Sony says statement about Android 4.1 not coming to 2011 Xperia models given out in error

Sony says statement about Android 4.1 not coming to 2011 Xperia models given out in error: There's some good news for owners of 2011 Sony Xperia devices today, as it appears that a Sony Mobile spokesperson that recently claimed that some 2011 Xperia models wouldn't be receiving Android 4.1 did so "in error." That's according to a new blog post on the official Sony Xperia Product Blog, in which Sony explains that it's still "actively investigating Android OS upgrades for all devices." The company adds that the Android 4.0 push for the Xperia S and its 2011 Xperia smartphone lineup is...

Samsung’s emails reportedly support Apple’s claims

Samsung’s emails reportedly support Apple’s claims:

In a recent development in the ongoing legal clash between Samsung and Apple, Apple has plans of defeating Samsung by nitpicking on Samsung’s own statements. The Cupertino based giant’s court brief says that Samsung was knowingly, willfully and blatantly violating its designs patents, and making products which feel, operate and look like its iPads and iPhones. They also claimed that the evidence suggests that similarity of Samsung’s products with Apple’s is not an accident or as the South Korean giant would euphemistically say, ‘natural evolution’. Apple also added that this similarity between their products “results from Samsung’s deliberate plan to free-ride on iPhone’s and iPad’s extraordinary success by copying their intuitive user interface and iconic designs. Apple will reply on Samsung’s own documents, which reportedly tell an unambiguous story (sic)”

Samsung was allegedly warned by Google during the designing process of its tablets and smart-phones. Google and other group of esteemed designers actually warned Samsung that its Galaxy Tab 10.1 is unacceptably too similar to Apple’s iPad. Few of them even went to the length of call it an ‘iPad with a Samsung’s logo’ on it. Apple told that interestingly most of its claims against Samsung are supported by Samsung’s own emails.

Both the giants are all set to lock horns in the legal battlefield. Even, Samsung is ready with a basket full of proofs as alibi for charges against it. One that stands out among these is a 2006 internal design presentation that shows a mobile UI which was flaunted by iPhone a few months later. The South Korean company also has plans of counter-attacks with evidences showing that Apple’s iPhone design was copied from prior Sony design. With this endless patent battle picking up the heat, it will be interesting to watch whether this issue is solved down the line in future or get stuck in an impasse.

Google Adds Transit Detours To Maps

Google Adds Transit Detours To Maps:
Google today updated the mass transit part of its Maps app (and web site) to support temporary service changes and detours for the NYC Subway.

Sony corrects itself, says it hasn't ruled out Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on any 2011 phones

Sony corrects itself, says it hasn't ruled out Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on any 2011 phones:






Sony has backed off an earlier claim that some 2011 Xperia phones would not be getting Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. After a UK product manager posted on Facebook that the Xperia Arc S and Mini Pro weren't being upgraded to the newest Android version, a spokesperson posted a correction on the Sony blog:

A quick note – during a Q&A session last week on our Sony Mobile GB Facebook page, a local spokesperson gave information out in error on our Android 4.1 Jelly Bean software development and rollout for 2011 Xperia smartphones.
We are actively investigating Android OS upgrades for all devices, but in the meantime, our Ice Cream Sandwich rollout for Xperia S and 2011 Xperia smartphones continues as planned.

While this is pretty non-specific,...
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Apple TV gains subscription streaming option via Hulu Plus

Apple TV gains subscription streaming option via Hulu Plus:

Hulu Plus has finally arrived on the Apple TV, just in time for the service's last three remaining subscribers to take advantage of it. Apple TV users began noticing the new "app" on their Apple TV interfaces on Tuesday morning, its presence later confirmed by Ars and the Hulu blog. A software update isn't necessary in order to see the new option, but you do have to subscribe to Hulu Plus for $7.99 per month (with "limited" ads) in order to use it.
Hulu Plus was introduced in 2010 as a way for the free TV streaming site to make a bit more money than they could generate through online ads. The idea was to offer premium TV options for a monthly subscription, such as back episodes of popular TV shows or the latest episode of primetime hits—and allow users to watch those things earlier than the non-subscription schmucks. The service has struggled to gain a significant foothold in the online TV market over the last two years, though. Hulu Plus is clearly still around, but it's not quite as popular or on as many devices as Netflix's online service, for example.
Users have been trying to find ways to watch Hulu shows on an Apple TV for years, and there are numerous hacks available for those who just can't live without their streamed TV. That's why, when Hulu Plus began showing up on Apple TVs this morning, it was almost a surprise—few expected Hulu and Apple to finally agree to put the service on the Apple TV.
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RIM reportedly cutting 3,000 jobs on August 13th

RIM reportedly cutting 3,000 jobs on August 13th:
Troubling times still lie ahead for RIM. The company announced during its most recent financial results that BlackBerry 10 would be delayed until the beginning of 2013. On top of that, RIM announced that further layoffs at the company would be necessary, with thousands of jobs already having been cut. A source speaking to Cantech Letter has now revealed that 3,000 employees at RIM will lose their jobs on August 13th.

RIM reportedly wants to finalize the layoffs before its next quarter closes on August 31st. Around 3,000 jobs will be cut in all, the remaining amount from the 5,000 that RIM previously announced would be cut. According to the source, those working on BlackBerry 10 are safe, as are those dealing with the enterprise side of the business, but many from customer services, human resources, marketing, and RIM’s global repair services will be let go.
The company is trying to cut back on its spending, hoping that the restructure of the company will save $1 billion. In its most recent financial results, RIM revealed that it had lost $518 million, and that revenue had also dropped by a third to $2.8 billion. The company struggled to shift its PlayBook tablet as well, with just 260,000 shipping out.
RIM has defended its decision to delay BlackBerry 10, saying that while it was ready to go at its core, the operating system still needed fine tuning before it could be unleashed on customers. The CEO of RIM, Thorsten Heins, also dismissed the idea of the company adopting Android or Windows Phone, saying that there was still room in the market for an alternative OS.
[via MobileSyrup]

Story Timeline

• RIM announces new COO and CMO


• RIM to restructure and shed at least 2000 jobs


• RIM's chief legal officer exits the company


• RIM starts to cut jobs in company restructure


• RIM reports dire Q1 2013: $518m loss and BlackBerry 10 delayed


• RIM CEO: We're not in a death spiral


• RIM cash reserves threatened by carrier fee cut demands


• RIM CEO on BlackBerry 10 delay: "I could still see the seams"


• RIM investors re-elect board but revolt bubbles

RIM reportedly cutting 3,000 jobs on August 13th is written by Ben Kersey & originally posted on SlashGear.
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Namco Bandai Introduces You to the Fight Lab for Tekken Tag Tournament 2 in New Video

Namco Bandai Introduces You to the Fight Lab for Tekken Tag Tournament 2 in New Video:

Developer and publisher Namco Bandai has released a new video for their highly anticipated title Tekken Tag Tournament. The new video shows off the Fight Lab where you can go to customize your fighters with a variety of preferences including combos, costumes, accessories and more. The game is sure to be on every hardcore fighting fan’s wish list, but this is yet another video that focuses on some of the lighter aspects featured in the game, so keep on the lookout for the bear in a tutu, chickens on a rampage and more!… Read more