Nexus Prime Launch Delayed!

Nexus Prime http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Google and Samsung have jointly announced that the launch of Nexus Prime has been delayed. The Verizon exclusive phone was to be launched at CITA next week. According to stuff.tv;
"We agree that it is just not the right time to announce a new product. New date and venue will be shortly announced."
Perhaps, mobile phone announcement during the time when everyone is talking about Steve Jobs might not be a good idea.
But you can watch the Nexus Prime Hands On video from Mobilissimo.ro for now.

The phone, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus Prime carries very attractive specs;

• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• 9mm thin
• 4.65-inch 1280 x 720-pixel Super AMOLED HD with curved glass
• TI OMAP 4460 dual-core Cortex A9 processor clocked at 1.2GHz
• 1GB of RAM
• 32GB of built-in storage
• 5-megapixel camera on the back, 1.3-megapixel in the front
• 1080p HD video capture support
• LTE/HSPA depending on carrier
• Wi-Fi a/b/g/n
• NFC
• 1,750 mAh battery

Via stuff.tv

Microsoft and Samsung Gets In To A Smartphone Patent Bind. Samsung Pays.

Well, this is some news to wake up to. Samsung has entered in to an agreement with Microsoft regarding Android and windows phones. Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will receive royalties for Samsung’s mobile phones and tablets running the Android mobile platform and yes, Android Patents are pretty hard to come by. they will also be developing and marketing windows phone.

“Through the cross-licensing of our respective patent portfolios, Samsung and Microsoft can continue to bring the latest innovations to the mobile industry, We are pleased to build upon our long history of working together to open a new chapter of collaboration beginning with our Windows Phone “Mango” launch this fall.” ” said Dr. Won-Pyo Hong, executive vice president of global product strategy at Samsung’s mobile communication division.

Man what happened to the Android protection from Google Motorola deal? Looks like everyone in Android Arena, running for their own cover.
Geemodo: Samsung Buys Android Protection From Microsoft!

Happy Birthday Google!

Google 13th Birthday http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Many Happy returns of the day Google! Hope you'd not be a typical teenager and not answer any of our queries!

Why Would Google Pay $12.5 Billion For Motorola Mobility? Four Possibilities!

Why Will Google Pay $12.5 Billion For Motorola Mobile? Four Possibilities! http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
We all were surprised when we heard that Google is willing to pay $12.5 Billion for Motorola Mobility (MMI) to get the company and it's assets into Google's (GOOG) fold. No one really know the answer yet but FOSS Patents have brought together four possible scenarios;

1. MMI would have taken a royalty-bearing patent license from Microsoft (MSFT), and possibly also settled with Apple (AAPL).
2. MMI would have revisited its exclusive focus on Android and possibly adopted Windows Phone.
3. MMI would have attacked other Android device makers with its patents to make their products more expensive.
4. MMI would have conducted a public or private auction of the entire company or large parts of its patent portfolio.

To fathom the reasons behind the thinking, please visit FOSS Patents and read Post "These four threats against Android secured Motorola Mobility a $12.5 billion offer from Google"

LodSys Targets More Android Developers, Adds A BlackBerry Developer As Well.

LodSys targets more Android Developers, http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/

Likes of LodSys, known as NPE, non practicing entity or more commonly as a patent troll has sent out more notices to Android developers and this time have added a BlackBerry developer as well. Perhaps they thought with all the trouble RIM is in, they might not jump in like Apple and Google did to defend their developers. Even Novel went against LodSys.

But even the Google's invalidation request or Lodsys patent reexamination request and Apple's intervention on bealf of it's developers against LodSys are yet to bring any results. To be fair, Apple has done more for it's developers than Google. We have not come across any such information, if Google answered any of the developers questions regarding LodSys letters.

But there are people who want to help, EFF, Electronic Frontier Foundation is going to hold a LodSysed BootCamp, to explain to all those developers, how deep the waters they are in and how not to drawn.

Patent Trolls suck but one need to follow the law! We are thinking of instead of developing apps, go patent some stupid things and sue everyone or sell those patents!

Read more about the letters at FOSS Patents who says that he is going to write less about troll like LodSys and concentrate on how big boys play!

