Monthly Archives: November 2011

ITC rules in HTC’s favor in former Apple subsidiary patent dispute

Posted on by
Reply

lego-lawyer-gun-briefcase

Nokia, RIM and LG are probably feeling a bit foolish today after hearing that the US International Trade Commission ruled in HTC’s favor in the FlashPoint camera patent case. FlashPoint (a former Apple subsidiary) filed suit against HTC, LG, Nokia and RIM in July of 2010, claiming that the four companies were infringing of its intellectual property patents relating to digital cameras. LG, RIM and Nokia were hit with two separate patent disputes (patents 769 and 606) and chose to settle the case out of court in order to prevent a possible handset ban in the US market.

HTC decided to stick things out and fight the single ’769 patent dispute claims and has been rewarded with a victory in the case with yesterday’s ruling by the ITC which states that HTC’s products do not infringe on FlashPoint’s patents.

The Commission has determined to affirm the judge’s determination of no violation of Section 337 with respect to the ’769 patent on the bases that (1) the accused HTC Android smartphones and the accused HTC Windows Phone 7 (WP7) smartphones do not infringe the ’769 patent, and (2) respondent has established that it has an implied license to practice the ’769 patent with respect to the accused WP7 smartphones, James HolbeinSecretary to the Commission – ITC

A patent victory for HTC means US consumers will continue to have a wide selection of Android phones at their disposal which are not taxed with unnecessary licensing fees. We don’t know how LG, RIM and Nokia will react to this news, but we hope they go back to the negotiation table with FlashPoint to restructure the settlement or licensing fees they agreed upon earlier this year.


ITC rules in HTC’s favor in former Apple subsidiary patent dispute

Posted on by
Reply

lego-lawyer-gun-briefcase

Nokia, RIM and LG are probably feeling a bit foolish today after hearing that the US International Trade Commission ruled in HTC’s favor in the FlashPoint camera patent case. FlashPoint (a former Apple subsidiary) filed suit against HTC, LG, Nokia and RIM in July of 2010, claiming that the four companies were infringing of its intellectual property patents relating to digital cameras. LG, RIM and Nokia were hit with two separate patent disputes (patents 769 and 606) and chose to settle the case out of court in order to prevent a possible handset ban in the US market.

HTC decided to stick things out and fight the single ’769 patent dispute claims and has been rewarded with a victory in the case with yesterday’s ruling by the ITC which states that HTC’s products do not infringe on FlashPoint’s patents.

The Commission has determined to affirm the judge’s determination of no violation of Section 337 with respect to the ’769 patent on the bases that (1) the accused HTC Android smartphones and the accused HTC Windows Phone 7 (WP7) smartphones do not infringe the ’769 patent, and (2) respondent has established that it has an implied license to practice the ’769 patent with respect to the accused WP7 smartphones, James HolbeinSecretary to the Commission – ITC

A patent victory for HTC means US consumers will continue to have a wide selection of Android phones at their disposal which are not taxed with unnecessary licensing fees. We don’t know how LG, RIM and Nokia will react to this news, but we hope they go back to the negotiation table with FlashPoint to restructure the settlement or licensing fees they agreed upon earlier this year.


ITC rules in HTC’s favor in former Apple subsidiary patent dispute

Posted on by
Reply

lego-lawyer-gun-briefcase

Nokia, RIM and LG are probably feeling a bit foolish today after hearing that the US International Trade Commission ruled in HTC’s favor in the FlashPoint camera patent case. FlashPoint (a former Apple subsidiary) filed suit against HTC, LG, Nokia and RIM in July of 2010, claiming that the four companies were infringing of its intellectual property patents relating to digital cameras. LG, RIM and Nokia were hit with two separate patent disputes (patents 769 and 606) and chose to settle the case out of court in order to prevent a possible handset ban in the US market.

HTC decided to stick things out and fight the single ’769 patent dispute claims and has been rewarded with a victory in the case with yesterday’s ruling by the ITC which states that HTC’s products do not infringe on FlashPoint’s patents.

The Commission has determined to affirm the judge’s determination of no violation of Section 337 with respect to the ’769 patent on the bases that (1) the accused HTC Android smartphones and the accused HTC Windows Phone 7 (WP7) smartphones do not infringe the ’769 patent, and (2) respondent has established that it has an implied license to practice the ’769 patent with respect to the accused WP7 smartphones, James HolbeinSecretary to the Commission – ITC

A patent victory for HTC means US consumers will continue to have a wide selection of Android phones at their disposal which are not taxed with unnecessary licensing fees. We don’t know how LG, RIM and Nokia will react to this news, but we hope they go back to the negotiation table with FlashPoint to restructure the settlement or licensing fees they agreed upon earlier this year.


