Microsoft files antitrust complaint against Google in Europe, showdown imminent

Bill Gates and Paul AllenMicrosoft, citing Google's tyrannical 95% share of the European search market, has lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission. It's not like Microsoft is breaking any ground here -- the European Commission has been investigating Google's alleged violation of European competition law since November 2010 -- but there's no doubt that the addition of Microsoft's gravitas will affect the proceedings.

Microsoft's complaint reads like a sincere and plaintive cry for help against the Google Overlord. Microsoft lists no less than six damning reasons why Google's behavior is anti-competitive -- from Windows Phone 7's incompatibility with YouTube, to its nefarious handling of Google Books -- and finishes with a wide-eyed plea to the European Commission to please find Google guilty.

For those of you that have been following Microsoft's own antitrust troubles over the last decade, don't worry: MS is quick to point out the irony in the situation. "There of course will be some who will point out the irony in today's filing. Having spent more than a decade wearing the shoe on the other foot with the European Commission, the filing of a formal antitrust complaint is not something we take lightly. This is the first time Microsoft Corporation has ever taken this step. More so than most, we recognize the importance of ensuring that competition laws remain balanced and that technology innovation moves forward."

It sounds like Microsoft, having well and truly gone through the wringer, wants Google to be held similarly accountable. That's fair enough, right?

Microsoft files antitrust complaint against Google in Europe, showdown imminent originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-files-antitrust-complaint-against-google-in-europe-sh/

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Google Now coming to Chrome browser, brings reminder cards to the desktop

http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/08/google-now-coming-to-chrome-browser/

Google Now is fast becoming one of Android's defining features. But, if some recent additions to Chromium are anything to go by, the nifty little life-predictor could well be finding its way to Chrome browsers, too. An entry in the Chromium project code site titled "Show Google Now notifications in Chrome" along with some code revisions for "Creating a skeleton for Google Now for Chrome implementation" hints that the idea is, at least, at some level of development. This of course means that the service would leap out of its current mobile OS restraints, and become available to a much wider audience -- at least those using some portion of the Google ecosystem -- and not just its Android platform. The code was spotted by an eagle-eyed François Beaufort, who points out the reference to it working with Chrome's desktop notifications. While we wait for more official word, we guess a card to notify us of when this might be coming would be too much to ask?

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Via: CNET

Source: Francois Beaufort (Google+)

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/hwT0Ekitkus/

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US Patent office invalidates previous validation of Apple multitouch patent, unless and until they validate it again

US Patent office invalidates previous validation of Apple multitouch patent, unless and until they validate it again

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), which often seems content to grant patents willy-nilly and let companies fight out their validity in court, has just ruled that Apple's massive multi-touch patent is invalid. At least for now. They approved it before and may approve it again. But they're invalidating their previous validation unless and until they validate it again. Yeah, it gives me a headache as well. Here's what Florian Mueller of Foss Patents has to say:

I have said on various occasions that first Office actions and other non-final Office actions are just preliminary. Many patent claims that are rejected at this stage do ultimately survive. There are many steps inside the USPTO, followed by a potential appeal to the Federal Circuit (and in a few cases even the Supreme Court). Some people say that first Office actions are partial because they are based only on submissions made by those challenging the patent, and many examiners like to take a tough position early on in order to enable and require the patentee to present the strongest arguments in favor of validity. But it would be a mistake to underestimate the significance of a first Office action. Also, a complete rejection of all claims of a given patent is potentially more devastating than one affecting only some claims.

The mega-multitouch patent is something called the Steve Jobs patent, and Apple has asserted it in litigation before. How and if this affects current and future litigation remains to be seen. All that happened, it seems, is that the patent was challenged and now Apple gets to respond.

The Verge's Nilay Patel reacted on Twitter with the following:

A first office action invalidating a patent means kind of less than nothing.