LodSys Targets More Android Developers, Adds A BlackBerry Developer As Well.

LodSys targets more Android Developers, http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/

Likes of LodSys, known as NPE, non practicing entity or more commonly as a patent troll has sent out more notices to Android developers and this time have added a BlackBerry developer as well. Perhaps they thought with all the trouble RIM is in, they might not jump in like Apple and Google did to defend their developers. Even Novel went against LodSys.

But even the Google's invalidation request or Lodsys patent reexamination request and Apple's intervention on bealf of it's developers against LodSys are yet to bring any results. To be fair, Apple has done more for it's developers than Google. We have not come across any such information, if Google answered any of the developers questions regarding LodSys letters.

But there are people who want to help, EFF, Electronic Frontier Foundation is going to hold a LodSysed BootCamp, to explain to all those developers, how deep the waters they are in and how not to drawn.

Patent Trolls suck but one need to follow the law! We are thinking of instead of developing apps, go patent some stupid things and sue everyone or sell those patents!

Read more about the letters at FOSS Patents who says that he is going to write less about troll like LodSys and concentrate on how big boys play!

Motorola - Microsoft Patent Case Before ITC Today!

http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/



Microsoft’s patent case against Motorola Mobility began today in front of the International Trade Commission in Washington and according to media reports, the battle is set to get ugly,



Microsoft is accusing Motorola Mobility of infringing seven of Microsoft patents, is demanding an injunction from the ITC to stop some Motorola’s phones from being imported into USA. “Microsoft is one of the world’s most innovative companies and we have a responsibility to our employees, customers, partners and shareholders to safeguard our intellectual property, Motorola is infringing our patents and we are confident that the ITC will rule in our favor." said ” David Howard, deputy general counsel for litigation at Microsoft, in a statement to AllThingsD.



Motorola and the new intended suitor, Google will not be happy if ITC to that. Google offered 12.5 Billion to Motorola Mobile and was intending to protect Android OS and Android based phones from bullies in arms like Microsoft, Apple and RIM.

Motorola sees sagging Microsoft's attack as it's new business strategy and promises to do everything to to protect Motorola Mobility and how;



“We are vigorously defending ourselves against Microsoft’s patent attack business strategy, We have also brought legal actions of our own in the U.S. and in Europe to address Microsoft’s large scale of infringement of Motorola Mobility’s patents.” ” Motorola said in a statement.



For all it's goodness and Microsoft's need to make it's lawyers rich, it looks like will end up in a licensing deal, so Microsoft can continue to make those not so popular windows Phones.



allthingsD

CSSI (Computer Science Summer Institute) Fast-tracking CS Young Talent

Sometimes I wish these facilities were available to us when we were about to enter the Universities as it might have changed the course of our lives, at least the courses we took at the college!.

Google's Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) encourages Computer Science to incoming Freshmen. Last year it managed to steer 24 out of 29 towards selecting Computer Science as their major.

With success Google decided to increase the numbers of students it involve in the process. Google usually invite 30 young developer to the Googleplex for three weeks of intensive course in Programming in a wide range withing the field;

"We wanted to equip students with a comprehensive toolset to tackle the world of web and mobile applications. In the first two weeks of the program we introduced students to App Inventor for Android, HTML, CSS, Javascript, Python, Django and App Engine. That sounds like a lot, and it is, but the students far surpassed our expectations and demanded more. In the final week of the program, they built some spectacular web applications, inspiring us with their passion and their enthusiasm for experimentation. They wrote online games, embedded Google Calendar's self-scheduler onto their websites and built blogging services. Some even began exploring the nitty-gritty details of computer graphics. Every one of our 56 students had the satisfaction of developing a publicly-available service on the web, hosted on Google’s servers. "

So if you are a freshman / Freshwoman considering Computer Science, this might be a good thing to try. At leaset it will introduce you to the world of Google within Google itself.



Official Google Blog: Fast-tracking young web developers at CSSI

Google Asks USPTO To Reexamine Lodsys Patents

Google Asks To Reexamine Lodsys Patents http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/

Some how I missed this report by Wired about Google reacting to Lodsys' litigation against App developers. Google have requested USPTO for reexamination of two of Lodsys's four patents: the '078 patent and the '565 patent, both of which were used in litigation against app developers.

