23
2012
Motorola shows three all-touch Android 4.0 phones in China, we see a possible Verizon model
It turns out that Motorola didn’t want to wait until the google deal closed — or, for that matter, an American launch — to undertake a significant revamp of its phone line. A quiet Chinese event last week is now known to have brought us three RAZR-derived, all-touch phones for the three carriers in the Asian country: the XT885 for China Unicom (pictured at left), XT889 for China Telecom (center) and MT887 for China Mobile (right). Other than the network types and pretty bits, you’re mostly looking at the same device, where the highlight is an official dip into android 4.0 waters that drops the physical navigation in favor of more Nexusish on-screen keys. Don’t expect a revolution in performance over last fall’s roster given that they still have 1.2GHz dual-core processors, eight-megapixel rear cameras and 4.3-inch, 540 x 960 displays. The trio arrives in China on June 2nd; Motorola is likely more worried about popping champagne than giving out US launch details right now, but earlier leaks give us a strong hunch that the MT887 could hit Verizon as the uncannily similar (if still very unofficial) Droid Fighter before too long.
23
2012
Motorola: “if Android 4.0 ICS isn’t better, we don’t want it”
This week the folks at Motorola are doing their best to let the world know that their android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update schedule is based not on their inability to upgrade their devices, but on how willing they are to do so. In a bit of a sting to those who purchased android devices with Motorola manufacturing over the past year or so, expecting the next android system upgrade as they did so, the manufacturer has sent out a message to users that if ICS wouldn’t “improve” their devices, they would not be updated. Have a peek at the full list below.
22
2012
Google-Motorola deal closing this week, layoffs imminent
google’s $12.5 billion deal to acquire Motorola Mobility is ready to close this week. The deal just passed through its last hurdle over the weekend, getting China’s regulatory approval and an 8-K form was filed by Motorola today, noting that the deal would close within the next two days. And although neither company has mentioned restructuring plans, there’s still concerns about potential layoffs.
22
2012
Motorola reinvents the TV interface with DreamGallery concept (video)
Motorola is demonstrating how it expects TVs of the future will work with its DreamGallery concept. Powered by the company’s Medios cloud-service, the display is designed to let you browse content as if it was the internet — with bookmarks, personalized recommendations and interactive search tools. Its designed to work across your TV, computer, tablet and smartphone, aggregating Cable, Internet TV and VOD under a single interface that sits behind pull-tabs around the picture. If you’re curious to see if this is easier to use than TiVo, head on past the break to catch your first glimpse.
21
2012
Open Android the price for China’s Motorola bid approval
google has secured Chinese approval to complete its acquisition of Motorola Mobility, the search giant has confirmed, though it was reportedly forced to commit to android openness to sway the decision. Chinese regulators had stood as the final hurdle for google to complete, with the two companies being given the green-light by both US and European authorities back in February. According to unconfirmed reports, however, China’s price for giving the deal its blessing was a renewed commitment by google to ensure android remained freely available for at least five years.
21
2012
China clears Google acquisition of Motorola, eliminates last barrier to Googorola bliss (update)
The final significant roadblock to google‘s buyout of Motorola has been cleared, as Chinese regulators have just given their rubber stamp. Their approval follows a few months after the simultaneous American and European clearances, and virtually all that’s left now is to formally close the deal and start integrating the two mobile giants. It might still come too late for the combined entity to present a united front at google I/O, but at least they won’t have any awkward glances at each other across the room. We’re just trying to decide on whether or not Googorola is the best pet name for the loving, $12.5 billion-dollar android union.
20
2012
Microsoft wins Motorola Android US import ban
Microsoft has won an ITC ruling that will force Motorola to either modify the software on its android phones, or face imports of handsets into the US being blocked. The victory, which saw Microsoft argue that Motorola had failed to properly license an ActiveSync related patent in its handsets, could still be struck down by President Obama within his review period, but if not will come into force in sixty days. Microsoft is hoping to pressure Motorola into joining the group of android licensees which pay them patent royalties for devices based on google’s open-source platform.
20
2012
ITC bans Motorola mobile devices for infringing Microsoft patent (updated: MMI responds)
At the end of last year, an Administrative Law Judge issued an initial ruling that Motorola’s mobile devices infringe a bit of Microsoft’s IP. Now, the Commission has affirmed that decision and issued an exclusion order to ban Moto’s offending devices from importation into the US. In case you weren’t aware, the four patent claims at issue generally cover technology for scheduling meetings over email using a mobile device. So, unless Motorola removes the feature, pays for a license or whips up a workaround Microsoft’s patent in short order, its inbound RAZRs, Droid 4s, Bionics and other offending handsets will be stuck in customs alongside HTC’s One X and EVO 4G LTE — that is, unless Obama steps in to save the day during the prescribed presidential review period. Microsoft, naturally, is quite pleased with this development and has issued a statement:
18
2012
RIM and Motorola submit revised nano-SIM design
Who knew there would be so much drama over something as simple as a new SIM card standard? apple, Nokia, RIM, and Motorola have all clashed over the issue, with RIM and Motorola saying they would find a compromise on the new design that would please all parties. That revised design was submitted last night, and The Verge has managed to take a look at the new proposal.
18
2012
RIM and Motorola modify nano-SIM proposal, hope to meet Apple halfway
It’s been a battle of epic proportions over a microscopic piece of plastic, but the warring sides appear to be working together to find a compromise. We’re referring to the fight between apple and a coalition formed by RIM, Motorola and Nokia as each group attempts to make their own nano-SIM design the ETSI standard. Neither entity has seemed willing to extend an olive branch and come up with any compromise — until recently. RIM and Motorola has updated their design proposal in an effort to reach middle ground with Cupertino, and it appears that they were more than accommodating in the chip’s refreshed look (seen above).
