Field technology short-range communication, that day is almost upon us.

“The widespread adoption of Internet and mobile technology is changing the way people connect and transact across the globe,” said Visa chairman and CEO Joseph Saunders in a statement. “We’re focused on delivering locally tailored payments products and services.”

Visa Digital Wallet: Driving consumer behavior

Experts predict that not only will NFC technology make mobile payments the preferred method of transaction, but other technology that Visa and others are developing will streamline the one-click shopping experience online and allow consumers to consolidate accounts from multiple financial institutions in one place.

In this and other ways, Visa is becoming more of a commerce-focused technology company than ever before.

“When you think about what’s impacting commerce, you have one overarching trend: the continued adoption of electronic forms of payments,” said Visa executive Jennifer Schulz to Wired. “People are migrating away from cash and check and using electronic capabilities. … We’ve seen the use of and ubiquity of mobile devices really driving consumer behavior.”

Google is in hot pursuit

According to MocoNews.net, Google plans to launch its own mobile payments service within the next few months. Retailers that use cash registers developed by VeriFone Systems in New York and San Francisco will benefit from the NFC-backbone system. Increasing numbers of Android smartphones will begin to support the NFC standard, as will either the iPhone 5 or future rendition of the iPad, per reports.

Banks lining up to partner with Visa Digital Wallet

U.S. Bank, Royal Bank of Canada and PNC Bank are just a few of the big-name financial institutions that will be throwing their hats into the ring with Visa on the Digital Wallet project, says Schulz. More partners are expected to be announced before the fall launch.

Sources

MocoNews.net

Visa Media Center

Wired

‘What would the ideal payment experience look like?’

Rupert Murdoch shakes his fist at news ninjas who avoid his paywall. (Photo Credit: CC BY-ND/Jason Wilson/New Matilda)

If you’re an online news addict with limited funds, the move toward news paywalls could be horrible news. Without information, you could end up choking in the digital dust. Thankfully, there are some tricks you can use to circumvent digital news paywalls and continue to enjoy your daily information fix.

Google News: A news aggregator escape from the paywall

Google News links to news websites across the Web. It’s a great place to get your daily news fix. As it is arranged in a clear, easy-to-digest format with top news, local news and news categories, it’s easy to take care of your digital news jones.

Newspapers app: An iOS portal to publications across the US

For $1.99 in the Apple Apps store, Newspapers is an app that provides users with a directory of links to literally every online newspaper website in the country. Read articles on your iPod, iPhone or iPad in Safari. If you prefer to download a story for later, send it to an app like Instapaper.

Reeder: A smarter RSS reader

RSS feeds are a great way to keep up with the news that’s important to you, and Reeder does it the clean and easy way. It has a newspaper-style interface, and the iOS app cuts the ads and reformats the page for optimal reading pleasure. Get it for your Apple device for only $2.99.

The Zite-geist of iPad news

The free iPad app Zite acts as a kind of “personalized magazine,” says Business Insider. It recommends news you may like, via connections to your Twitter and Google Reader accounts. However, simply picking articles to read from within the app can also drive your customization experience.

Free Associated Press and CNN apps

Mobile apps by the Associated Press and CNN are great iOS and Android options for world, national and local news. Users of the AP app can even choose their favorite local and national broadcasters and follow their stories in print and video. CNN’s app presents streaming video in a polished fashion, and allows users to submit their own photos of news events via the iReport feature.

Jobbing the system: How to obtain free access to NYT and The Daily

Twitter users have been able to create a list of each NYT Twitter feed. Clicking the links via Twitter or blog postings don’t count toward the 20 articles per month limit the Times has imposed, so this amounts to free access. A similar process work with The Daily, which is indexed by the blog The Daily: Indexed.

Peter Kafka of MediaMemo reports that the NYT will limit free referrals via Google to five per day, although using other search engines like Bing may not have the same restrictions – for now.

Why did the Times put up a speed bump for Google? Because users could simply Google an article headline and get into the article without going through the front door, so to speak.

Sources

AP Mobile app
Business Insider
CNN Mobile app (iPhone)
The Daily: Indexed

What to expect with the NYT paywall

Android has finally overtaken Research in Motion and the Blackberry as the dominant platform of smartphones. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

In the war for supremacy in the market for smartphones, the Android operating system has finally toppled Research in Motion and the Blackberry line. Google’s popular Android line has spread quickly, overtaking Apple and Microsoft products within months of the the first launch of an Android phone. More than types of 170 devices use the Android system.

Blackberry loses some juice among consumers

The Blackberry line of phones made by Research in Motion has held the the top spot for sales of smartphones for a long time, but the company has finally been dethroned, according to CNN. The Google based Android platform has surpassed RIM in sales after steadily outpacing all other domestic competition and safely pulling into the lead with more than 31 percent of sales. The first phone using the Android operating system was the HTC G1, which was released in November 2009 and carried exclusively by T-Mobile. In early 2010, Android had only a 7 percent share of the smartphone market, but the platform has enjoyed constant growth since its introduction. An Android OS is now the base of more than 170 types of phones and tablet computers across numerous carriers.

