Mobile

Samsung Electronics says it isn't buying MeeGo. In fact, Samsung says it couldn't even if it wanted to.

"Meego is an open-source project which cannot be a target of acquisition," Samsung representative James Chung told CNET today.

The response dashed hopes that MeeGo might be saved through an acquisition, which was spurred this week by a Mobiledia report that Samsung was interested in a deal.

Many had expected Samsung and other handset manufacturers to look toward acquiring their own mobile operating system, which would allow them to reduce their dependence on Google's Android platform. Google'… Read more

Verizon Wireless may not be getting Samsung's flagship Galaxy S II Android phone. But does it really matter? Word on the street is that the carrier may end up with something better.

Late last month, Verizon disappointed many of its customers when it confirmed it would not get the much anticipated Samsung Galaxy S II. The carrier didn't offer much explanation for why it was taking a pass on Samsung's hottest selling smartphone. Meanwhile, Verizon competitors AT&T, T-Mobile USA, and Sprint Nextel will each be offering the device.

But Verizon smartphone subscribers shouldn't fret … Read more

Android on the HP TouchPad has hit a bump as the TouchDroid team that was porting the Google operating system to the tablet has called it quits, according to a report and a post on a TouchDroid-related Web page.

Small-device enthusiast Web site Liliputing said today that the TouchDroid team has been "disbanded."

"This morning there were at least two teams of independent developers working to port Google's Android operating system to run on the HP TouchPad tablet--but there was pretty strong evidence that one of those teams was cribbing work from the other," Liliputing … Read more

You can use an iPhone to check electronic mail, stream videos over the Internet, play dazzlingly rendered computer games, video-chat with distant relatives, and myriad other new-millennium activities. And now you can use one to drive a nail or flush your toilet.

Well, not exactly. But close. Bloomberg reports that do-it-yourself chain Lowe's is issuing 42,000 of the beloved gadgets to employees to make it easier for staff to help customers find and buy the right hammer, plumbing fixture, color of house paint, or any number of other items.

The phones will be part of a system much … Read more

What's a mega British wireless telco like Vodafone, with no brand presence in the U.S., doing opening a research and development center in the heart of Silicon Valley? Quite simply following the talent.

Vodafone lifted the lid today on its R&D center, which it will use as an incubation center for helping local startups quickly develop, test, and bring products to market; particularly solutions that give Vodafone a leg up on its competitors back in the UK and elsewhere.

The operator's trans-Atlantic presence may not be as odd as it seems, says Vodafone's Fay … Read more

LG Electronics of South Korea is cutting between 20 percent and 30 percent of its overseas staff in its mobile phone unit and is planning similar measures domestically, according to a report in the Korea Economic Daily.

The handset manufacturer, which is struggling to recover from five consecutive quarters of losses, is closing some unprofitable units and laying off staff primarily in marketing and purchasing, said the article, which was picked up by Reuters.

An LG representative declined to confirm the report, telling Reuters that the company does not comment on market rumors. Representatives from LG Electronics in the United … Read more

Phones from Apple and Samsung topped a J.D. Power satisfaction survey, which cited size, screen quality, battery life, and processing speeds as crucial. The survey also said satisfaction was high for 4G-capable phones.

Apple ranked highest in customer satisfaction among smartphone manufacturers while Samsung was No.1 among traditional mobile phone manufacturers, according to the results of two J.D. Power studies released Thursday.

Satisfaction is tied closely to the weight, size, quality of displays, processing speeds, battery life, and touch screen capabilities, according to the studies.

For example, satisfaction ratings are highest (8.1 on a 10-point scale) … Read more

If you're a heavy data user, Sprint offers the most bang for your buck, according to a study released today.

For $1, you get 12.5 megabytes of data, which breaks down to 8 cents per megabyte, by far the best among the national carriers. Surprisingly, T-Mobile offers the worst deal at 4.3 megabytes for every dollar spent, or 23 cents per megabyte.

That's based on a study of "real world" prices conducted by Validas, which provides automated wireless bill analysis and reduction services to consumers and companies.

AT&T, meanwhile, came in second … Read more

Microsoft struck two new patent-protection deals with hardware makers seeking to avoid being sued for using Google's Android and Chrome operating systems.

Acer signed a licensing deal with Microsoft that includes "broad coverage under Microsoft's patent portfolio for Acer's tablets and smartphones running the Android platform," Microsoft said in a press release. Acer's Iconia Tab, among other devices, runs Android.

"We are pleased that Acer is taking advantage of our industry-wide licensing program established to help companies address Android's IP issues," said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel … Read more