But again, FOSS Patents tells us that this request by itself might not be enough unless Google supplements it with more useful and forceful measures. With our limited law knowledge we do not know what those measures are (you can follow and read those articles to understand better) but we applaud the Google's move. Those app developers do not have the means to continue in such quests.

Apple is also actively engaged in these litigious cases by Lodsys to support developers.

Hopefully this will get a stay on the lawsuits (FOSS patents think this is hard because Eastern Texas courts where Lodsys filled the cases has a habit of only staying 20% of the law suits) but I guess 20% is better than none. EFF has also sounded on the issue;

“Reexaminations are often times a tool used to stay ongoing litigation, It’s much, much cheaper than federal litigation, which on average costs between two and five million dollars.” ” said Julie Samuels, staff attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a non-profit digital rights advocacy group.

Wired via FOSS Patents

Hey Apple And The Rest, “Android Will Stay Open” And Alive :) Motorola Mobility In Google's Hands!

Android Will Stay Open http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/

I guess Android community must be a bit at ease now that Google(GOOG) has some Mobile muscle behind it to defend and protect Android. Google co-founder and CEO Larry Page wrote a blog post that Google has acquired Motorola Mobility(MMI) not only because of its strength in Android smartphones and devices but it's leadership in "the home devices and video solutions business.”

He is referring to millions of cable modems that is sitting in millions of houses. The Motorola alliance might help Google to get Google TV, into the cable provider domain. Motorola Mobility seperated from Big Motorola and formally launched the new company in January 2011

But the news that will tickle Steve Jobs is that patents Motorola Mobility holds.portfolio of 17,000 patents and another 7,000 patents pending globally should those patent bullies at bay. Good work Google, Motorola! Because I wand my Android phone, not any of the the hyped up phones by Mobile Mafia.



Press Release;

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. & LIBERTYVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) and Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Google will acquire Motorola Mobility for $40.00 per share in cash, or a total of about $12.5 billion, a premium of 63% to the closing price of Motorola Mobility shares on Friday, August 12, 2011. The transaction was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.

The acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a dedicated Android partner, will enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing. Motorola Mobility will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business.

Larry Page, CEO of Google, said, “Motorola Mobility’s total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies. Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers. I look forward to welcoming Motorolans to our family of Googlers.”

Sanjay Jha, CEO of Motorola Mobility, said, “This transaction offers significant value for Motorola Mobility’s stockholders and provides compelling new opportunities for our employees, customers, and partners around the world. We have shared a productive partnership with Google to advance the Android platform, and now through this combination we will be able to do even more to innovate and deliver outstanding mobility solutions across our mobile devices and home businesses.”

Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President of Mobile at Google, said, “We expect that this combination will enable us to break new ground for the Android ecosystem. However, our vision for Android is unchanged and Google remains firmly committed to Android as an open platform and a vibrant open source community. We will continue to work with all of our valued Android partners to develop and distribute innovative Android-powered devices.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in the US, the European Union and other jurisdictions, and the approval of Motorola Mobility’s stockholders. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2011 or early 2012.

Webcast Information

Google and Motorola Mobility will hold a conference call with financial analysts to discuss this announcement today at 8:30am ET. The toll-free dial-in number for the call is 877-616-4476 (conference ID: 92149124). The call will also be webcast live at http://investor.shareholder.com/media/eventdetail.cfm?eventid=101369&CompanyID=ABEA-3VZHGF&e=1&mediaKey=A21887C59EBAAC12F1BCF4D43C080953. The webcast version of the conference call will be available through the same link following the conference call.

About Google Inc.

Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.

