Jury: Google infringed upon some copyrighted content owned by Oracle

According to a report from Reuters, a jury ruled today that Google has infringed upon some of the copyrighted content owned by Oracle regarding the Java programming language. The ruling comes as part of a high-profile lawsuit filed by Oracle that claims Google illegally used Java code in its Android mobile operating system.

The jury, however, was unable to decide whether Google had fair use of the copyrighted content. Google lawyers are moving toward a mistrial at this time, according to the report.

Oracle, which initially filed the lawsuit back in 2010, is seeking roughly $1 billion in damages from Google.

Verizon Wireless announces HTC DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE

Today, Verizon Wireless unveiled the HTC DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE smartphone, which touts a 4-inch super LCD qHD display, 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, front-facing camera, and Android OS 4.0 (a.k.a. "Ice Cream Sandwich"). The phone also sports HTC Sense UI 4.0, a 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and 4G LTE connectivity. It also features Beats Audio integration and up to 32 GB microSD card.

The HTC DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE will be available on store shelves "in the coming weeks."

Apple releases iOS 5.1.1 software update to address bugs

Earlier today, Apple released the iOS 5.1.1 software update to iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch users. The update addresses issues with HDR photos, AirPlay video, syncing of Safari bookmarks and Reading List. The full release notes are below:

This update contains improvements and bug fixes, including:

• Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut
• Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks
• Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances
• Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List
• Fixes an issue where 'Unable to purchase' alert could be displayed after successful purchase

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222

The update is available for download either via iTunes or over-the-air on devices already running iOS 5.

Research firm: Smartphone shipments to reach 1.7 billion in 2017

According to research conducted by Ovum, smartphone shipments will surpass the 1.7 billion unit mark in 2017, with Android being the dominant mobile platform as vendors try to make it their primary OS.

Smartphones will outperform the overall market for mobile phones, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.9% for the period 2011–17 to reach 1.7 billion units, according to Ovum. Predictions show Android as the dominant operating system over the next five years as handset vendors rush to make it their primary smartphone platform.

Smartphones based on Android accounted for 44% of the smartphone market in 2011, significantly up from 17% in 2010. However, its share will reach 48% in 2017, as Android-based smartphones are expected to grow at a CAGR of 26.8% over the forecast period. Apple’s iOS will be the second most widely deployed software platform in 2017, accounting for 27% of the smartphone market, a slight increase on the 23% share of the market it reported in 2011. Sitting some way behind the Android/iOS duopoly will be the remaining smartphone players.

Facebook Messenger for iOS and Android updated with typing indicator and read receipts

Yesterday, Facebook released an update to its standalone Messenger app for both iOS (App Store link) and Android OS (Google Play link) platforms. Version 1.7 of the app adds new features such as a typing indicator and read receipts, and also fixes performance and other issues.

The update also adds in the ability for users to see how their friends sent a message. For example, the app now shows whether the message was sent via Facebook.com or a mobile app. Read receipts will allow Messenger users to see whether their friends have received the message(s) they sent. There isn't any way to turn off read receipts at this time. The Messenger app is also the only Facebook interface that provides the option of using read receipts at this time - neither Facebook.com nor the official Facebook mobile app have this feature.

This version 1.7 update does not include the recent leaked features of an upcoming version of the Messenger app, including video calling and native iPad support. It's expected that these new features will come in a future update either later this Spring or sometime in the Summer.

AT&T CEO’s “only regret” was offering unlimited data plan for iPhone

As noted by The New York Times, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson spoke at the Milken Institute’s Global Conference earlier this week and discussed his time as CEO of the company. Stephenson says that his "only regret" so far as CEO of AT&T was offering an unlimited data plan with the original iPhone.

“My only regret was how we introduced pricing in the beginning, because how did we introduce pricing? Thirty dollars and you get all you can eat,” he said in the on-stage interview at the Milken Institute’s Global Conference on Wednesday. “And it’s a variable cost model. Every additional megabyte you use in this network, I have to invest capital.”

Report: Next-generation iPhone to be taller with 4-inch display

According to a report from iLounge, Apple's next-generation iPhone, being dubbed the "iPhone 5" by the press, will indeed sport a long-awaited 4-inch display. The size difference, however, will be achieved by making the device taller and thus, thinner as well. The phone is rumored to be up to 20% thinner than the current-generation iPhone 4S.

What we’ve learned: the new iPhone will indeed be longer and thinner than the iPhone 4 and 4S. Approximate measurements are 125mm by 58.5mm by 7.4mm—a 10mm jump in height, nearly 2mm reduction in thickness, and virtually identical width. According to our source, Apple will make one major change to the rear casing, adding a metal panel to the central back of the new iPhone. This panel will be flat, not curved, and metal, not ceramic. Our artist’s rendition provides a rough idea of what this change will look like; it echoes the current-generation iMac design, to be sure.

