Collusion a defense for Samsung in Microsoft suit over patent payments?
In response to a lawsuit filed by Microsoft against Samsung accusing the Korean electronics giant of delaying patent payments, Samsung indicates in a new filing that possible antitrust issues created by Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia violate the patent licensing agreement.
The agreement between Samsung and Microsoft was struck in 2011 and called for Samsung to make royalty payments to Microsoft to cover patented technology in Samsung’s Android-powered devices. As part of the agreement the companies also agreed to share confidential business information as part of an effort for Samsung to sell more Windows-powered devices.
Since then, Microsoft acquired Nokia and became a direct competitor to Samsung in the smartphone hardware space. According to Samsung’s filing, the “agreements, now between competitors, invite charges of collusion” from U.S. regulators.
Microsoft thinks their case is strong, probably in part because antitrust regulators around the world approved the Microsoft/Nokia deal. The claim by Samsung that the patent agreement now creates a collusion problem seems like an unusual position that Microsoft may not have anticipated.
source: Reuters
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Motorola to offer Moto X with football leather back
Here’s some exciting news for American football fans; it looks like you’re soon going to be able to pick up a Moto X with a football leather back.
Motorola already offers a leather option for devices created with MotoMaker, but this new back will reportedly look and feel just like a football. The company that supplies Motorola with their leather also happens to be the sole supplier of the NFL’s footballs, so expect something high quality.
The new option is slated to be available in the third week of November, and it’ll probably cost you an extra $25 on top of your other customization options like the current leather options.
Would you be interested in a football leather Moto X?
source: Phandroid
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Moto X Pure Edition getting soak test for upcoming OS update
Whenever Motorola begins to push out a software update to their flagship devices, they typically use a soak test to gauge how well the update is playing with phones. Motorola Feedback Network members can sign up for these soak tests and essentially beta test updates before the general public.
The Pure Edition of the 2014 Moto X has started receiving a soak test, which is probably just a small update to prepare devices for a Lollipop update later this year. It’s pretty unlikely that Motorola would push out Android 5.0 to their devices before the source code for the OS was available, but we can always hope, right?
Motorola keeps their soak test stuff fairly confidential, so we won’t know anything official for a few days. Keep an eye out for details.
source: Phone Arena
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Open Source Remote Control lets you pilot just about any drone
Drones and other remotely piloted vehicles are inherently limited by their controls; you frequently have to switch controllers when you switch vehicles, and you can usually forget about customization. You might not have to worry if the Open Source Remote Control (OSRC) project gets off the ground, however. The long-in-development peripheral uses a mix of modular hardware and Linux-based software that lets you steer just about any unmanned machine. On top of a programmable interface, you can swap in new wireless modules and shoulder switches to either accommodate new drones or improve existing controls. You can also attach a 4.8-inch touchscreen module (typically for a first-person view), use cellular networks or even share one vehicle between multiple operators — handy if you’re at a flying club or shooting a movie.
OSRC is leaning on crowdfunding to get started, and the amount you pledge dictates just what kind of remote you’ll get. The core unit, which includes 2.4GHz wireless and standard shoulder buttons, costs €480 (about $600); if you want GSM, GPS and the touchscreen add-on, you’ll want to spend €1,250 ($1,565) on the Advanced kit. Both devices should arrive in April 2015 if all goes well. Either is relatively expensive, but they could easily justify themselves if you take your RC craft very seriously.
Filed under: Peripherals, Robots
Source: Indiegogo
Nexus 9 ready to leave the Google Play warehouse
Tomorrow is the official launch day for the new Google Nexus 9 tablet and to be ready for the onslaught of orders, Google has updated the Google Play Store with new information on shipping times and model availability. Earlier today the shipping status for several configurations changed to “leaves warehouse in 1-2 days.”
Currently the only versions of the Nexus 9 that will be ready for the launch date appear to be the black or white WiFi only models with either 16GB or 32GB of storage. LTE capable models and the Sand colored versions are still “Coming soon.”
Have you placed an order for a Nexus or plan to place an order some time in the next day? If you are interested in placing an order, hit the source link below.
source: Google Play
Come comment on this article: Nexus 9 ready to leave the Google Play warehouse
Feedback Loop: NFC, ‘Evolve’ alpha codes and more!
Welcome to this week’s edition of Feedback Loop. We take a look at the rising popularity of NFC, give out some Evolve alpha codes and discuss things that are missing from our favorite operating systems. Head past the break to find out what fellow Engadget readers are talking about.
Has NFC finally arrived?
Apple Pay introduced a lot of people to the wonderful technology of NFC. However, it’s actually been around for a while and there have been some really cool uses for it. Check out what other Engadget readers have been doing with NFC.
Want early access to play Evolve?
Evolve is the latest game from Turtle Rock Studios and features some intense 4 vs. 1 co-op multiplayer action. Do you want to hunt or be hunted? Either way, we’re giving you an opportunity to win an alpha access code right here. Good luck!
What’s missing from your favorite operating system?
No matter which mobile operating system you prefer, there’s bound to be something missing from your favorite OS. Is there a feature you still can’t believe is unavailable? Share your thoughts right here.
That’s all this week! Do you want to talk about your favorite gadget or have a burning question about technology? Register for an Engadget account today, visit the Engadget forums and start a new discussion!
Source: Engadget forums
Download and Install Newsstand version 3.3.1 APK (Material Design)
Google aren’t done when it comes to updating their app lineup with material design, and it’s Newsstand that is next in line to get the treatment bringing it to version 3.3.1.
You’ll recall that Newsstand actually got the official Material Design makeover in an earlier version, but 3.3.1 brings in a few minor UI tweaks to offer the finishing touches. This is purely a visual change for Google Newsstand and contains no added functionality. So, what’s new?
– New animation when the articles are refreshed.
– The ‘Get Started’ pane has been given a redesign with solid colours.
– Background for the search page has been switched to a thicker magnifying glass icon.
– The hamburger pull-out menu has also received a UI redesign.
The official Newsstand version 3.3.1 can be downloaded by clicking here.
Why Download?
If you’re the type of person who likes to stay on the cutting edge of software then you’ll want to get your hands on the file. And, given software updates can take days or weeks to fully roll out, this ensures you’re moving up in the line.
What’s the Risk?
We’ll only share files or links to files that we feel can be trusted. Google does a great job of signing apps, checking them for malware, and protecting users. If you’re not sure whether you want to download the app at this time, simply wait for your update to arrive. No harm, no foul.
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