Mobile

RIM acquires mobile-cloud software firm--report

BlackBerry maker Research in Motion has acquired software firm NewBay in a $100 million deal, according to an Irish Times report.

AllThingsD's John Paczkowski separately confirmed the deal.

Founded in 2002, NewBay specializes in the development of mobile-phone software that allows users to create, store, and share digital content in the cloud. The company had deals with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile USA (and parent Deutsche Telekom), U.S. Cellular, Telefónica O2, France Telecom Orange, and Telstra.

More details from the Times report:

NewBay employees were notified yesterday. The company has offices in the U.S., the … Read more

Sprint's 4G shift to be 'aggressive'

Sprint Nextel said today it plans to aggressively roll out its own 4G LTE service next year as it looks to avoid falling behind in the network race.

Sprint plans to launch its next-generation network to cover 120 million people by the end of next year, and wrap up with coverage of 250 million people by the end of 2013. The company confirmed that 15 LTE devices will be available next year, with the first to launch by midsummer, CNET previously reported.

"There will be an aggressive rollout of LTE," Steve Elfman, head of network operations for Sprint, … Read more

Sprint to cover 120M people with 4G LTE next year (scoop)

Sprint Nextel plans to cover more than 120 million people with its own 4G LTE network by the end of 2012 and more than 250 million people a year later, CNET has learned.

In addition, Sprint said it expects to launch 15 LTE-compatible devices next year.

As previously reported by CNET, Sprint is building its own 4G LTE network, which will launch next year. The company has been relying on Clearwire to provide it with 4G WiMax technology, but has opted as well to go forward with its own 4G LTE path.

As part of Sprint's 4G lineup for … Read more

Galaxy Nexus launch delayed due to Jobs' death

Google and Samsung have delayed the arrival of the next, much-anticipated Android smartphone, because of the passing of Steve Jobs.

In a statement today, the companies said they won't be showing off the upcoming device at the Samsung Unpacked event next week during CTIA as had been expected. They are looking for a "new date and venue" to unveil the smartphone, which has been dubbed both the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus Prime.

"We agree that it is just not the right time to announce a new product," the companies said in a statement. In a follow-up statement to CNET, a Samsung spokesperson said that the death of Apple co-founder Jobs prompted the decision.

Apple announced earlier this week that Jobs had died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 56.

"We believe this is not the right time to announce a new product as the world expresses tribute to Steve Jobs's passing," the spokesperson said. "We do not have information on the rescheduling of the event."

Samsung's upcoming smartphone could be one of the worst-kept secrets in the mobile arena right now.… Read more

Experts warn shoppers of fake iPhone 4S's online

As the launch of the latest Apple iPhone draws near, eager consumers should be cautious when buying devices from unauthorized resellers online, because they might be getting a fake.

Some experts estimate that up to 10 percent of technology products worldwide, or roughly $100 billion worth of technology product sales each year, are for counterfeit or fake products. Many of these products make their way into the U.S. market through online marketplaces, like eBay or Craigslist.

"Counterfeit devices are a very big problem in the secondary market," said Robert Auray, president and CEO GENCO Marketplace, a division … Read more

Ice Cream Sandwich to launch next week

Google is expected to serve up Ice Cream Sandwich--the newest version of Android--on Tuesday at the Samsung Unpacked event in San Diego.

That revelation comes courtesy of the official Android Developers YouTube channel, which earlier today posted a placeholder video titled "Android ICS launch." The site now says, "This live event is no longer available. Sorry about that." Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt said last month that the next flavor of the company's mobile operating system would debut sometime in October or November.

Google representatives did not respond to a request for comment.

Samsung is … Read more

Will iPhone 4S preorders melt online stores again?

One minute past midnight tonight Pacific time, Apple's next iPhone becomes available for preordering in seven countries, including the U.S., and the big question is whether Apple and its carrier partners face a meltdown similar to what happened with last year's model.

You might remember that shortly after the iPhone 4 went on sale, both Apple and AT&T's online sites ran into problems almost immediately. A deluge of eager buyers hit the two sites in the early morning, grinding the ordering process to a halt. The following day Apple released a statement saying that … Read more

Is Sony closing in on takeover of Sony Ericsson?

Sony is nearing a deal to purchase Ericsson's 50 percent share of the Sony Ericsson joint venture, The Wall Street Journal is reporting today. The deal--which could cost more than a billion dollars--is fragile, according to the report.

Mumblings of Sony taking complete control of or abandoning the partnership has been a reoccurring rumor throughout the last several years. Sony Ericsson has struggled to remain a success in recent times, and has posted many quarters of declining sales as the company shifted product strategies. Sony Ericsson only held an 11 percent market share of Android phones last quarter, according … Read more

Android tablet to debut at less than $40

Thought the $99 HP TouchPad was a bargain? Think again. India will sell a subsidized Android tablet at prices as low as $22, according to a Bloomberg report.

The Indian government will buy 100,000 tablets for 2,250 rupees (about $49) and then resell them to schools at prices as low as 1,100 rupees, about $22, according to Bloomberg. (Note: a Wall Street Journal report says it will be sold to students for 1,750 rupees or about $35.)

The tablets, branded "Aakash," will be purchased from U.K.-based DataWind and then sold at the subsidized price, Bloomberg said, citing statements from Kapil Sibal, India's telecommunications minister, at a news conference on October 5. The Indian government plans to buy 10 million tablets over the next five years, the report said. … Read more