In addition, the report claims that the next iPhone will receive a smaller dock connector port on the bottom. It's expected that Apple will provide some sort of adapter to connect the new port to the current 30-pin dock connector because of the amount of accessories already on the market.

Samsung Galaxy S III officially revealed: 4.7-inch HD display with 8-megapixel camera

Today, Samsung officially announced the Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone, sporting a 4.7-inch HD display, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of up to 1080p HD video recording, 1 GB of RAM, and 4G LTE connectivity. The phone comes in a package that is a mere 8.6  The Galaxy S III will be launching in Europe on May 29, 2012, and other countries internationally in the coming months. It will be launching in the United States sometime this Summer.

A video walkthrough of the Galaxy S II is included below:

Twitter was considering Camera+ acquisition after Facebook bought Instagram

According to a report from Bloomberg, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey met with the development company behind popular iOS app "Camera+" shortly after Facebook announced it would be acquiring Instagram to discuss a possible acquisition. Instagram allows users to place filters on their photos and share them on social networks. While Camera+ is similar in that sense, it is also a full-on photo editing app for iOS.

A deal fell apart between Twitter and developer Tap Tap Tap because the company didn't want to relocate to San Francisco.

Twitter executives held several meetings with Camera+ developer Tap Tap Tap, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks were private. The talks broke down before Twitter could make an offer because the startup’s far-flung workforce was reluctant to relocate to San Francisco, they said. While 10 employees are already based there, Tap Tap Tap has 20 others in Austria, New Zealand, Spain and elsewhere.

Report: ‘Draw Something’ beginning to lose users

According to a report from The Atlantic Wire, popular mobile game "Draw Something" has been losing daily users over the past couple of weeks. People who play the game on a daily basis has apparently dropped from 15 million to around 10 million, but monthly active users continue to remain stable for Draw Something.

OMGPOP launched Draw Something back in February of this year, and the game quickly launched itself to the top free and paid apps on both the iOS App Store and Google Play. The game has nearly 35 million users, and servers around one billion ads every day. Back in March, Zynga announced that it would be acquiring OMGPOP for $180 million.

Facebook Messenger for iOS soon getting iPad, video calling support

According to two leaks by Israeli website Techit, Facebook's Messenger app for iOS will soon be receiving two major new features: native iPad support and the ability to place video calls. The ability to make video calls through Facebook, powered by Skype, has been available on the social network since July of last year, but has been largely limited to the desktop version of Facebook.

Hidden code in the current version of the Messenger app, however, reveals that Facebook is indeed testing video calls through the app. An update should be released in the coming months that adds both of these new features.

Motorola Mobility reports Q1 2012 financial results: $86 million net loss

Today, Motorola Mobility reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2012, announcing a net revenue of $3.1 billion, but a net loss in the quarter of $86 million. The company, which is working on finalizing its $12.5 billion acquisition by Google, shipped 5.1 million smartphones in the period, but total device shipments were actually lower than the previous quarter at 8.9 million units.

“The introduction of RAZR™ MAXX marked another successful addition to the Motorola product family and contributed to our growth in smartphones. Our Home business delivered another solid quarter highlighted by improvement in year-over-year profitability,” said Sanjay Jha, chairman and chief executive officer, Motorola Mobility. “We continue to work closely with Google to complete the proposed merger during the first half of the year.”

Microsoft announces improvements to Windows Phone Marketplace

Yesterday, Microsoft outlined a number of changes on The Windows Phone Developer Blog that it plans to make to the Windows Phone Marketplace as an attempt to improve the mobile app market. The major changes are detailed below:

• Trademarks - Microsoft is asking developers to be more aware of any possible trademark violations in their apps. The company will be stricter on app names, developer names, and feature names in apps from this point on in order to avoid future violations and complaints
• App Icons and Categories - Microsoft will begin removing apps that are placed in multiple categories by developers. In addition, the company reminds developers with multiple apps to make sure the icons/logos of the apps are differentiable and don't have the same design
• App Keywords - Microsoft will begin enforcing its five-keywords-per-app rule. Any developer who exceeds the five keyword limit will have the app removed. This applies to all current and future Marketplace submissions
• The final change also deals with presentability. Apps should function and look good, and refrain from using any racy images

Research in Motion teases BlackBerry 10 OS features in new video

Today marks the beginning of Research in Motion's (RIM) BlackBerry World developer conference in Orlando, Florida. As expected, a major topic for day one of the conference was the company's upcoming BlackBerry 10 OS platform, which RIM hopes will take it out of recent struggles with competitors such as Apple and Google.

