Hasta La Gadget!

There are a variety of mapping apps available in Apple’s iTunes App Store, although by default Apple Maps are installed. However due to the snafu of the initial launch of Apple Maps, Google came to the rescue with an old favorite with Google Maps, but at the same time we figure that there are those who might still prefer alternatives, such as Bing, or maybe even Nokia’s HERE Maps. Unfortunately for fans of the latter, Nokia has since pulled their HERE Maps from the iTunes App Store, claiming that the changes made in iOS 7 would harm the user experience of the app.

According to a statement made by Nokia, “We have made the decision to remove our HERE Maps app from the Apple App Store because recent changes to iOS 7 harm the user experience. iPhone users can continue to use the mobile web version of HERE Maps under m.here.com., offering them core location needs, such as search, routing, orientation, transit information and more, all completely free of charge.” If you’re wondering if this has anything to do with the Microsoft-Nokia deal, you might be mistaken as the HERE Maps division will remain with Nokia after the acquisition goes through.

So, anyone else bummed out by HERE Maps being removed from the iTunes App Store?

Nokia Pulls HERE Maps From iTunes App Store original content from Ubergizmo.

Earlier this year Microsoft announced that it will acquire Nokia’s devices and services division for $7.17 billion, pending shareholder and regulatory approval. Nokia’s shareholders voted overwhelmingly in support for this deal, and major regulatory bodies like the E.U. commission and the U.S. Department of Justice all gave their blessing as well. However, China’s Ministry of Commerce launched a probe into the deal and it appears that the authorities aren’t done yet. Rumor has it that another probe into this deal has been launched, fueled by concerns voiced by local manufacturers in the country.

The emphasis of this probe is said to be on antitrust. Local vendors are reportedly concerned that if Nokia turns into a “patent troll,” things could get quite difficult for them. However, it should be kept in mind that Nokia is holding on to its patents, it will license them to Microsoft despite having sold Redmond its hardware division. So that doesn’t mean that Microsoft and Nokia will have a combined patent portfolio, which appears to be the concern that has reportedly started the second probe. Whatever the result maybe, its not like it would completely cripple the Microsoft-Nokia deal, but it could end up complicating matters for both companies in China. It should be noted that Windows Phone doesn’t have that much penetration in the Chinese smartphone market, its market share is under five percent.

China Reportedly Launches Second Probe Into Microsoft-Nokia Deal original content from Ubergizmo.

Despite the fact that Nokia unveiled a handful of new devices at its major event in October, the company is believed to be working on multiple devices right now that are expected to be released prior to the close of its deal with Microsoft. Purported code names of these devices were first leaked back in November, that’s when we heard that there might be a dual-SIM Nokia smartphone code named Moneypenny. An alleged screenshot of this device has been leaked which hints at a couple of features that it might tout.

Moneypenny has previously been rumored to be a dual-SIM device. The screenshot clearly shows two signal strength indicators which reveal that 3G radio is housed inside the device. On the home screen there are multiple tiles for the phone and messaging apps, presumably for each SIM, though that might make things a bit confusing for users. Judging by the homescreen’s layout, it appears that the Moneypenny will ship with Windows Phone 8.1 pre-installed. Also evident in the screenshot are virtual Windows, search and back keys that have previously been physically built onto the device itself. Rumor has it that Windows Phone 8.1 will replace capacitive buttons with virtual ones. The leaked screenshot comes from @evleaks, who has been known to be right about these things.

Nokia Moneypenny Screenshot Hints At 3G Dual-SIM Support And Windows Phone 8.1 original content from Ubergizmo.

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The Microsoft-Nokia deal is well on its way and pretty much most regulatory bodies around the world have given it their blessing, along with Nokia’s shareholders as well, but it seems that there are still some who are a tad cautious about said deal, possibly over fears of monopolization, and over in China it looks as though they are exercising a great deal of caution over the approval of the deal. According to a report from Beijing-based newspaper, The Economic Observer, they are claiming that China’s Ministry of Commerce has yet to give the deal their blessing due to concerns from local vendors, such as ZTE, Lenovo, and Xiaomi who fear that this deal could mean higher royalty rates.

It seems that previously, Nokia had been pretty easy going regarding patent protection in China, and only a few vendors were charged patent fees for use of Nokia’s patents, but now with the deal, local vendors are worried that Microsoft/Nokia would use their power to hike up the prices. The Economic Observer even notes that it is possible that Nokia could generate an additional $1.1 billion in patent income from the Chinese market alone come 2014. We’re not sure what Nokia could do to appease the Chinese government, but for now this is one hurdle Microsoft and Nokia need to overcome for the deal to go through.

Microsoft-Nokia Deal Still Facing Review In China Over Local Vendors’ Concerns original content from Ubergizmo.