Other phones have their jobs cut out for them

Of the four popular smartphone platforms in the U.S., the only one that has constantly grown market share is Android. Research in Motion at one point sold 42 percent of all smartphones, but RIM sales have dwindled to 30.4 percent between February of 2010 and the end of January of 2011. Windows phones have been constantly on the decline, and now make up less than 10 percent of the smartphone market. Apple, with its flagship product the iPhone, has held fairly constant. An estimated 350,000 new Android devices are activated daily. The Symbian OS offered by Nokia held a larger share of the market than Android until late 2010, when Symbian sales finally were eclipsed by Android.

Android Nokia phone not likely

Just about every phone company makes an Android phone, as Google licenses it for free, and adapting it is fairly easy for any developer, but Nokia isn’t having it, according to the Los Angeles Times. It was recently announced that Nokia is planning to revamp its offerings by partnering with Microsoft and installing Windows Mobile on Nokia phones. Microsoft is reportedly going to pay Nokia $1 billion for the rights to put Windows Phone 7 on Nokia devices, which could be a net benefit for both companies if it is successful.

Sources

CNN

Los Angeles Times

Reports have come out that a man was sent to the ER because his Droid cell phone exploded. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

There have been occasional reports around the world of a cell phone that explodes, injuring the user or worse. Recently, a man in Cedar Hill, Tex., suffered facial lacerations when his Motorola Droid exploded. Explosion is not a standard Droid feature.

Cell phone explodes in Texas

Recently, Aron Embry was using his Motorola Droid, one of the most popular brands of smartphones, when he heard a popping sound, according to KHOU 11 of Houston, Tex. He said he heard the noise after completing a phone call, and noticed the screen had fragmented. He felt liquid coursing down his face, and he realized it was blood. He was immediately rushed to the emergency room at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas for treatment as the wound began gushing. He did not suffer any hearing loss and only required four stitches to repair the wound to his ear. Reports of a Droid that exploded began circulating soon after. The phone was still functional, and the screen appears only to have cracked. Embry had purchased the phone only a few days before the incident.

Not unheard of

There have been reports of cellular phones exploding or catching fire for years. According to AOL News, incidents of exploding cellular phones have been recorded since at least 2005, when a young boy suffered burns when his cellular phone caught fire in his pocket. In 2007, a 22-year-old Chinese man was killed when his cellular phone expl0ded in his shirt pocket after being freshly charged. Apple Inc. has not escaped reports of burning cell phones either, as the screen of an iPhone reportedly exploded in France, and an iPhone 4 was reported as having caught fire earlier this year.

Motorola intends on reaching out

After the reports of Embry’s injury surfaced, Motorola released a statement, announcing that it intended on reaching out to the man and his family. The company said it intends to fully investigate and that safety is a high priority. There is no word on whether Embry wants to switch to an iPhone instead of an Android.

Sources

KHOU

AOL

The successor to the Nexus One, pictured here, may be the first to run the Gingerbread Android system. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

Black Friday is nearing, and the showdown between Android and Apple just heated up with the rumored Gingerbread Android platform. Gingerbread may be Android 2.3, and the rumors have been fueled by Google posting a Twitter picture of Android shaped gingerbread cookies. Speculation is that Android 2.3 will come stock on the upcoming Nexus S.

Gingerbread Android rumors begin

New versions of the Android OS are hotly awaited, just like Apple updates are. The most recent Android OS was Android 2.2, dubbed Froyo, was released in late 2009. The previous Android system had been named Eclair. A release date has not been confirmed yet for the Gingerbread Android OS, but Google set the rumor mill turning when the Google Twitter page posted a picture of gingerbread cookies shaped like the Android logo. Some amateur video footage from the Google campus also revealed a new statue in the Android statue area, according to PC Magazine. The features of the new OS for the smartphones are not completely known, as the finer points are not being fully disclosed yet. The release date for Gingerbread isn’t known yet.

May come with Nexus S

The next generation of Google phones, or rather a sequel to the Nexus One, has been talked about for ages. The new Nexus phone, by HTC, or the Nexus S, is an eagerly awaited phone release. It may also be the first phone to come with Android 2.3, according to Daily Tech. It isn’t confirmed yet, but it is entirely possible that the Nexus S is going to be the first phone to come with Gingerbread standard. The sooner it releases, the better for Google.

The brawl for it all at the mall

The retail year revolves around Christmas. The Android Gingerbread OS and the Nexus S are just rumors at this point. That said, with the looming release of iOS 4.2, the stage for an epic showdown for Black Friday supremacy is seemingly set.