About Motorola Mobility

Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people's lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, visit motorola.com/mobility.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as Google, Motorola or management of either company “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “foresees,” “forecasts,” “estimates” or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the proposed transaction, including its financial impact, and other statements of management’s beliefs, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. It is uncertain whether any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on the results of operations and financial condition of the combined companies or the price of Google or Motorola stock. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the ability of the parties to consummate the proposed transaction and the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to consummation of the proposed transaction, including the ability to secure regulatory approvals at all or in a timely manner; the ability of Google to successfully integrate Motorola’s operations, product lines and technology; the ability of Google to implement its plans, forecasts and other expectations with respect to Motorola’s business after the completion of the transaction and realize additional opportunities for growth and innovation; and the other risks and important factors contained and identified in Google’s and Motorola's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), such as their respective Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. Neither Google nor Motorola undertakes any obligation to update the forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

Motorola intends to file with the SEC a proxy statement in connection with the proposed transaction with Google. The definitive proxy statement will be sent or given to the stockholders of Motorola and will contain important information about the proposed transaction and related matters. SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT CAREFULLY WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE. The proxy statement and other relevant materials (when they become available), and any other documents filed by Motorola with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website, at www.sec.gov. In addition, security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement from Motorola by contacting Investor Relations by mail at Attn: Investor Relations, 600 North U.S. Highway 45, Libertyville, IL 60048.

Participants in the Solicitation

Motorola and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Motorola stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about Motorola’s directors and executive officers is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 15, 2011, and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed on February 18, 2011. These documents are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and by mail at Attention: Investor Relations, 600 North U.S. Highway 45, Libertyville, IL 60048, or by going to Motorola’s Investor Relations page on its corporate website at http://investors.motorola.com. Additional information regarding the interests of participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the transaction will be included in the proxy statement that Motorola intends to file with the SEC.

Contacts

For Google:

Investors:

ir-core@google.com

or

Media:

press@google.com

or

For Motorola:

Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc.

Investors:

Dean Lindroth, +1 (847) 523-2858

dean.lindroth@motorola.com

or

Media:

Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc.

Jennifer Erickson, +1 (847) 772-1217

jennifer.erickson@motorola.com

Motorola To Collect IP Tax From Other Android Makers?

Motorola To Collect IP Tax http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/

Now the Android world is going totally mad. Google what you say? Add $50 to Android Phone Cost of Manufacturing with all these taxes? Get your partners together!



"Motorola, who has long been one of Google’s key Android partners, happens to have a pretty massive patent portfolio. You’d think that would work in Google’s favor, since at least one of its major partners can hold its own against the likes of Apple and Microsoft. Yeah, not so much. Motorola has actually hinted, and subsequently more-than-hinted, that it may “potentially collect royalties” with its patent trove, rather than just defend itself, reports Unwired View. "



Unwired View Via Techcrunch

Improved Google Search With Tablets!

Google on Tablets http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/

As a part of Google's on going efforts to maximize the user experience in it's search portal, tablets are getting a better experience when visiting Google now.

Tablet users will now find an improved interface, a simplified but improved to support touch. The search results page contents, text, buttons and other touch targets have been enlarged so that touch could be focused easily.

These improvements provide tablet users a comfortable and faster experince, when visiting Google.com, either in landscape or portrait mode.

Once a search is conducted, buttons below the search box will further provide ability to compartmentalize the results in to either images, videos, shopping etc. Large buttons will receive your taps easily and take you to your destination.

Experience the new enhancements by just visiting your home page :) www.google.com.

PS above image is on a Motorola Xoom, but it looks even better on my EEE Pad Transformer!

New Google Search experience for tablets - Official Google Mobile Blog

Nortel Patents Goes To A Consortium, Google Dissapointed!

Nortel Patents Auction http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Looks like there is no end to patent news today and here is another. Last night, Nortel picked a winner for their 6000 patents, it is a consortium of players who stand to benefit from the patents not going to Google. Google was expecting to win the portfolio.
The consortium consists of Apple, RIM, Microsoft, Sony, and others, and they must really be happy to have spent %4.5 billion.
They will have to wait for the courts to clear the purchase and Apple and Microsoft in the mix will ensure a lengthy review.
Of course Google is disappointed and rightly so. Google initiated to bidding for Nortel patents early on and was met with objections from, most members of the consortium.

“This outcome is disappointing for anyone who believes that open innovation benefits users and promotes creativity and competition. We will keep working to reduce the current flood of patent litigation that hurts both innovators and consumers,” Kent Walker, Google’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel said in a statement.

Acer And Samsung ChromeBooks Are Available For Pre-Order.