Source: Foss Patents, @reckless

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/SCnc-DOUZoI/story01.htm

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The Downsides to Apple’s iPad

When Apple’s iPad was launched, there were queues of people waiting to get their hands on one. The revolutionary tablet iPad was going to offer people a new device that was going to change their lives. However, a lot of people shrugged at the idea with clear indifference. Many people announced their disappointment at the fact the iPad could not deliver on it’s promises. The two opposing views show just how divided opinions are about the device.

First we need to take a look at the things that make the iPad a device that really is not worth buying.

 Apple are constantly releasing new versions of the iPad in the very near future, so is it the device we all need to rush out and buy?

 A lot of people have expressed their pure disappointment in the iPad so when it comes to a new tablet PC, the big question on everyone’s lips is ‘will the device be any better’? The fact that questions are being asked is enough to hurt Apple’s sales because it is mostly ‘techies’ who don’t like the iPad. Bad press always puts a large number of people off buying a product.

 With a new upgraded version soon to be released, a lot of people would rather wait for the it to be launced because the device might have a few of the features that Apple did not incorporate into the iPad in the first place and this includes a built-in camera. If it means waiting a few months for a better version of the device, then people would prefer to do this than fork out $500 on a device that lacks some fundamental features that will be outdated very soon by an upgraded version.

On factor that many people find annoying about the iPad is the fact is does not support Flash which is a standard on the web. Flash runs videos, audios as well as games but for one reason or another Apple does not like this application which some people find understandable. Apple prefers a less vulnerable application that’s more stable and harder to hack into. As such the company uses it’s own HTML5.

However, as the majority of websites use Adobe Flash, this can be a little annoying. Users have to visit sites using the iPad’s Safari browser and although this is great, this causes a few problems that can be very annoying.

As mentioned above, there’s no in-built camera either and there’s no guarantee that a newer version will have one either. This is a huge downside of the iPad as people can’t communicate over skype or any other way they might want to.

Multitasking can only be done when running Apple’s native applications, it does run on third party applications. So if users want to multitask the simple answer is they won’t be able to if they are running any application that are not native to Apple.

The conclusion is the iPad is great if you want a sophisticated gadget that has multi-function applications like a multimedia player, a laptop hybrid or that represents a really great toy. However, if you like to be online then you might find you reach a dead end pretty quickly without Flash support and you won’t be able to make a video call on Skype while listening to iTunes.

Source: http://tabletbuzzblog.com/the-downsides-to-apples-ipad/

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ASUS PadFone 2 receiving Jelly Bean OTA

PadFone 2 Jelly Bean PadFone 2 Jelly Bean Launcher

The PadFone 2, ASUS' successor device to that weird interesting phone inside a tablet inside a laptop contraption, is finally grabbing an OTA to Jelly Bean starting today. We were surprised when the phone was announced back in October with just Ice Cream Sandwich on board, but it's good to see ASUS following it up quickly with an update. The device keeps the skinning present in the previous version, but new features like Google Now and enhanced notifications are all included here.

According to FoneArena, the OTA is starting its rollout in Asia -- although that makes sense because the device is primarily being sold there. If you happen to have imported one of these to the states, you'll likely have a shot at receiving the update yourself with this batch.

Source: FoneArena; More: ASUS PadFone Forums

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/652p-YvPhgU/story01.htm

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Apple CEO Tim Cook's full TV interview is now available on YouTube in case you missed it

Last night, US television network NBC ran the first ever official television interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook. Unfortunately if you're outside of the United States or were out for the evening, you may have missed it. Luckily some kind sole has captured the complete interview and shared it on YouTube in two parts. As it is not an official release, it may get taken down fairly quickly so if you are interested in what Tim Cook has to say, don't hand around to watch it.

The interview is split into two parts on YouTube and Cook responds to questions about Apple's product design, its plans to bring some production of Macs back to the US and its "intense interest" in the TV. Hopefully NBC will release its own HD version of the interview soon; until then, you can enjoy this version. It is certainly worth a watch and lasts for a total of around nineteen minutes. The second part of the interview is right below, the quality is not great but they are still very watchable.