Sources

PC Magazine

Daily Tech

Gemalto alleges that Android developers and retailers stole the JavaCard technoloogy Gemalto patented. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

Dutch technology company Gemalto has served a huge patent infringement lawsuit to a number of companies. The allegation is Google and makers of Android smartphones such as Samsung and Motorola have infringed on patents held by Gemalto. Gemalto is claiming that Android makers intentionally used Java Card technology developed by Gemalto in Android systems. Gemalto developed its Java Card technology in the 1990s at its labs in Texas.

Gemalto v. Android lawsuit alleges infringement

Recently, the Netherlands based technology company Gemalto joined others in suing the various purveyors of Android smartphones, according to Bloomberg. The suit was filed in the United States District Court in East Texas. The companies named in the suit include HTC, Google, Samsung, Exedea and Motorola. Gemalto is alleging that these companies deliberately used Gemalto JavaCard technology in Android phones. JavaCard allows for a SIM card to run the Java programming language. A Gemalto smart card was developed in the 1990s and is extensively used in credit cards, among other uses. In the complaint Gemalto stresses that its patented technologies were used without its permission in Android phones. The suit also alleges that the phones use the Gemalto Dalvik virtual programming.

Android suits pending

Other lawsuits are pending against the various makers and carriers of Android technology. Earlier this year, suits were filed against Android by both Apple Inc. and Oracle. The Apple suit and the Oracle suit both concern patent or copyright infringement on the part of Android or at least an Android provider and Android’s use of Java. The Gemalto suit is the third.

War of the smartphones

The battle between Android seems to be turning from just Apple and Android to Android and nearly everyone. If Android did commit any patent infringement, it remains for courts to determine. Android and Apple have become the largest competitors in the market of smartphones, as the RIM Blackberry has been slipping this year.

Sources

Bloomberg

Steve Jobs let iPhone competitors have it at an Apple earnings conference, citing Apple's sales dominance. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

Steve Jobs recently participated in an Apple earnings press conference. During the discussion of how well Apple Inc. stock is doing, Jobs took time to let loose on RIM (Blackberry) and Android platforms. He touted the fact that Apple sells more units of the iPhone than either platform and has better software to boot. An Apple event is scheduled soon, called “Back to the Mac” The event will likely discuss upcoming computers from Apple.

Jobs blasts RIM and Android at Apple earnings meeting

Steve Jobs made a surprise visit to a recent Apple earnings press conference. Earnings for Apple Inc. for the fourth quarter were substantial. He opened by saying he usually doesn’t attend such meetings, but he couldn’t resist talking about the first $20 billion quarter for Apple, according to Apple Insider. He also took some time to slam the competition. He pointed out that the iPhone outsold RIM Blackberry by 2 million units, and that Research In Motion had too far to go to catch up. He also pointed out that Android smartphones by Google activated 200,000 units a day to Apple’s 275,000.

Android tablets to die quickly

On the heels of the best quarter ever for the Apple stock price — AAPL just hit $300 a share — Jobs also felt he would weigh in on gripes about software and tablets. He said that Google’s claims about the iPhone being “closed” and Android being “open” were misleading. He also pointed out that the Android tablet PCs due out soon will be “dead on arrival” because a 7-inch screen is only a bit bigger than a smart phone. He opined that because Apple makes everything in house, the iPad is more bang for less buck than the competition.

Getting ‘Back to the Mac’

An Apple event is scheduled for Wednesday. It is called “Back to the Mac” and the topic, according to CNET will be the new hardware and Mac operating system.

Sources

CNET

Apple Insider

Apple Inc. stock is shooting through the roof. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

Steve Jobs and other shareholders in Apple, Inc. may be cracking open champagne. The Apple company stock has just hit a record high point. For the first time ever, a share of Apple stock is now going for more than $300. The technology giant has been having a banner year. The iPad and continued success of the iPhone and iPod assure that Apple is going to be a heavyweight for a long time to come.

Apple Inc. hits a new high

It was announced that stock for Apple Inc. has hit a new high point in premarket trading for Oct. 13, according to the New York Times. Apple Inc. stock hit a high point of $301.50 and is holding at higher than $300. It is the highest ever trade price for Apple company stock. Brokerage houses have been raising prices for acquiring Apple stock accordingly. Bank of America is selling shares at $400 per. Oppenheimer raised its price for shares of Apple to $345. The company is having a great year. The iPad has been the first successful tablet computer, despite several previous attempts by other companies. The iPhone 4.0 and the iPod continue to sell. The company is due to release a fourth quarter report soon.

Verizon iPhone rumors will not die

Rumors of the iPhone moving to another network have been persisting for some time. The fabled Verizon iPhone causes a great stir almost once a month. However, neither Verizon nor Apple have confirmed it officially yet. The problem in a Verizon iPhone, according to the Wall Street Journal, is that Verizon uses CDMA technology. The Verizon iPhone will have to be retooled for CDMA use before it can be released. That said, Android has been edging on the iPhone for some time among owners of smartphones.