Samsung DROID Charge Gingerbread Update Rolling Out

Posted on by
Reply

This image has no alt text

We’ve gotten enough reports in the past 10 or so minutes to believe that Samsung and Verizon are finally issuing the upgrade to Android 2.3 Gingerbread to the DROID Charge. It’s an over-the-air process and it may be staggered, meaning if you can’t get it right this moment you’ll be able to get it sometime soon. The forums are a-buzzin’ about the long-awaited update (one soul says it may have bricked their phone so be sure to check that out if you’re a bit cautious) so head on over to the DROID Charge section at AndroidForums.com to discuss it all. You’ll be looking for the version numbers below. [Thanks to Randall everyone who sent this in!]

Samsung DROID Charge Gingerbread Update Rolling Out

Posted on by
Reply

This image has no alt text

We’ve gotten enough reports in the past 10 or so minutes to believe that Samsung and Verizon are finally issuing the upgrade to Android 2.3 Gingerbread to the DROID Charge. It’s an over-the-air process and it may be staggered, meaning if you can’t get it right this moment you’ll be able to get it sometime soon. The forums are a-buzzin’ about the long-awaited update (one soul says it may have bricked their phone so be sure to check that out if you’re a bit cautious) so head on over to the DROID Charge section at AndroidForums.com to discuss it all. You’ll be looking for the version numbers below. [Thanks to Randall everyone who sent this in!]

Samsung DROID Charge Gingerbread Update Rolling Out

Posted on by
Reply

This image has no alt text

We’ve gotten enough reports in the past 10 or so minutes to believe that Samsung and Verizon are finally issuing the upgrade to Android 2.3 Gingerbread to the DROID Charge. It’s an over-the-air process and it may be staggered, meaning if you can’t get it right this moment you’ll be able to get it sometime soon. The forums are a-buzzin’ about the long-awaited update (one soul says it may have bricked their phone so be sure to check that out if you’re a bit cautious) so head on over to the DROID Charge section at AndroidForums.com to discuss it all. You’ll be looking for the version numbers below. [Thanks to Randall everyone who sent this in!]

Despite a successful application repeal, FCC releases scathing report on AT&T-Mobile merger

Posted on by
Reply

att-tmobile

If you blinked in our report on the AT&T-Mobile deal yesterday, you may have missed that over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, AT&T put in a request to the FCC to withdraw its merger application. AT&T did this for several reasons, with the two prominent reasons being the need to focus on the pending court case with the Justice Department and to put together a more palatable deal that includes selling off a significant amount of customers and spectrum to Leap Wireless, which AT&T hopes will allow the deal to gain approval.

As a result of withdrawing their application, AT&T believed the FCC would not release their report on the proposed merger. Boy were they wrong. The FCC accepted AT&T’s withdrawal, but instead of holding back their report, the FCC released their 109-page analysis to the public domain. This is a significant move on the part of the FCC, because the scathing report will likely hurt AT&Ts chances of success in their upcoming legal battle with the Justice Department. Furthermore, if the merger survives the lawsuit with the Justice Department, the restructured agreement would ultimately end up back on the FCC’s desk for review.

Though AT&T’s lawyers yesterday sounded optimistic, claiming the addition of the Leap Wireless agreement would bolster the odds of the deal going through to about 60-70%, it appears they have reason for concern this morning. National Public Radio reported this morning that analysts are now suggesting a much more dismal 20-30% chance of approval.

It appears the writing is on the wall, and that AT&T is fighting a steep uphill battle if they’re ever going to salvage the purchase of T-Mobile. Good thing they took out that $4 Billion charge against earnings in preparation for having to pay Deutsche Telekom the breakup fee. If you want to read the 109-page document for yourself, head over to the FCC’s site for the full paper.


Despite a successful application repeal, FCC releases scathing report on AT&T-Mobile merger

Posted on by
Reply

att-tmobile

If you blinked in our report on the AT&T-Mobile deal yesterday, you may have missed that over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, AT&T put in a request to the FCC to withdraw its merger application. AT&T did this for several reasons, with the two prominent reasons being the need to focus on the pending court case with the Justice Department and to put together a more palatable deal that includes selling off a significant amount of customers and spectrum to Leap Wireless, which AT&T hopes will allow the deal to gain approval.

