Wireless Federation

Ericsson seeks to increase revenues through patents (Sweden)

On 11.10.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Sweden based Ericsson, the world’s leading mobile telecommunications equipment vendor, is reportedly planning to increase revenues from its 27,000 patents as devices from toys to energy meters get wireless access, as said by CEO, Hans Vestberg.

According to reports, Vestberg claims that by 2015 two thirds of all consumer electronics devices will have some sort of connectivity and any company or manufacturer that wants to get in there will require an agreement with Ericsson. The firm currently has the industry’s largest portfolio of wireless communication patents and believes that increased revenue from rights would help smooth out fluctuations in network orders.

As per sources, Vestberg has said that the intellectual property covers basically everything in the telecom industry, including the world’s largest collection of WiFi patents. Sources reveal that revenue from patents went up from $ 368 in 2006 to $847 in 2010. Vestberg also said that if they are going to get 50 billion connected devices in 2020 it’s not only going to be handsets. He added that it is not going to be practical for them to make bilateral negotiations with all the manufacturers, and that they need new business models and need to work in groups.

Vestberg claims that the connected devices may include shipping containers that transmit their position and interior temperature, as well as appliances that are hooked into a network. He also revealed Ericsson’s plans to get royalties from intellectual property in areas it hasn’t monetized before, such as Web search and optical transmissions.

As per sources, Ericsson had entered into a transaction along with other companies such as Apple, Microsoft and Sony in July to buy 6,000 patents from Nortel Networks Corp for $ 4.5 billion. Vestberg reportedly said that this transaction was important for Ericsson as it didn’t have a deal covering those patents.

According to reports, industry analysts have valued Ericsson’s patents at $ 15.5 billion, on the basis of Google’s agreement to buy Motorola Mobility Holdings for $ 12.5 billion. Vestberg has said that the company has more than 90 licensing deals for its core technologies with handset companies and infrastructure producers. He added that they are not looking to sell patents but to receive recurrent revenue.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple • Ericsson • Hans Vestberg • Microsoft • Motorola • Patents • Sony • Sweden

Adobe share price drops with announcement of 750 job cuts (USA)

On 11.10.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Adobe Systems Inc., an American based computer software company, has announced 750 job cuts in order to discontinue its flash technology for mobile devices and focus on programs for digital publishing and advertising.

The job cuts taking place largely in North America and Europe, accounting for more than 7 percent of the company’s workforce, are expected to cost $87 million to $94 million before taxes. According to reports, the graphic design software maker has been facing tough competition from Apple and Microsoft, and is planning to shift its focus towards the HTML5 programming language and software for cloud computing, delivered over the Web.

As per sources, Shantanu Narayen, CEO, Adobe has hinted at plans to release a tablet-computer software with aggressive subscription plans in order to attract new customers, claiming that Adobe’s software-as-a- service business may reach $1 billion over time.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Adobe • Apple • flash technology • HTML5 • Microsoft • Shantanu Narayen

Huawei in discussions with Microsoft regarding Android software (China, USA)

On 11.09.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Chinese based Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, is reportedly talking to Microsoft for use of its Android software. According to reports, Microsoft has claimed that Google’s Android operating system has violated its intellectual property rights and has already convinced mobile phone makers such as Samsung and HTC among others, to pay patent royalty fees.

As per sources, Victor Xu, CMO, Huawei has said that the discussions with Microsoft are in progress. Further, he also hinted that the firm my open up a new design centre in London and has picked UK as the launch site for the launch of its smartphones and tablet computers. Reports suggest that the firm is looking to expand into other markets such as US, Japan and India in the coming year, followed by other regions in 2013. Mr. Xu reportedly said that they have established very aggressive targets in the market, and are aiming to be among the top five smartphones over the next three years.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Android • Google • Huawei • India • Japan • Microsoft • Patent

Nokia plans marketing blitz for the Lumia 800 (Finland)

On 10.31.11, In Mobile, By Editor

The Nokia Lumia 800, based on Microsoft’s new Windows Phone 7.5 operating system (Mango), is being considered as the best Windows phone yet. Reports suggest Nokia has taken extra care while designing this handset, offering customers a worthy substitute for an iPhone or an android.

According to reports, Nokia has taken care that the polycarbonate shells for phones have been dyed instead of simply being sprayed over, so as to maintain the colour of the phone even if it is scratched. The phone has been designed in such a way that the sides of the device are curved while the top and bottom of the phone is flat. The phone enables users to experience vibrant colours through its version of the Super AMOLED Plus screen. Also, the camera is the same as in Nokia’s N9 handset, providing users with great results. Further, as per sources, on the software side, Microsoft has offered its users a new feature enabling them to pin certain functions of an application to their handset’s home screen. Priced at $590, the device is expected to be available in Europe by next month.

As per sources, Stephen Elop, CEO, Nokia said that he managed to beat expectations by delivering the first Windows smartphone before Christmas. However, he added that winning over customers will require a marketing blitz. He has reportedly claimed that the amount spent on marketing the Lumia series will be triple as compared to the previous product launches. Sources also suggest that Nokia has tied up with some of the biggest phone companies including Vodafone Group PLC, in an attempt to bring back customers who have shifted their allegiance towards the iPhone and Android based devices. Further, Nokia plans to make use of Windows distinctive interface which comes with big, colourful tiles as compared to the smaller icons offered by Apple and Android.