Apple of the markets’ eye

Apple Inc. has had an incredible year so far. It appears that the company won’t be letting up. The company has hit a record high stock price for good reason.

Sources

Wall Street Journal

New York Times

The Motorola Droid Pro may well give Blackberry users a true alternative. Image: Titanis / Flickr / CC-BY-SA

Scientists have long been seeking the “missing link” — and it has been found, at least in the Droid Pro. With the operating system of a Droid, and the form and function of a Blackberry, the Droid Pro is making waves. Specifically designed for businesses, Droid Pro has been called the the “killer” of RIM’s business dominance.

Droid Pro features

The Droid Pro by Motorola was announced as a part of a six-phone rollout by the manufacturer. A built-in keyboard and portrait-style layout make the phone look and feel much like a traditional Blackberry. The Android operating system supports a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM and global roaming. What makes the Droid Pro truly business-ready, though, is the full enterprise support. Multi-VPN network support, complex passwords and on-board encryption are all built into the device.

Droid Pro crosses the Blackberry line

The line that has kept many businesses and governments using Blackberry devices has been security. Research in Motion, the Canadian company that makes Blackberry devices, is well-known for its nearly uncrackable encryption. Combined with strong support for business functions, and the Blackberry has been the undisputed king. The Droid Pro, however, may well give RIM a run for its money.

Is Droid Pro the Blackberry kill shot?

With more and more consumers already defecting from Blackberry devices to Android devices, some are saying that the Droid Pro may well prove to be a “kill shot.” This, however, most likely will not be the case. Though Android is a powerful operating system, and the Droid Pro has built-in security features that make it attractive to the business consumer, it may not match up. The intricacies of RIM devices are what make Blackberry popular, and with the Blackberry PlayBook soon to hit the market, the rivalry will most likely continue in earnest for a long while.

Sources

Droid Life
Venture Beat

Apple is still dominating the cell phone industry. CC by a_whisper_of_unremitting_demand/Flickr

The mobile industry has been looking for an answer to Apple’s iPhone, but it continues to suck all the air out of the room. Apple’s emphasis on brand and refusal to compete on price has resulted in the biggest chunk of mobile industry profits despite having the smallest market share. Apple’s iPhone is so popular the “Antennagate” issue of last summer had virtually no effect on sales. Analysts are saying Apple’s domination of the mobile industry makes it unlikely that Android, which depends on devices that compete on price, could ever pose a threat.

Apple prospers through innovation

The iPhone has always attracted a great deal of media attention. But the true nature of Apple’s money-making machine was detailed by Fortune on CNN.com. Giving its stock a “buy” rating, the fund market analyst Canaccord Genuity projected out Apple stock as high as $356 per share. The analyst’s recommendations included data showing how Apple is turning its innovations into cash. From January to June this year, Apple sold 17 million iPhones. That total represents a market share of just 3 percent. Samsung, Nokia and LG–the world’s three largest handset makers–sold 400 million units combined. Apple racked up the numbers where they counted. The company amassed 39 percent of industry profits in that time frame. The top three heavyweights fought over 32 percent of mobile industry profits. Canaccord Genuity pointed out that most handset companies struggle to make a profit or even 10 percent operating margins. With its iPhone, it is believed that Apple enjoys a 50 percent gross profit on top of a 30 percent operating margin.

Beneath the surface of Apple’s success

Capturing just 3 percent of a market while reaping 40 percent of its profit was impossible. Then Apple created the iPhone. Apple has far outgained its rivals with more than slick marketing campaigns, according to Jason Mick at Daily Tech. Mick writes that because the iPhone is so popular, AT&T has given Apple an extremely lucrative contract to grow its subscriber base. Apple gains another profit advantage over Android competitors by using less expensive hardware. It uses the popularity of its products to get high volumes at lower prices. This strategy gives Apple plenty of money to innovate in the battle against Android. But Mick said, why bother?. All Apple has to do is keep its loyal customers happy.

It’s tough to tarnish Apple’s brand

Apple haters hoped Antennagate would be Apple’s comeuppance. But the media maelstrom amounted to nothing. When the iPhone 4G was unveiled, a concerted media effort to inflate a reception issue with the new model didn’t make it much further than the blogosphere. When Consumer reports tested the iPhone reception problem and said it could not recommend the iPhone, Apple bashers reacted with glee. It still won’t. But the iPhone marches on. According to Computerworld, the J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction rankings for smartphones lists the iPhone at the top of the list—its fourth consecutive first place finish.