Chromium OS and Chromebook In The Mainstream http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Google announced today that the new ChromeBooks, are available to pre-order from Amazon and Bestbuy.The Acer and Samsung models are basically the same but they do differ in some aspects, as you can see from the specifications below.
Chromebooks are designed to increase productivity by eliminating the long and what we take for granted, the boot time and application availability. Once you open the lid of a Chromebook, it will be ready in just 8 seconds and connected to the world via, either 3G or WiFi. The Chromium OS will be updated automatically and as needed without needing user intervention.
Pricing range form $380 to $500 depending on the features, mainly 3G or WiFi.
I am still playing with the original Chromebook and have been quite happy with it.
You can learn about the Chromebooks and the underlying technology and more at Chrome site.

ACER Chromia

• 11.6" HD Widescreen CineCrystal^TM LED-backlit LCD
• 3.19 lbs | 1.45 kg
• 6 hours of continuous usage ¹
• Intel® Atom^TM Dual-Core Processor
• Built in dual-band Wi-Fi and World-mode 3G (optional)
• HD Webcam
• High-Definition Audio Support
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• 4-in-1 memory card slot
• HDMI port
• Fullsize Chrome keyboard
• Oversize fully-clickable trackpad

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook

• 12.1" (1280x800) 300 nit Display
• 3.26 lbs / 1.48 kg
• 8.5 hours of continuous usage ¹
• Intel® Atom^TM Dual-Core Processor
• Built in dual-band Wi-Fi and World-mode 3G (optional)
• HD Webcam
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• 4-in-1 memory card slot
• Mini-VGA port
• Fullsize Chrome keyboard
• Oversize fully-clickable trackpad

iPhone Passes Blackberry In Smarphone Marketshare, But Android Is Still Way Ahead Of Both Of Them

Smarphone Marketshare http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Comscore has released the latest report on US Smartphone Market share and Android (36.4%) is way ahead of second in line iPhone (26%). But iPhone has surpassed the Blackberry (25.7%) in terms of  active user base. I guess the rise of the Android is still strong.
As Platforms only Android and iOS gained in the last quarter, but 5.7% growth of Android base well exceeded that of iOS giving Google more than 10.4% lead over Apple. 

On the hardware front, Samsung LG and Motorola lead the bunch and fourth place Apple (8.3%) is way behind the third place Motorola (15.6%) and has a way to go. RIM is 0.1 percent behind Apple.
Comscore

Of 234 million Americans ages 13 and older who used mobile devices, Comscore found, 74.6 million . owned smartphones, at the end of April,  up 13% from the three-month period ending in January 2011.

Modu Patent Portfolio In Googles Hands Foe $4.9 Million.

Modu Patent Portfolio  http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Google have received permission to purchase the patent portfolio of now defunct, Modu, a modular Cellular phone company.The Israeli company came forward in 2008 with miniscule phone that could fit into different sleeves and perform different tasks.
But there were no carriers to support the phone like other industry leading cell phone. Modu produced a bunch of small cell phones and even prepared for an IPO. Instead, Modu was forced to close the doors. May be we will see some modular Android phone or the likes of it.
Via BGR

Did Google And Amazon Help Apple To Get On Music Cloud Sooner?

Apple  Music Cloud http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
After signing up with Warner Music earlier and now that Apple got EMI music (via CNET) on it's side, looks like the cloud streaming business is totally on it's side. You might wonder what about the other two big players in the music field? Sony and Universal?? yes they too seem to be on the way to sign on with Apple according to the same source.
Even though Apple has not announced about it's cloud streaming service, it has been at it for a while, discussing deals with the likes of Warner, EMI, Sony and Universal. According to CNET, all might be in Apple's bag, whether they want or not. Perhaps, the services from Google and Amazon may have accelerated these music labels jumping in with Apple that they do not like very much.
The license free or license less service from Google and Amazon has been announced without support from Music labels, in fact that have been crying foul all along. Now that Apple has Music labels on it's side will be able to offer much more services and enhancements than Google and Amazon could. So we might hear a different tune from Apple at this year's WWDC in June.
read more at CNET