However, Industry analysts state that even with a technically good phone and enhanced marketing strategies, Nokia may need to wait a while for Apple loyalists and Android users to switch to a Windows phone.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Android • Apple • mango • Microsoft • Nokia • Stephen Elop • Vodafone • windows

Samsung to pay Microsoft royalties on Android devices (Korea, USA)

On 10.13.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Korean handset manufacturer, Samsung has accepted to pay Microsoft royalties for every Android based smartphone and tablet sold. Microsoft had accused Google’s Android of violating its patents. However, Google has responded saying that they remain focused on building new technology and supporting Android partners.

As per reports, Microsoft has said that under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will receive royalties for Samsung’s mobile phones and tablets running on the Android mobile platform. In addition, the companies agreed to cooperate in the development and marketing of Windows Phone. Andy Lees, President, Microsoft’s Windows Phone division said that Microsoft and Samsung see the opportunity for dramatic growth in Windows Phone and are investing to make that a reality.

According to reports, Dr. Won-Pyo Hong, Executive Vice President of Global product Strategy at Samsung’s mobile communication division has said that through the cross-licensing of their respective patent portfolios, Samsung and Microsoft can continue to bring the latest innovations to the mobile industry. Ha added that they were pleased to build upon their long history of working together to open a new chapter of collaboration beginning with their Windows Phone ‘Mango’ launch this fall.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Android • Google • Korea • Microsoft • Samsung • USA

Microsoft to add NFC to Windows phone software (US)

On 03.30.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Microsoft is reportedly working on a version of its Windows Phone software that will enable users to purchase merchandise directly from their handset at a checkout counter via NFC technology.

According to reports, Microsoft intends to include mobile-payment technology in new versions of its OS for smartphones in an effort to narrow Google’s lead in handset software. The first devices featuring these capabilities are scheduled for release this year.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Microsoft • Mobile • NFC • U.S • Windows Phone software

Telefonica, Microsoft launch BlueVia SDK for .NET (Spain)

On 03.29.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Telefonica in cooperation with Microsoft Corp. will produce applications for products including personal computers, television and mobile phones through Telefonica’s new BlueVia developer platform.

According to companies’ joint statement, the alliance aims to combine the telecommunications capacities of Europe’s second-largest phone company with Microsoft’s expertise in web development and its open cloud platform.

The BlueVia software development kit offers developer tools including Microsoft’s .Net Framework, Silverlight and Visual Studio 2010. It also includes Windows Azure, which allows users to create Internet-scale applications without requiring developers to make an initial investment for infrastructure.

According to Vivek Dev, Director of global new services at Telefonica, their partnership with Microsoft will accelerate BlueVia’s reach and extend their presence beyond mobile into PC, TV and gaming platforms. Combining their assets will create applications that bring valuable entertainment and productivity to 280 million Telefonica customers worldwide.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: .NET • .Net Framework • BlueVia SDK • Europe • Microsoft • open cloud platform • operator • Silverlight • Spain • Telefonica • Visual Studio 2010

Microsoft files lawsuit against Barnes & Noble

On 03.23.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Microsoft has filed a lawsuit against the Barnes & Noble over the company’s Android based e-book reader, claiming that it infringes Microsoft patents. The company is also naming Foxconn and Inventec, who manufacture the Nook reader for the retailer.

According to Microsoft, the patents at issue covers a range of functionality embodied in Android devices that are essential to the user experience, including natural ways of interacting with devices by tabbing through various screens to find the information they need, surfing the Web more quickly and interacting with documents and e-books.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Android • Barnes and Noble • e-book reader • Foxconn • Inventec • Lawsuit • Microsoft • Mobile • Nook reader

Apple sues Amazon over â€˜APP STORE’ trademark (US)

On 03.22.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Apple has filed a lawsuit against Amazon.com over its use of the phrase ‘app store’, accusing the online retailer of trademark infringement.

Apple has filed a complaint in federal court for the Northern District of California asking the court for a ban on Amazon from using the name as well as unspecified damages.

According to Apple, consumers could be confused whether Amazon’s mobile software download service is sponsored or approved by Apple. Apple registered for a trademark on the term App Store in July 2008.

As per the court filing, Amazon began using the phrase in around January of this year to refer to its own mobile app storefront. Amazon, however, cites it as ‘Appstore’, with no space and a lower case ‘s’. Although Apple’s trademark was approved by authorities, it is also being challenged by Microsoft and is currently subject to proceedings before an Appeals board of the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Amazon • App Store • Apple • California • Microsoft • Mobile • Northern District • trademark infringement • U.S • US Patent and Trademark Office

Nokia already working on first Microsoft based smartphone

On 03.21.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Nokia’s CEO, Stephen Elop has stated that the company has already started work on the company’s first Windows Phone 7 based smartphone, just a few weeks after the company announced its shift from Symbian to the WP7 operating system. Although the company aims to deliver a handset by the end of this year, the first sales are still not expected until next year.

Elop squashed rumors that Microsoft could launch a takeover bid for the company. He stated that he is not aware of a strategic interest that Microsoft would have in the rest of the business. To the extent that a partnership has been formed around what they’re really interested in, then what would an acquisition bring other than a good year of anti-trust investigation, huge turmoil and delays.

He also dismissed rumors of a further shake-up of the senior management team following the recent reshuffling of the directors.

As recently noted, the final terms of the Microsoft-Nokia alliance are still being sorted out, but Elop stated that he expects the final deal to be signed within the next couple of months.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: CEO • Microsoft • Mobile • Nokia • smartphone • Stephen Elop • Symbian • Windows phone 7 • Windows Phone 7 based smartphone • WP7 OS