Sources

CNN
Daily Tech
Computerworld

Apple effectively ended its feud with Flash when it announced a transparent app approval process that allows cross-platform development tools. Image: CC Geek & Poke/Flickr

The Apple/Flash feud that began last spring appears to have run its course. Apple shocked the app developer world Thursday when it announced that the company is relaxing controversial restrictions on the tools developers are allowed to use to create iPhone and iPad apps. Apple added an aftershock to its announcement, saying that it would make its mysterious app approval guidelines public. The Apple announcement didn’t mention Flash by name, but Adobe’s popular app toolkit has become the flash point in Steve Jobs’  much maligned app approval process. Adobe can thank Apple for sending its stock soaring on the news.

The Apple/Flash feud

The Apple/Flash feud began last April when Apple declared that iPhone and iPad apps could only be written in one of a select few Apple-approved programming languages. PC World reports that Apple’s policy excluded Adobe Flash CS5 Flash Packager for iPhone and iPad. Flash Packager for iPhone was the anchor feature of Adobe CS5. It was designed to make Adobe’s Flash a cross-platform toolkit for the iPhone’s other successful platforms. But Steve Jobs would have none of it. That was then. On Thursday, all was forgiven. Now developers can use Flash to build an app that runs on both Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android, while only having to publish it once.

Apple makes app approval process public

Apple’s draconian app approval process has not only been modified, it’s being made public. Apple is publishing its App Store Review Guidelines, a formerly secret set of rules determining whether a developer’s app is approved for the iPhone or iPad. Wired reports that uncertainty about App Store approval has been keeping a lot of top flight development talent from creating iPhone and iPad apps and leading to a proliferation of “fart apps” (junk applications). Before Thursday’s announcement, developers wouldn’t know if they had broken a rule until their app was rejected by Apple. Months of toil and thousands of dollars could be flushed down the drain. But Wired contends that developers don’t care what the rules are, as long as they know what they are.

Why Apple changed its tune

Apple will open app development to Adobe Flash and other third-party tools and make App Store Review Guidelines public — but the company didn’t say why. This lack of detail has led to speculation by bloggers like Philip Elmer-DeWitt at Fortune. The leading theories, according to DeWitt, are developer feedback, competition and regulation. He dismissed feedback straight away, given Apple’s history of forcing developers to bend to its whims. Competition from Android-powered smartphones and a coming wave of Android tablets no doubt makes Apple feel threatened. And finally, the Apple/Flash feud attracted the attention of the Federal Trade Commission, which has been investigating Apple’s ban on cross-development platforms. Adobe, which complained to the FTC about Apple, appears to be getting what it wanted.

Oracle is suing Google for patent and copyright violation in Android OS. (Photo Credit: CC BY-SA/Eric/Picasa)

While Google Android smartphone sales may have passed the iPhone worldwide in the second quarter of 2010, it doesn’t take an Oracle to see that there’s trouble ahead for the company whose unofficial motto is “Do no evil.” The Wall Street Journal reports that Oracle Corp. has sued Google Inc. for patent and copyright infringement, claiming that the Android OS violates Oracle’s Java copyrights. The lawsuit pits Oracle CEO Larry Ellison against Google founder Eric Schmidt, a former Sun chief technology officer. Oracle acquired Sun, the company that invented the Java programming language, in January 2010. Today, Java is used in the Android smartphone as well as hundreds of other devices.

Oracle lawsuit seeks unspecified damages

According to the WSJ, the Oracle lawsuit seeks “unspecific damages and an injunction against ‘continued acts of infringement’ by Google.” Google has not officially responded to Oracle’s lawsuit yet, but it had been widely assumed that it was allowed to use free open-source Java licenses, as Sun traditionally authorized use of such licenses. However, no licensing deal between Oracle and Google had been officially announced. If an injunction against Google is granted by the presiding California court, developers would be barred from creating applications for Android OS and shipments of Android phones would come to a halt.

Protecting intellectual property

While Sun’s business practices centered on a healthy respect for open-source software and free exchange of ideas, Oracle “takes a lot more care in terms of protecting its IP, and Java is one of the crown jewels of the Sun acquisition,” tech analyst Ray Wang told the Journal. Perhaps it is as PC World suggests, that Oracle clings to IP because the U.S. government is on its tail over tax evasion. Whatever the case, the company that was once considered a rival to Microsoft – a position it has clearly lost to Google – is now looking for the court system to generate revenue.

Sources:

PC World

Wall Street Journal

“Trade the Trend” report on the Oracle-Google lawsuit

T-Mobile is offering a free phone promotion on June 19, and it reportedly includes Android phones. Image from Flickr.

The rumor mill is running high speed about the possibility of a T-Mobile free phone on June 19. The cell phone company has been gearing up for a big sale for the last few weeks, but what exactly the promotion might be has been kept quiet. A leaked commercial script and other indications seem to say that the sale will be a T-Mobile free phone. The T-Mobile free phone comes with a few caveats, however.