As a result of withdrawing their application, AT&T believed the FCC would not release their report on the proposed merger. Boy were they wrong. The FCC accepted AT&T’s withdrawal, but instead of holding back their report, the FCC released their 109-page analysis to the public domain. This is a significant move on the part of the FCC, because the scathing report will likely hurt AT&Ts chances of success in their upcoming legal battle with the Justice Department. Furthermore, if the merger survives the lawsuit with the Justice Department, the restructured agreement would ultimately end up back on the FCC’s desk for review.

Though AT&T’s lawyers yesterday sounded optimistic, claiming the addition of the Leap Wireless agreement would bolster the odds of the deal going through to about 60-70%, it appears they have reason for concern this morning. National Public Radio reported this morning that analysts are now suggesting a much more dismal 20-30% chance of approval.

It appears the writing is on the wall, and that AT&T is fighting a steep uphill battle if they’re ever going to salvage the purchase of T-Mobile. Good thing they took out that $4 Billion charge against earnings in preparation for having to pay Deutsche Telekom the breakup fee. If you want to read the 109-page document for yourself, head over to the FCC’s site for the full paper.


[Update: Gameplay Added] Ronaldo Gets an Android Game – Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle

Posted on by
Reply

This image has no alt text

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most skilled players in football, is getting an Android game! It’ll be called Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle, a rhythm game that sees you responding to on-screen commands to the tune of music in order to keep Ronaldo going as he keeps the ball in the air with his feet.

Think of it as “Dance Dance Football” I suppose. It looks like it could be good for some quick fun. Unfortunately the title does not launch for Android until December 22nd ($2.99) but if you have an iOS device (that’s not crazy at all) you can find it there today. The gameplay footage is being uploaded soon. Read on for full press details.

Digital Artists Entertainment and Biodroid launch the official Ronaldo Game:  Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle on iOS and Android!

 

30th November2011 - You’ve never seen a game like it! Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world’s best known footballers and current star of Real Madrid, has put his name and incredible soccer skills to an exciting music/rhythm game, Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle. Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle packs all of Ronaldo’s unique soccer skills and style into one amazing game. Packed with hundreds of tricks and challenges, multiple gameplay modes and set in different real-world locations, Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle is the ultimate game to test your soccer skills to the max!

 

Freestyle soccer is an amazing combination of acrobatic and athletic moves performed with a soccer ball. Incredible ball control plus creativity and imagination delivers a unique display of soccer tricks and live entertainment. Ronaldo has become known the world over for his ability to combine a whole repertoire of freestyle moves into his match-day play, and in the game players get the chance to pull off outrageous tricks and combos as Ronaldo challenges freestyle players around the world, from England to Japan.

The game combines rhythm action and touchscreen controls to allow players to pull off loads of different tricks, taken from real-life freestyle soccer moves. Trap and freeze the ball with a flick of both thumbs, then tilt the screen to balance the ball before flicking into another cool trick as you try to string enough moves together to become the king of freestyle soccer!

"Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle is a great game and a unique opportunity to play alongside me… accompanied by an awesome soundtrack. People all over the world can enjoy this fun game anywhere and everywhere. No matter where they go, I’ll be freestyling with them!" says Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Digital Artists specializes in helping premier athletes and sports franchises engage with their fans directly and build robust digital revenue streams. We are thrilled to launch this product with Cristiano Ronaldo and Biodroid.” says Scott Rupp, CEO of Digital Artists Entertainment.

“We are very proud of this game: the 3D Graphics are awesome, the motion capture looks great, the music is very cool, and finally the passion, team spirit and Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement were crucial to make this game a fun and exciting entertainment experience. I believe people will love it as much as CR does.” – Diogo Horta e Costa, MD at Biodroid

Published by Digital Artists Entertainment, and developed by Portugal-based Biodroid, Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle is now available for

iOS devices on the Apple App Store priced $2.99/£1.99/€2.39.. The Android version is launching on the 22nd December priced at $2.99/£1.99/€2.39.

 

Game Features

•     Choose from 5 gameplay modes including:

â–�              Hype Endurance: Perform hype tricks whilst juggling the ball to get the crowd’s attention as quickly as possible

â–�              Time Attack: Get as many points as possible in the duration of the whole song

â–�              Freestyle Battle: Compete against an opponent for the camera’s attention

â–�              Don’t Drop the Ball: How long can you last without dropping the ball?

