Gadget Venue

Alpine have announced plans to partner with Nokia to integrate Ovi Maps in to their in-car head units. The new “connected technology” is being called Terminal Mode and will bring navigation that uses NAVTEQ maps in to cars.

As well as bringing free satellite navigation in to vehicles the new systems also make use of widget-based services that also bring entertainment such as movies and MP3 audio to cars. Other features include weather reports as well as being able to use the phone within as an actual phone to make and receive calls.

The possibilities don’t end there either as the device will have a GPS for tracking purposes along with data connectivity the system will be able to keep track of fuel stations near by allowing you to quickly find the cheapest place to fill up. Also by interfacing the car with the computer the fuel levels and engine status can also be tracked allowing you to have all details of your car in the one location. Other features could see you receiving vouchers for discounts on local stores as you pass by them. [Read more…]

We mentioned earlier that Apple [AAPL] were suing HTC for 20 patent infringements. A statement has been made by HTC saying that they only caught wind of this through the media this morning and that they haven’t looked through the paperwork just yet but that they are… ‘committed to defending [their] own technology innovations.

‘HTC is a mobile technology innovator and patent holder that has been very focused over the past 13 years on creating many of the most innovative smartphones. HTC values patent rights and their enforcement but is also committed to defending its own technology innovations. HTC only learned of Apple’s actions this morning via media reports, and therefore we have not yet had the opportunity to investigate the filings. Until we have had this opportunity, we are unable to comment on the validity of the claims being made against HTC.

[Read more…]

You are probably aware by now that T-Mobile in the US are launching the HTC HD2 this month. It seems like pricing has been leaked showing the phone as selling for $199.99 after a rebate. The rebate amount is unknown at the moment although expected to be either $50 or $100. The contract free phone is also listed as being sold at $449.99.

Other phones listed in the image above (larger version below) are the CLIQ XT that’s listed at $129.99 after a rebate with the contract free version selling for $329.99. [Read more…]

AT&T are about to launch the Motorola Backflip in the next few days. What we are now hearing is that AT&T are going to be dropping Google Search from the Android install replacing it with Yahoo Search. This is the first time we have heard of a Google [GOOG] Android handset not using Google Search by default.

The reason AT&T can do this is because Android is an open platform that allows them to make changes as needed to suit the phones launching on their network. We just didn’t expect that AT&T would drop a core search feature.

We don’t know the full reasons why they would switch the search to Yahoo! and perhaps they are trying to keep Apple [AAPL] happy by keeping google away from their Android phones, but anything right now is just pure speculation. [Read more…]

Apple [AAPL] has sued HTC for infringing on 20 different iPhone UI patents. Various patents infringed (according to Apple) include unlock gestures and other similar functions.

From what we understand, Apple is wanting a permanent injunction to prevent HTC selling phones that use these patents. More patents include the following…

The ˜331 Patent, entitled “Time-Based, Non-Constant Translation Of User Interface Objects Between States,” was duly and legally issued on April 22, 2008 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The ˜949 Patent, entitled “Touch Screen Device, Method, And Graphical User Interface For Determining Commands By Applying Heuristics,” was duly and legally issued on January 20, 2009 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. A copy of the ˜949 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit B.

The ˜849 Patent, entitled “Unlocking A Device By Performing Gestures On An Unlock Image,” was duly and legally issued on February 2, 2010 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. A copy of the ˜849 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit C.

[Read more…]

ThinkFlood have created a new product called the ThinkFlood RedEye mini that converts your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad (when available) in to a universal remote control and TV guide.

The RedEye mini costs $49 and connects up to the 3.5mm headphone jack of your iPod allowing you to control a variety of systems such as a TV, DVR, Stereo, Digi-Box etc… and lets you control them all from the single remote control software created as an application.

To get the system working it requires that you either enter a unique code for the device you own, or put the iPhone RedEye mini in to training mode which can detect signals from other remote controls. Once achieved you attach the IR transmitter, load up the app and use a variety of methods to control your TV and other devices. Gestures can be used such as sliding a couple of fingers down the screen to lower the volume or flicking the iPhone to jump up a channel. [Read more…]

Reports in today show that Orange and T-Mobile in the UK have received clearance by the EU Commission. This will allow the two mobile phone networks to join together making them a leader in the UK mobile phone market.

Right now the merger is being prepared for a Spring close of transaction with Deutsche Telekom saying…

‘This is excellent news, for our customers, for our highly committed teams in the UK and for our shareholders. Now the way is clear for pooling our resources to create an outstanding high-speed mobile broadband network in one of the most competitive markets in Europe. This joint venture company is based on a significant potential of synergies which create substantial value for the two shareholders and translate directly into customer benefits. Our teams in the UK will be rolling up their sleeves to roll out these benefits.”

[Read more…]