T-Mobile free phone promotion

The T-Mobile free phone promotion seems to be set to go live on June 19. The script for the commercial was obtained by T-Mobile gossip site TMONews. The T-Mobile commercial script seems entirely legitimate and highlights the T-Mobile free phone promotion. Basically, the commercial script says any phone in the store is free with a family plan. Supporting evidence includes that all T-Mobile stores have been informed they will be opening two hours early on July 19 in preparation for a “promotion” with “details to be provided soon.”

The details of the T-Mobile free phone sale

The T-Mobile free phone sale offers every phone in the store for free. T-Mobile free phones are not being handed out entirely without caveat, though. The T-Mobile free phone will be handed out when someone signs up for a family plan with T-Mobile. Anyone who “switches” to a family plan will get a T-Mobile free phone – including the Android smartphones that run apps developed for the platform. There is no word yet on whether individuals already on a family plan can upgrade their plans to get a free phone.

Cost comparison for the T-Mobile free phone sale

Getting a T-Mobile free phone on June 19 seems like a great idea. Currently, with-contract phone prices at T-Mobile run anywhere from free to $199.99. T-Mobile also has a monthly payment option for its most expensive phone — the HTC HD2 — and it is $62.50 per month. If you are already considering switching to a family plan, then the T-Mobile free phone sale could definitely save you a few hundred dollars. Keep in mind, however, that even the least expensive family-share plan on T-Mobile is $60 a month, and a family-share plan on T-Mobile that has smartphone data can be as expensive as $140 a month. T-Mobile, in general, has some of the least expensive cell phone plans available, though its coverage is not as extensive as other carriers. In short, if you are already looking to switch, then the T-Mobile free phone sale would be a great time to do so.

Sources:

TMONews
T-Mobile.com
BillShrink.com

The Nexus One Sprint Verizon rejection may be the end of the Google Android phone that apparently is too big for any pocket or purse. Flickr photo.

Nexus One, Google’s overhyped Android phone, is making headlines these days for all the wrong reasons. Verizon was the first to prick the Nexus One bubble when it announced last month it wouldn’t make the Nexus One available. The Sprint and Nexus One pairing vaporized earlier this week. Sprint axed Nexus One after previously saying it would carry the device. Depending on who is talking, Verizon and Sprint snubbing Nexus One is either one of technology’s greatest failures, or a trivial misstep that doesn’t really matter.

Google web store Nexus One

The Nexus One failure, at first blush, seems obvious. Google wanted to limit availability of the Nexus one exclusively to Google’s web store. As reported on eWeek, Some experts do think the Google web store Nexus One model is clear evidence that carriers aren’t interested in supporting a device that can’t sell in their own retail stores. Other experts think that the Nexus One was simply eclipsed by better Android phones.

Nexus One Sprint

Things were looking up for Google web store Nexus One sales just a few months ago. PC World reports that In mid-March, Sprint announced that it would carry a CDMA version of Google’s Nexus One  sometime later this year. Monday Sprint dropped Nexus One.  Sprint said  it would support the the upcoming HTC EVO 4G Android phone instead. Sprint may have chosen the the HTC EVO 4G because it has a larger display than the Nexus One, runs on Sprint’s 4G WiMAX network and also features the HTC Sense UI. The fact that you couldn’t use your online cash advance to buy  a Nexus One from Sprint probably didn’t help.

Nexus One Verizon

The Nexus One/Verizon deal flopped thanks to the HTC Incredible Android phone. The Incredible has about the same specs as the Google Nexus One. Also like the Nexus One, the Incredible runs Android 2.1. The biggest difference between the two devices? The Droid Incredible runs HTC’s revised Sense UI. Informationweek.com reports that the newer version of Sense makes using the Android platform a seamless and much more enjoyable experience.

Nexus One’s Android advantage

Everybody likes a winner, and even before the Sprint and Verizon defections, the Nexus One reputation suffered from initial 3G connectivity bugs and low sales figures. PC World said that the sole remaining advantage Nexus One has over Incredible and EVO is its direct tie to Google’s speedy OS update process. On the HTC Sense UI, a manufacturer-altered versions of Android, updates can take months to reach users.

Android thriving without Nexus One

Is Nexus One a failure? As it turns out, some analysts think the device had run its course and Google is better off without the Nexus One. After its humiliating rejection by major carriers, the Nexus One may be done. But its rivals all run on Android, which is just fine with Google. And all the media commotion about smartphone competition, of all things, has raised the profile of Android to the point that Android phones actually outsold Apple’s iPhone last month.

Palm became best-known for Personal Digital Assistants, but the transition to smartphones did not go smoothly. Image from Flickr.

Despite grandfathering the concept of smartphones with personal digital assistants, Palm hasn’t been doing so well lately – so the Palm HP buyout that has been announced this week couldn’t come at a better time. This $1.2 billion pay day purchase of Palm, HP is acquiring the Palm operating system, intellectual property, and phone handset designs.

