Did Apple shrink the Samsung Galaxy S II in Dutch lawsuit filing?


We haven’t had a chance to head on down to The Hague to have a look-see for ourselves, but Dutch tech site Webwereld spotted some more inconsistencies in Apple’s Samsung lawsuit filings. This time the culprit is a shrunken Galaxy S II, standing side-by-side with an identically tall iPhone 3G — when in reality the Samsung phone is seven millimeters taller than its Apple counterpart, and slightly wider as well. The image, filed in the Netherlands, is part of an intellectual property suit against Samsung, and came to light just days after accusations that Apple manipulated photos of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 that it submitted to a German court. While misleading, this latest error isn’t nearly as concerning as last week’s shrunken Tab — which could easily be described as image manipulation, considering that the tablet included in that filing represented an incorrect 4:3 aspect ratio, while the Samsung device has a 16:10 display.

[Thanks, Florian]

Did Apple shrink the Samsung Galaxy S II in Dutch lawsuit filing? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Computerworld  |  sourceWebwereld (translated)  | Email this | Comments

Verizon embraces Google’s Moto Mobility deal, hopes for an end to patent disputes

Android’s always had a best friend forever (or, for the time being) in Verizon. Together, the two companies were able to establish Andy Rubin’s mobile OS as a serious platform competitor, fighting back against the then threat of AT&T’s exclusive iPhone juggernaut with Moto’s Droid. Flash forward to present day and it’s no wonder Big Red’s SVP John Thorne is giving a public-facing, albeit tentative, thumbs up to Google’s Motorola Mobility acquisition. Thorne’s official line on the deal concerns the “stability [it might bring] to the ongoing smartphone patent disputes,” but the executive declined to comment further, citing a lack of known details for the proposed buyout. Certainly, the wireless operator has good reason to keep a close eye on the takeover, as a recent Chitika survey pegs it with a commanding 41 percent share of active Android handsets. So far, only Nokia has come out from behind Microsoft’s shadow, hailing the move as a boon for WP7 and casting shade on Google’s intentions. As for the rest of the industry, it appears they’re all making heavy use of that nifty statement generator. Hit the more coverage link to see what we mean.

Verizon embraces Google’s Moto Mobility deal, hopes for an end to patent disputes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 19:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Telefonica iPhone stock being recalled in time for September 12th launch?

Well folks… looks like we’re finally getting some meat to all the iPhone 5/4S rumors that have been swirling around for months. We got some interesting news from a vigilant tipster today: beginning August 22nd, Telefonica will begin scaling back its current iPhone stock through September 12th. According to the source, this three week program is a move that “will of course prepare us for the launch of a new smart phone.” While the date next month should sound familiar, we’ve heard recently that the launch will actually take place sometime in October. Either way, a move like this is usually a telling sign that points directly to a new model launch. Keep your eyes pinned here, and prepare yourself, as it appears Mr. Jobs may have something planned for the fall.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Telefonica iPhone stock being recalled in time for September 12th launch? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carriers testing LTE-enabled 4G iPhone?

Earlier this year, Verizon CEO Dan Mead all but confirmed that an LTE Apple device would be making its way to Verizon. Eventually. And no 2011 Apple rumor spattering would be complete without at least a casual mention of the high-speed 4G network. Now, BGR claims to have received an internal iOS test build from a major carrier, revealing a property list file for LTE. This of course doesn’t guarantee that Apple will be shipping an LTE iPhone flavor later this year, but that it at least remains a possibility. Still, an October iPhone launch would fall nicely in line with recent confirmation that AT&T will be releasing an LTE smartphone in “late 2011,” and 4G compatibility could definitely explain Cupertino’s holdup in announcing the iPhone 4’s successor. So, will you be flying through the wireless web at lightning-fast speed later this year? Hopefully we need not wait much longer to find out.

Carriers testing LTE-enabled 4G iPhone? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple’s carrier ranking patent application hints at global iPhone

Apple may be hard at work creating the one phone to rule them all (around the world), if this latest patent application is any indication. The filing, first submitted in April of last year, describes a software-based method of determining carrier rankings, allowing owners to browse through a database of network-specific features, such as voice and data, to determine their best fit and sign-up for service. Ideally, this future iPhone set-up would come courtesy of a truly global phone, packing all the necessary radios and software to surf along the globe’s wireless frequencies sans extra SIM cards. Rumors of an open handset have been circling Cupertino for a bit, much to the dismay of operators who fear the move would diminish their function as the industry’s gatekeeper, shifting power to consumers. Certainly, Jobs and co. have a high hurdle to overcome if this purported world phone is to ever become a reality. In the meantime, why not just snag an unlocked device?

[Thanks, Neil]

Apple’s carrier ranking patent application hints at global iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DollyCam app lets you stabilize iPhone 4 videos, we go hands-on (video)


Apple’s iPhone 4 can serve as a great little camcorder when you’re in a bind, but it’s never been our go-to cam for video shoots. Not only is its small sensor not best suited for high-quality HD shooting, but the smartphone form factor can be awkward to hold, resulting in shakier than normal footage. A new app called DollyCam, which also supports iPad 2, helps soften the blow of the latter, letting you successfully stabilize videos — with a few drawbacks.

