fultonnwillyy: Apple, Moto Patent Case Dismissed; Unlocked iPhone 5 Prices; Instagram Web Profiles

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Apple, Moto Patent Case Dismissed; Unlocked iPhone 5 Prices; Instagram Web Profiles

Topping tech headlines Monday, a Wisconsin judge threw out an Apple patent suit against Motorola.

Filed more than a year ago, Apple's case objected to Motorola's request for a 2.25 percent licensing fee on iOS devices which used a Motorola wireless patent. The trial was set for Monday, but when Cupertino refused to pay more than $1 per iPhone, the judge reportedly balked and canceled the proceedings.

In other Apple news, the Cupertino-based tech giant's website revealed possible pricing details for factory unlocked iPhone 5 models. Though Apple has yet to make an official announcement, the site offers prices between $649 and $849, based on earlier unlocked models. According to the retailer's website, the models will be available in both GSM and CDMA versions, in the white or black color option, with a price tag of $649 for the 16GB model, $749 for 32GB, and $849 for the largest 64GB model ? about $450 more than carrier-subsidized versions from AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint.

Meanwhile, Instagram announced its first big step away from an app-only format, rolling out online user profiles. Formerly, Instagrammers could view profiles only through the smartphone app. Now, by navigating to Instagram.com/[username], users can view photos in a Pinterest-meets-Facebook style, as well as edit their own profile, and like and comment on photos.

Also making headlines Monday:

Apple Sells 3 Million iPad Minis, Fourth-Gen iPads: Apple announced that it sold 3 million iPads in the three days since the launch of the iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad.
Rovio Launches Angry Birds Visa Debit Card: Rovio, the company behind the hit game Angry Birds, is set to launch a prepaid debit card branded with iconic imagery from the title.
Nov. 5 Hacks Target PayPal, Symantec, More: According to reports, the websites of PayPal, Symantec, NBC, and more came under fire, but PayPal denied there was a hack.
London Project Will Control 14K Street Lights Via iPad: London officials have approved a plan to upgrade the City of Westminster's 14,000 street lights with "smart" lights that can be monitored and controlled by an Apple iPad.
Samsung Ativ Smart PC, Galaxy Tab 2 Coming to AT&T Nov. 9: AT&T will begin selling two new Samsung tablets ? the Ativ Smart PC and Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 ? on Nov. 9.
Samsung Sells 30 Million Galaxy S III Smartphones: Samsung announced that it has sold more than 30 million of its Galaxy S III smartphones in just five months.
Bethesda Trailer Teases 'Dragonborn' Skyrim DLC: Bethesda Game Studios released the first trailer for its next official Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim game add-on, titled Dragonborn.
Belkin Unveils Lightning-Enabled Accessories: Apple has finally given a third-party the go-ahead to make accessories for its new Lightning connector.
Local Groups Turn to Amazon Wish Lists for Sandy Relief: Several Amazon wish lists have been set up to also allow you to send specific products directly to communities affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Rovio Drops Official Angry Birds Star Wars Trailer Ahead of Launch: Rovio released its official Angry Birds Star Wars gameplay trailer, just days before the title's Nov. 8 launch.
CBS Shows Coming to Hulu Plus Streaming: CBS will join its broadcast channel brothers and sisters in January by sharing content with Hulu Plus subscribers.
Nintendo Previewing Wii U at 5,000 Retailers: Nintendo is giving consumers a chance to test drive its Wii U console before it officially hits shelves on Nov. 18.