HP Palm purchase saves Palm

The HP Palm purchase could not have come at a better time for Palm. Despite receiving standing ovations and great reviews for its new operating system and web browser, Palm has been struggling. The technology behind Palm smartphones has been well-reviewed, but a combination of slow sales and frustrating design have meant that Palm’s revenues have been falling to dangerous levels. In its latest filing with the SEC, Palm even outlined this problem as “slow sales of the company’s products, which has resulted in low order volumes.”

HP Palm plans

The HP Palm purchase has been questioned by some Wall Street investors. The $1.2 billion price tag seems overvalued for a company whose stock was trading at about $1 in 2008. However, Hewlett Packard has plans for the Palm operating system. In the HP Palm purchase announcement, HP outlines its strategy as “creating a mobile ecosystem” that “leverages HP’s channel and enterprise connections.” Translation – HP may be distancing itself from being a Windows-only manufacturer and entering the phone, tablet, and mobile markets.

HP Slate to run on Palm OS?

Though HP has been a strategic partner with Microsoft for a very long time, HP may very well be using the HP Palm partnership to get a new operating system. There are doubts that Windows 7 will be “lightweight” enough for the HP Streak. The HP Streak is rumored to be released as a smartphone, slate computer, and more – so the polished Palm OS would be the perfect match. This would also release HP from Window’s regulations and release delays. It could be a very powerful partnership that has a chance to challenge Apple’s dominance.

HP Palm to merge in July

The HP Palm purchase is not yet approved by all regulatory agencies. While both boards of directors have approved the purchase, Palm stockholders and regulatory agencies still need to approve the purchase. If the HP Palm merger is approved, HP will become complete owner of Palm around July 2010.

Sources:

HP Press Release
Palm SEC filings
ZD Net

The newest Blackberry Bold 9650 - without the trackball - is set for a May 23 release. Image from Flickr.

The second-most popular smartphone maker, Blackberry, has announced that the Blackberry Bold 9650 and Blackberry Pearl 3G will both be hitting the market soon. Both the Blackberry Bold 9650 and Pearl 3G are improvements on existing Blackberry models and will include upgrades such as Wi-Fi. The Bold 9650 is set to be released on May 23 for $299.99 – so now is the time to get guaranteed payday loans if you would like the newest Blackberry.

The Blackberry Bold 9650

Set to be released on the Sprint Network on May 23, the Blackberry Bold 9650 is built on the same technical chassis as the Blackberry Tour. The Bold 9650 looks very similar to the Tour. However, the sticky and often replaced trackball has been swapped out for an optical touchpad. Bold 9650 will also include Wi-Fi capability. The Bold 9650 include multi-national phone suppoprt, GPS, Bluetooth, a 3.2 megapixel camera, and a 2.44 inch screen, just like the Blackberry Tour did. For jetsetting payday loan lenders and businesspeople the Blackberry Bold will easily cross national boundaries.

The Blackberry Pearl 3G

The Blackberry Pearl was the first Blackberry phone that got a market share for a wider audience than smartphone users – and the Blackberry Pearl 3G is set to continue that tradition. The first U.S. phone that has 802.11n Wi-Fi, the Pearl 3G is designed to connect with 3G HSPA networks or available Wi-Fi connections. The zippy processor, 3.2 megapixel camera, GPS and Bluetooth mesh with RIM’s Blackberry O.S. to give the Pearl 3G full-featured smartphone support. At the same time, the Pearl 3G is said to be available in 2 models – the 9100 with a 20-button keypad and the 9105 with a “traditional” 14-key pad. This will be the first Blackberry that will use a phone keypad – an attempt to ease the transition for first-time smart phone users.

Blackberry Pearl 3G release delayed

While the Blackberry Pearl 3G has been announced, the release of the phone is sure to be a while. The Wi-Fi alliance has yet to certify the Pearl 3G, so RIM has some testing and technical approvals to be completed before the Pearl 3G can hit shelves. AT&T and T-Mobile are set to debut the Pearl 3G, though neither carrier has provided a release date or price for the Pearl 3G.

RIM Blackberry vs. iPhone vs. Android

Research in Motion – the makers of the Blackberry – and Apple – the makers of the iPhone – have been locked in a cell network battle for years. While Blackberry first created smartphones for general use, iPhone was able to bring app development and “fun” smartphones to the general public. The Blackberry Pearl 3G and Bold 9650 are sure to prove popular, but with so many new entrants into the smartphone market, one has to wonder who will come out on top. What do you think?

The CTIA conference even includes a wireless fashion show. Image from Flickr.

No matter if you’re the bigwig executive of a wireless company or just a techie who loves the latest wireless devices, the excitement about CTIA’s yearly convention is ramping up. Set to start tomorrow, March 23, the CTIA conference promises announcements from Motorola, AT&T and Sprint as well as discussions on everything from “Monetizing Mobile” to state and federal public policy. If you couldn’t get a quick payday soon enough to go to the conference, you can still follow it at CTIA.org

What is the CTIA?