â–�              Freestyle Showdown: 15 seconds competition to prove that your better than your opponent

•     Earn achievements and unlock new items to fully customize your Cristiano Ronaldo character including shorts, T-shirts, shoes, sunglasses and even hairstyles

•     Shuffle Mode launches a level at random. Want a different level? Just reshuffle again to find one you like

•     Play soccer samba-style: make Cristiano Ronaldo move and dance to the beat while controlling the ball

•     25 challenges in 6 unique world locations. Battle opponents with their own personality and style from England, France, USA, Japan, Spain and Portugal

•     Downloadable content, including two extra countries is a

 

Key app information

•     Available for iPhone now, Android 22nd December 2011, iPad and Android Tablets January 2012

•     Published by Digital Artists and developed by Biodroid - www.biodroid-entertainment.com

•     $2.99/£1.99/€2.39. for Android and iOS

•     Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle on the Apple App Store :

http://itunes.apple.com/app/c-ronaldo-freestyle/id473940226?mt=8

 

 

 

About Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s #1 athlete, with over 36 million followers on Facebook. After a world record transfer fee, and presentation attendance, on May 2011, Ronaldo became the highest goalscorer in a season in the history of his team, Real Madrid with 51 goals, winning the european golden boot for the second year. With only 26 years old, and after playing for Sporting CP, Manchester United and Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo also won the Ballon d’Or in 2008 amongst several others individual and team prizes

 

About Digital Artists Entertainment Inc.

Digital Artists Entertainment, Inc. creates socially-powered digital content platforms for premier global sports & entertainment franchises, such as Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo. Using a total-picture view of the digital business opportunity, Digital Artists helps premier franchises monetize mobile, social, and digital video content; activate, expand & monetize their social media networks; and maximize their audience across screens and geographies.

About Biodroid

Biodroid is a Digital Content and Game Developer based in Lisbon, Portugal, that adds value by creating and producing fresh and innovative products based on Global Brands and Global IP´s. Biodroid is currently developing Games, Applications and Digital Content for two major worldwide markets: the Consumer Market (B2C) and the Corporate Market (B2B).Biodroid is Licensed to develop for: Xbox 360, Playstation3, Nintendo, iOS Plataforms (Apple), Android Platform (Google), Blackberry platform (RIM), Web/PC and Social Media Platforms, with the support of an R&D Team with mathematical modeling and algorithm capabilities.Titles like Billabong Surf Trip (for iphone, ipad and ipod) nominee for the IMGA awards in 2010 in best sports games category, Miffy´s World (for Nintendo DS and Wii Ware), Cityon (for Web Browsing) and Rural Value (for Facebook), are some examples of our continuous growing Portfolio.

In 2011 Biodroid was distinguished with "The most Innovative Company" award from "Venture Capital IT".

See more about us at www.biodroid-entertainment.com

[Update: Gameplay Added] Ronaldo Gets an Android Game – Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle

Posted on by
Reply

This image has no alt text

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most skilled players in football, is getting an Android game! It’ll be called Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle, a rhythm game that sees you responding to on-screen commands to the tune of music in order to keep Ronaldo going as he keeps the ball in the air with his feet.

Think of it as “Dance Dance Football” I suppose. It looks like it could be good for some quick fun. Unfortunately the title does not launch for Android until December 22nd ($2.99) but if you have an iOS device (that’s not crazy at all) you can find it there today. The gameplay footage is being uploaded soon. Read on for full press details.

Digital Artists Entertainment and Biodroid launch the official Ronaldo Game:  Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle on iOS and Android!

 

30th November2011 - You’ve never seen a game like it! Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world’s best known footballers and current star of Real Madrid, has put his name and incredible soccer skills to an exciting music/rhythm game, Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle. Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle packs all of Ronaldo’s unique soccer skills and style into one amazing game. Packed with hundreds of tricks and challenges, multiple gameplay modes and set in different real-world locations, Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle is the ultimate game to test your soccer skills to the max!

 

Freestyle soccer is an amazing combination of acrobatic and athletic moves performed with a soccer ball. Incredible ball control plus creativity and imagination delivers a unique display of soccer tricks and live entertainment. Ronaldo has become known the world over for his ability to combine a whole repertoire of freestyle moves into his match-day play, and in the game players get the chance to pull off outrageous tricks and combos as Ronaldo challenges freestyle players around the world, from England to Japan.