Google Goes After About 6000 Nortel Patents To Protect Android And Chrome

http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
In an attempt to ward of or have means to negotiate, Google has entered in to a "stalking horse asset sale agreement"with Nortel to buy nearly 6000 patents and patent applications spanning wireless, wireless 4G, data networking, optical, voice, internet, service provider, semiconductors and other patent portfolios. According to news sources, Google will uses these patents to protect itself, partners and Open Source Developers working on projects such as Chrome and Android.
Google announced that;

"But as things stand today, one of a company’s best defenses against this kind of litigation is (ironically) to have a formidable patent portfolio, as this helps maintain your freedom to develop new products and services. Google is a relatively young company, and although we have a growing number of patents, many of our competitors have larger portfolios given their longer histories." 

in a blog post today. (Link to the post at the end of article). I am for a better patent reform and to deter these in it for patent business.
Google was hit with as much as 38 patent lawsuits recently. Some even target developers for Android and Apple iOS System. Way to Go Google.!

Here is the relevent Nortel Press release;

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 4, 2011) - Nortel(1) Networks Corporation (OTCBB:NRTLQ) announced today that it, its principal operating subsidiary Nortel Networks Limited (NNL) and certain of its other subsidiaries, including Nortel Networks Inc. and Nortel Networks UK Limited (in administration), have entered into a stalking horse asset sale agreement with Google Inc. for the sale of all of Nortel's remaining patents and patent applications for a cash purchase price of US$900 million.
The agreement includes the planned sale of approximately 6,000 patents and patent applications spanning wireless, wireless 4G, data networking, optical, voice, internet, service provider, semiconductors and other patent portfolios. The extensive patent portfolio touches nearly every aspect of telecommunications and additional markets as well, including Internet search and social networking.
This agreement follows a confidential, multi-round bidding process involving several interested companies and consortia from around the world.
"This is an unprecedented opportunity to acquire one of the most extensive and compelling patent portfolios to ever come on the market", said George Riedel, Chief Strategy Officer and President of Business Units, Nortel. "We look forward to what we hope will be a robust auction, following the requisite court approvals, currently expected to be held in June 2011".
Details of Sale Process
Nortel will file the stalking horse asset sale agreement with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware along with a motion seeking the establishment of bidding procedures for an auction that allows other qualified bidders to submit higher or otherwise better offers, as required under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. A similar motion for the approval of the bidding procedures will be filed with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Following completion of the bidding process, final approval of the U.S. and Canadian courts will be required.
In addition to the processes and approvals outlined above, consummation of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of regulatory and other customary conditions.
As previously announced, Nortel does not expect that the Company's common shareholders or the NNL preferred shareholders will receive any value from the creditor protection proceedings and expects that the proceedings will result in the cancellation of these equity interests.

 Official Google Blog: Patents and innovation

Check Stock Ticker On the Go On Your Mobile With Google.

We all look at stock symbols one way or another. But more so people who have invested or dealing with investments. For me all those stock information are checked on large desktop screens! Because it was near impossible to see all those cryptic data on a tiny screen.
But now Google search is taking a new approach to the idea of presenting stock information on small screens.
As you can see from the images above, when you visit Google.com on your iPhone or Android powered device and search for a sticker symbol, you will see a all encompassing graph or a card and you can navigate the information using the buttons at the bottom.
Swipe on the card from right to left, you get the latest financial news about the company. Once more will get you market overview and one more will show you the summery of your portfolio.
Currently the feature is available in English with other languages coming soon, give it a try.
Stay connected to the market, wherever you are - Official Google Mobile Blog

Google Makes Kansas City Happy With Ultra high-speed Broadband, Gigabit Fiber To Home.

Even though many communities across USA are looking at Kansas city, Kansas with envy, I am happy that Google has broken grounds on the project. Even if Google is selective (1100 communities wanted Google Fiber to Home) in it's High speed networks and where they are laid out, other providers can not ignore the fact that fiber to home is the way to go. Google and it's Gigabit Fiber network will be the catalyst for other providers to come out, at least with megabit networks.
It is more than just a faster network and an example of what high speed network and applications could do to a community. What ever the selection criteria, Google has chosen Kansas city and is working with with local organizations including the Kauffman Foundation, KCNext and the University of Kansas Medical Center to help develop the Gigabit applications of the future.

Congratulations Kansas City!


Official Google Blog: Ultra high-speed broadband is coming to Kansas City, Kansas