CTIA is the shortened version of CTIA-The Wireless Association. The group is a nonprofit membership organization that represents wireless communications in general. Wireless providers, device manufacturers and third-party product companies are all members of CTIA.

The CTIA lobbies in local, state and federal governments on behalf of members. CTIA also helps create voluntary industry standards (such as charging port standards) and guidelines. In general, CTIA is the head of the wireless industry – while it takes no legislative actions, it does help support standardization and development of wireless tools.

The CTIA conference

During most of the year, most of us don’t hear anything about the CTIA. However, in March each year, CTIA hosts an international wireless conference that draws headlines across the country. CTIA is where many wireless manufacturers choose to announce their new devices, and service providers announce what they will be providing for those devices. The 2010 CTIA conference is in Las Vegas, Nev., and seems to be set to have an exciting lineup of announcements.

Motorola i1 at the CTIA conference

While nothing has yet to be officially announced, Engadget spotted billboards right outside of the Las Vegas convention center where CTIA is set to be held, that advertise the Motorola i1. The billboards use the catchphrase “Grab Life By The Calls” and has a picture of Mike Rowe (of the Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs).

The i1 phone is set to combine Google’s Android operating system with Motorola’s Push-To-Talk technology. The touchscreen and WiFi capabilities give it functionality, and the fact that it meets military 810F standards means it can hold up to some of the worst abuse users and Mother Nature can throw toward the Motorola i1.

Dell Aero at the CTIA conference

Not all phone manufacturers or service providers have been as forthcoming with announcements as Motorola. There is a rumor that AT&T will be announcing their contribution to the smartphone market at CTIA. If they do, it will most likely be the Aero. A renamed Mini3 – a smartphone AT&T has had running in China and Brazil for a while, this smartphone will most likely also be running a “skinned” version of Google’s Android operating system. AT&T will also most likely be highlighting their soon-to-be offered Palm Pri and Palm Pri Pixie smartphones.

More than just smartphones

The CTIA conference is about more than just announcing the newest smartphones, though. ANYData wireless is set to announce new wireless tracking technologies. There are also very strong rumors that some wireless service providers will be using CTIA to announce their 4G phones – increasing the speed of wireless communications across the United States.

Of course, no matter what technologies are announced, general consumers may have to wait a few months before they purchase the latest and greatest – unless they want to spend all their payday cash on these sure-to-be-expensive wireless tools.

Motorola building image from Flickr.

Controversial commercials that take shots at the iPhone have caused the release of Verizon and Motorola’s Droid phones to be a much-anticipated event. Today, the companies have finally released pictures, prices and the official retail date for Droid phones.

Word on the street is that the Droid will cost $199 with a two-year Verizon contract and a mail-in rebate. The first installment in the Droid phones line will be available to purchase on Nov. 6. Did I say first? Yep, reports are circulating that the Verizon, Motorola team plans to release up to three Droid phones by the end of the year.

Suspense and more suspense

So what are fans of Droid phones – and more importantly people who plan to give Droid phones as gifts — to do? Putting off holiday shopping is generally a bad idea, but you certainly don’t want to end up paying off a credit card charge for the wrong Droid phone.

The Christian Science Monitor appears to have some inside info about Droid phones. Check out some of the rumors about Droid phones technology that have been making their way around the Internet. There’s no information about when the other Droid phones will be released, so I guess  procrastinators have an advantage in this case.

Verizon Droid review

A few lucky tech testers have gotten their hands on the Verizon droid and reviewed it. One reviewer from China (see http://english.dgshi.cn/content/200910/294430.html) says the Droid is “blindingly fast,” and the the slide-out keyboard is very comfortable to type on. It’ll take time to find out how durable the keyboard is, but the Droid appears sturdy thanks to its metallic body.

The Droid comes with stand that acts as a desk cradle, charger and  multimedia station. The reviewer says “The movies, games and pictures all were crystal clear and really sharp.”

Marketing mayhem

The makers of Droid phones were audacious enough to directly target the iPhone with their advertising campaign. “Everything iDon’t, Droid does” the commercials say, after listing several items such as “iDon’t run simultaneous apps.”

This bold marketing strategy that highlights several enticing features of the Droid has really caught people’s attention. Watch the full commercial at DroidDoes.com.

Google power

Yet another indicator that Verizon and Motorola are about to hit paydirt with the Droid phones is that the venture has Google power behind it. The Droid phones are powered by Google Android 2.0 operating system.

With Motorola on the outside, Google on the inside and Verizon — who boasts the largest coverage area in the U.S. — making the connections, I think we’re about to see the rich get richer. What do you think; are Droid phones going to drastically change the smartphone market?