The game combines rhythm action and touchscreen controls to allow players to pull off loads of different tricks, taken from real-life freestyle soccer moves. Trap and freeze the ball with a flick of both thumbs, then tilt the screen to balance the ball before flicking into another cool trick as you try to string enough moves together to become the king of freestyle soccer!

"Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle is a great game and a unique opportunity to play alongside me… accompanied by an awesome soundtrack. People all over the world can enjoy this fun game anywhere and everywhere. No matter where they go, I’ll be freestyling with them!" says Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Digital Artists specializes in helping premier athletes and sports franchises engage with their fans directly and build robust digital revenue streams. We are thrilled to launch this product with Cristiano Ronaldo and Biodroid.” says Scott Rupp, CEO of Digital Artists Entertainment.

“We are very proud of this game: the 3D Graphics are awesome, the motion capture looks great, the music is very cool, and finally the passion, team spirit and Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement were crucial to make this game a fun and exciting entertainment experience. I believe people will love it as much as CR does.” – Diogo Horta e Costa, MD at Biodroid

Published by Digital Artists Entertainment, and developed by Portugal-based Biodroid, Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle is now available for

iOS devices on the Apple App Store priced $2.99/£1.99/€2.39.. The Android version is launching on the 22nd December priced at $2.99/£1.99/€2.39.

 

Game Features

•     Choose from 5 gameplay modes including:

â–�              Hype Endurance: Perform hype tricks whilst juggling the ball to get the crowd’s attention as quickly as possible

â–�              Time Attack: Get as many points as possible in the duration of the whole song

â–�              Freestyle Battle: Compete against an opponent for the camera’s attention

â–�              Don’t Drop the Ball: How long can you last without dropping the ball?

â–�              Freestyle Showdown: 15 seconds competition to prove that your better than your opponent

•     Earn achievements and unlock new items to fully customize your Cristiano Ronaldo character including shorts, T-shirts, shoes, sunglasses and even hairstyles

•     Shuffle Mode launches a level at random. Want a different level? Just reshuffle again to find one you like

•     Play soccer samba-style: make Cristiano Ronaldo move and dance to the beat while controlling the ball

•     25 challenges in 6 unique world locations. Battle opponents with their own personality and style from England, France, USA, Japan, Spain and Portugal

•     Downloadable content, including two extra countries is a

 

Key app information

•     Available for iPhone now, Android 22nd December 2011, iPad and Android Tablets January 2012

•     Published by Digital Artists and developed by Biodroid - www.biodroid-entertainment.com

•     $2.99/£1.99/€2.39. for Android and iOS

•     Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle on the Apple App Store :

http://itunes.apple.com/app/c-ronaldo-freestyle/id473940226?mt=8

 

 

 

About Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s #1 athlete, with over 36 million followers on Facebook. After a world record transfer fee, and presentation attendance, on May 2011, Ronaldo became the highest goalscorer in a season in the history of his team, Real Madrid with 51 goals, winning the european golden boot for the second year. With only 26 years old, and after playing for Sporting CP, Manchester United and Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo also won the Ballon d’Or in 2008 amongst several others individual and team prizes

 

About Digital Artists Entertainment Inc.

Digital Artists Entertainment, Inc. creates socially-powered digital content platforms for premier global sports & entertainment franchises, such as Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo. Using a total-picture view of the digital business opportunity, Digital Artists helps premier franchises monetize mobile, social, and digital video content; activate, expand & monetize their social media networks; and maximize their audience across screens and geographies.

About Biodroid

Biodroid is a Digital Content and Game Developer based in Lisbon, Portugal, that adds value by creating and producing fresh and innovative products based on Global Brands and Global IP´s. Biodroid is currently developing Games, Applications and Digital Content for two major worldwide markets: the Consumer Market (B2C) and the Corporate Market (B2B).Biodroid is Licensed to develop for: Xbox 360, Playstation3, Nintendo, iOS Plataforms (Apple), Android Platform (Google), Blackberry platform (RIM), Web/PC and Social Media Platforms, with the support of an R&D Team with mathematical modeling and algorithm capabilities.Titles like Billabong Surf Trip (for iphone, ipad and ipod) nominee for the IMGA awards in 2010 in best sports games category, Miffy´s World (for Nintendo DS and Wii Ware), Cityon (for Web Browsing) and Rural Value (for Facebook), are some examples of our continuous growing Portfolio.

In 2011 Biodroid was distinguished with "The most Innovative Company" award from "Venture Capital IT".

See more about us at www.biodroid-entertainment.com