Source: YouTube via 9to5 Mac

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/Ki8OYHJg2QA/story01.htm

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Georgia's gift picks: 2012 holiday guide

Georgia's gift picks: 2012 holiday guide

This season everyone here at iMore has been asked to share some of their favorite gift ideas. Now, much as I love all my Apple products, and I'll certainly be picking some below, I also less than three a lot of other nerdy, geeky, stuff, so I have a range of picks for you, as always. Whether they're for friends and family, that special someone, or a gift for yourself, I hope you enjoy!

Field Runners 2

My absolute favorite game of the year, Field Runners 2 cost me hours and hours of time I didn't really have, but it's just so much fun it was a price I gladly paid. It's tower defense done right, for the second time. Give it to the gamer in your life.

iPhone 5

The iPhone is my world. Everything I do, from work to family to fun is done through my iPhone. While I enjoy the iPad for what it is, the one gadget I couldn't live without is the iPhone. If your special someone doesn't have an iPhone yet, it's probably the best commercial gift you could give them.

Olloclip 3-in-one lens system

I love macro photography. Leaves. Bugs. Bits of machinery. Anything and everything unexpected. While the iPhone can get you close, the Olloclip can get you very close. It can also go fisheye, and if you record video, wide angle as well. It's built beautifully and works even better.

PadPivot

Unlike notebooks, the iPad is a laptop that doesn't quite sit comfortably in your lap. And the iPad 3 and iPad 4, especially, are heavy enough that it would be nice if there was a way to prop them up without having to hold them up. Well, that's exactly what the PadPivot does. The stand can work on a desk, but it can also hug your thigh and keep your iPad perfectly positioned. If your special someone loves their iPad, and loves using it on the couch, they'll love the PadPivot.

Jellyfish Art

Jellyfish Art is real, and it's spectacular. You get a tank. You add jellyfish. You control the LED lights via remote. And then you sit back and marvel in it all. You can start small, with a desktop tank and a single fish, and you can grow from there. It's nerdy. It's techy. It's biological. And it's different.

SuperTooth DISCO Bluetooth Speaker

The SuperTooth DISCO isn't a Bluetooth speaker I can sneak into my jacket pocket, but it's absolutely what I want when I'm driving around in my jeep, or at home and just want massive music from my tiny iPhone or iPad. The SuperTooth DISCO is both big and beautiful. There's even a SuperTooth DISCO 2 if you'd rather gift something smaller and more vertical.

  • $149 - SuperTooth DISCO - Buy now

  • $99.99 - SuperTooth DISCO 2 - Buy now

Your gift picks?

So that's what I'm recommending this year, but fair is fair -- now you have to tell me your gift picks! Hey, I want present ideas too! What apps, accessories, media, food, and fun stuff comprise your favorite gifts this year?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/lOrFKYP3svw/story01.htm

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Apple and Google Are Reportedly Joining Forces To Buy $500 Million of Kodak Patents

Mac OS X Lion Preview 2 released, introduces mega exciting leather bound iCal skin

This is one of those posts that could probably be condensed into a tweet: Apple has released the second Preview of Mac OS X 10.7 Lion. If you're running Preview 1, it looks like you'll first receive a small update via Software Update, and then you can download Preview 2 from the Mac App Store.

There has been some speculation that Apple is getting close to a release or Golden Master build, but judging by 9to5 Mac's initial findings there's definitely some way to go. The Golden Master will probably appear at, or just before, the Apple WWDC in June.

So far, it's looking like the only changes in Preview 2 are the leather bound iCal skin that you can see above, and the main iChat window now combines your AIM, Bonjour and Jabber contacts, like Adium. We're sure that more details will emerge throughout the day, though, and there's bound to be lots of invisible changes, too. We'll update this post when we find out more.

Mac OS X Lion Preview 2 released, introduces mega exciting leather bound iCal skin originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/mac-os-x-lion-preview-2-released-introduces-mega-exciting-leath/

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