We took our iPhone 4 out to test a watermarked free version of the app in New York City, shooting a scene first with the phone’s native app, and then with DollyCam. It won’t replace a hardware solution like the Steadicam Smoothee, but it’s significantly cheaper and more convenient. The only major issues we noticed were related to softened sound capture of all things (pay close attention in the video past the break), and the fact that the app can’t process in real-time, so a minute-long video clip will need about five minutes to process. The app does crop your footage slightly, as can be expected. You’ll also need to remain in the app as it’s processing, though you can also stabilize videos later, after completing your shoot. Overall, it’s an acceptable solution, especially considering the $2.99 price tag. Jump past the break to see original and stabilized clips, and browse through the gallery below for a quick look at the interface.

[Thanks, Jon]

Continue reading DollyCam app lets you stabilize iPhone 4 videos, we go hands-on (video)

DollyCam app lets you stabilize iPhone 4 videos, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kingston Wi-Drive for iOS hits stores today, lets you create your own portable music server for $130


Services like Spotify, which had an anything but subtle launch last week, help solve the evergreen issue of limited local storage by streaming millions of tracks to your devices. But streaming services require cell reception to operate (unless you’ve elected to store music locally), and often carry monthly fees. We’ve spent a fair amount of time testing Kingston’s Wi-Drive, which lets you access music, videos, and other files from a handful of devices simultaneously over WiFi — assuming you’ve loaded that content to the portable media server’s 16GB ($130) or 32GB ($175) of built-in storage. The device worked well during our review process earlier this month, and now you can pick up one of your own at sites like Amazon and Newegg, or at Fry’s and J&R US retail outlets. The server is likely to be a better fit for families than individuals simply looking to boost their iOS device storage, due to both price and capacity limitations, but if you need to stream media to several devices at once during your next road trip, for example, then the Wi-Drive may be worth the investment.

Kingston Wi-Drive for iOS hits stores today, lets you create your own portable music server for $130 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leak: future iOS update to introduce Siri-based voice control

Leak: future iOS update to introduce Siri-based voice control

When Apple snatched up Siri back in April, we had to wonder exactly what Cupertino was planning for the voice controlled virtual assistant. The answer, according to a new leak, is unsurprisingly obvious: iOS integration. A screenshot leaked to 9to5Mac flaunts an “Assistant” feature presumably built into a firmware update. To back up the screenshot, the aforesaid site dove into the iOS SDK and uncovered code describing Siri-like use of the iPhone’s location, contact list, and song metadata. The code also outlined a “speaker” feature, opening a door for further Nuance integration in Apple products. Sound awesome? Sure it does, but keep it salty: 9to5’s source says the assistant feature only just went into testing, and may not be ready in time for Apple’s next big handset upgrade. Hit the source link to see the code and conjecture for yourself.

Leak: future iOS update to introduce Siri-based voice control originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fluorescent nanosensor tattoo monitors glucose under the iPhone’s glare

Unless you’re a True Blood diehard, the idea of bleeding yourself intentionally shouldn’t really seem all that appealing. So imagine how most diabetics feel when they’re forced to prick their fingers seven times a day in the name of health. Well, soon they might not have to thanks to a nanosensor tattoo and… an iPhone? Developed by Prof. Heather Clark and her Northeastern University team, this injection of subdermal nanoparticles combines “fluorescent dye, specialized sensor molecules…and a charge-neutralizing molecule” that attach to glucose, releasing ions and altering the tat’s glow in the process. The researchers had originally designed a “large boxlike” tattoo-reading device, but an apparent Apple fanboy on the team modded an iPhone case with LEDs and a filter lens to make the whole affair a bit more stylish. Next up for the team is, you guessed it, an app for that — although this one’ll focus on sodium.

Fluorescent nanosensor tattoo monitors glucose under the iPhone’s glare originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Textually.org  |  sourceTechnology Review, Northeastern University Clark Lab  | Email this | Comments

Apple actually not looking for additional iPad manufacturers, still BFFs with Foxconn?

Earlier this week, DigiTimes alleged that Apple was considering an additional manufacturer to produce the supposedly looming — but really more mythical — next generation iPad. Fast forward to now, and the Taiwanese publication reports that Cupertino has had a sudden change of heart. Foxconn — who is currently the sole producer of the slate — has reportedly convinced Apple to keep its manufacturing exclusive until the end of this calendar year. All isn’t lost for Foxconn’s competition though: the rumormonger suggests Pegatron still has a shot at a ten million production run for the next iPhone, and whatever iPad’s 2012 will bring. Unmentioned in the report, however, is whether enough salt exists in the world to cover the next round of claims, later this week.

Apple actually not looking for additional iPad manufacturers, still BFFs with Foxconn? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 06:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink BGR  |  sourceDigiTimes  | Email this | Comments