As part of the keynote, RIM released the following video that shows several different concepts that will be included in the next BlackBerry OS. The video shows off display mirroring to TVs, the on-screen keyboard with an interesting auto-complete feature, calendar, email, and more.

The first BlackBerry 10 OS devices are expected to launch sometime late this year.

Research in Motion behind “Wake Up” protests at Australian Apple Store?

Last week, news broke of a planned protest in front of an Australian Apple Store where likely paid protestors were dressed in all black and held signs that said "Wake Up." Early rumors pointed to Samsung being the creator of the protest, but after the company denied involvement, Macworld did some digging and now has proof that Research in Motion actually sent the protestors to the Apple Store.

The protestors identified themselves from an organization called "Tongue," and some of the code on their website points to Research in Motion identifier numbers.

Angry Birds Space surpasses 50 million downloads in 5 weeks

Rovio announced today that the newest addition to the incredibly popular game series Angry Birds, dubbed "Angry Birds Space," has surpassed the fifty million downloads milestone in just five (5) weeks. The significant milestone makes Angry Birds Space the fastest growing game in history, breaking all previous records held by Rovio.

Angry Birds Space was released first on iOS, Android, Windows, and OS X on March 22. In 72 hours, the game surpassed three (3) million downloads, and will soon be released on the Windows Phone 7 platform.

Chomp removes Android app search features following Apple acquisition

Back in late February, reports surfaced that Apple acquired app discovery and search service Chomp. Immediately after the news, many wondered what would happen to Chomp's Android OS functionalities, which includes integration with Google Play. According to GigaOM, Chomp yesterday removed all Android app search features from its website and services, and deactivated its Android app as well.

It's likely that this move is one of the final as Chomp integrates itself into Apple's corporate structure, and begins work on only iOS-related functionalities.

Samsung announces Exynos 4 Quad processor

Today, Samsung unveiled its next-generation processor chip that will likely be included in the Galaxy S3 smartphone. The processor touts a 32nm HKMG low power process that allows for improved battery consumption and more power for 3D rendering and general CPU processes. "Exynos 4 Quad shows twice better CPU performance, while consuming 20% less power than the previous Exynos generation developed on 45nm," according to Samsung.

Official Skype for Windows Phone app released

Following a beta version being released earlier this year, Skype has officially launched its app for the Windows Phone platform today (download link). The app will allow Windows Phone users to communicate through text, audio, and video with other Skype users on any platform, including iOS and Android.

The app has been guaranteed to work on the following devices, and will require at least Windows Phone 7.5 (a.k.a. "Tango") to work:

• Nokia Lumia 710
• Nokia Lumia 800
• Nokia Lumia 900
• HTC Titan
• HTC Radar
• Samsung Focus S
• Samsung Focus Flash

Nokia reports troubling Q1 2012 financial results as executive VP of sales resigns

Yesterday, Nokia reported its financial earnings for the first quarter of 2012, announcing a $9.7 billion billion revenue, down 30% year-over-year. Troubles continued as the Finland-based company announced a $1.7 billion loss in the quarter, and smartphones sales plummeted 52% to only 1.7 billion units.

Commenting on the Q1 results, Stephen Elop, Nokia CEO, said:"We are navigating through a significant company transition in an industry environment that continues to evolve and shift quickly. Over the last year we have made progress on our new strategy, but we have faced greater than expected competitive challenges.

We have launched four Lumia devices ahead of schedule to encouraging awards and popular acclaim. The actual sales results have been mixed. We exceeded expectations in markets including the United States, but establishing momentum in certain markets including the UK has been more challenging.

At the same time, the lower price tiers of our industry are undergoing a structural change, and traditional feature phones are challenged by full touch devices. As a result we are taking deliberate measures to continue to renew our Series 40 platform, and we plan to strengthen our line-up in Q2 2012. We are making investments in our Mobile Phones business unit aimed at addressing the gaps in our offering.

We have a clear sense of urgency to move our strategy forward even faster. We are pursuing step function changes by having launched the Lumia 610 and Lumia 900 in the first quarter, expanding market coverage, increasing advertising, introducing key customer-requested features and broadening our most successful go-to-market activities. At the same time, we have focused our efforts in the low-end of smartphones and feature phone asset to drive improved business results and conserve cash.

We are confident in our strategy and focused on responding urgently in the short term and creating value for our shareholders in the long term."

Finally, Nokia confirmed that its executive vice president of sales, Colin Giles, has resigned.