The court order does not actually bind Samsung's Korean parent company, but it binds three subsidiaries registered in Netherlands. These three different subsidiaries are prohibited to sell Galaxy phones in Netherlands, UK, France, Germany, Finland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Monaco, Sweden and Switzerland. Samsung however uses port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands to distribute it most of its products though out the European Union.

Apparently the good news for Samsung is the injunction is on the software and not the hardware. The injunction covers only the current devices and not future devices where the user interface is altered or changed or design in a way that don't infringe this particular patent. Plus the injunction is only on Galaxy phones, so the sales of Galaxy Tab is not affected.

According to BBC, Samsung is determined modify its software regarding that specific patent so that the products stay clear of the infringement and are been made available to consumers. To quote the company statement:

"With regard to the single infringement cited in the ruling, we will take all possible measures including legal action to ensure that there is no disruption in the availability of our Galaxy smartphones to Dutch consumers."

Basically all Samsung needs to do is provide a quick fix to its Gallery app. It has to change its "swipe to scroll" and the photo flicking/bouncing’ behavior in known models like Galaxy S, Galaxy S2 and Ace. This will clear these devices from the infringement and will save Samsung the cost and task of re-routing the entire distribution system.

source: bbc, foss patents

• Two Way Video Calling: Ability to make video calls over 3G network as well as WiFi. Skype also uses the iPad 2's dual camera and gives you the ability to turn off the camera or switch to the back or front facing camera.
• SMS texting: Easy and simple way of texting to any contact in your contact list or on any number via the dial pad.
• Easy Navigation: The UI is very wasy and intuiative. You can find your conversation history and search very easily.
• New Contacts Layout: The contacts are shown in a grid and can be customised into groups. Contacts now have a large avatar view making it easier to find them.
• Instant Messaging: Ability to instant message even during a video call.

Skype for iPad Requirements:

iOS version 4.0 or later required. iPad 1st Generation cannot send video, but can receive video.

 Download Skype for iPad

Skype for iPad Video Demo:

( video link )

What is new in Symbian Anna?

• Updated Symbian software
• New icons
• Usability enhancements such as improved text input
• A faster browser
• Refreshed Ovi Maps with improved search and new public transport routes

( video link )

The Nokia E6 is a business oriented phone and is basically a successor to the previous E series phones. Noticable features are:

• QWERTY keyboard with a High Resolution Touch Display
• Out-of-the-box Microsoft messaging experience on a business smartphone, including access to Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Communicator Mobile and Microsoft SharePoint.

The Nokia X7 is an entertainment focused smartphone. Its features are:

• 4-inch display
• 8MP Camera
• HD video capture and HD Gaming
• Comes preloaded with the popular Galaxy on Fire HD and Asphalt 5 HD games.

Gallery

Here is an illustration of the tablet:

As from the illustration above the form factor seems weird. We really don't know if the top part it has some functionality to it or if it is just a design. From the looks of it, it would give a better angle view and usability when kept on the table, because of its elevation. According to Engadget the "wrap" design also makes the tablet easy to handle from one hand, as the weight is shifted to the curve. Holding it in a portrait mode it makes sense, as it would be easy to hold it with one hand. As Android supports rotation, it could be easily held with a left or right hand. I am not too sure or convinced how easy it would be to hold this tablet design in landscape mode as the curve moves to the top. Engadget however claims that they have been told it is still comfortable to hold it in landscape as well.

As far as the pricing is concerned, rumors say that the wifi only version would match the iPad. More information and pictures regarding the first Android tablet from Sony as and when it becomes available.

[ via Engadget, Bloomberg ]

Phonearena gets their hands on the Xperia Play and showcases some of the pre-loaded games on the phone. Check it out:

( video link )

The video below was shot by a Nokia Astound:

( video link )

The Nokia Astound is a Symbian^3 phone with a 3.5 inch screen and 360x640 resolution display. It has a 8MP rear camera which does 720p HD video recording. It is powered by a 680 Mhz processor and comes with 8gb of internal memory, expandable via microsd slot upto 32gb.

If you are planning to buy a Nokia Astound, bookmark the following page for themes: Nokia Astound Themes

Sony Ericsson has tied up with over 20 publishers which will ensure steady flow of game titles for the Xperia Play. The games are downloadable via the Xperia "PLAY Launcher", an application on the phone. Over 60 games are available to download within the first week of the launch. A small range of original PlayStation games are also available in select markets. These include Bandicoot, Cool Boarders 2, Destruction Derby, Jumping Jack Flash, MediEvil and Syphon Filter.

Full Press Release:

London, April 1, 2011 – Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY, the world’s first PlayStation® certified smartphone, is now on sale in shops in the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Hong Kong and Taiwan  with further availability in an additional 6 markets over the next 2 weeks. The Xperia™ PLAY launches with more than 60 games from the industry’s biggest content providers including Sony Computer Entertainment, Gameloft, Electronic Arts and Glu Mobile. The range of games available to download at launch is a combination of original PlayStation® titles, well known 3D titles that take the full advantage of the graphical capabilities and controls of Xperia™ PLAY as well as popular casual games all optimized for the unique game pad.

Sony Ericsson has formed partnerships with over 20 developers from big publishers to independents, from middleware providers Havok and Unity to engaging Android developers, to ensure a steady flow of new titles for Xperia™ PLAY. Some of the highlights include:

• Assassins Creed Altair’s Chronicles HD  - One of the most popular gaming franchises, with action, puzzles and stealth gameplay set in the Middle East of the Crusades
• Need for Speed - Grab the wheel of the fastest, hottest, and most powerful cars in the world. One of the most successful video game franchises of all times.
• Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell – The latest instalment in this key franchise. Special Forces operative and renegade Sam Fisher returns to fight a corrupt secret agency.
• Dungeon Defenders Second Wave – Stunning graphics, intense gameplay and exclusive on Xperia PLAY.
• Gun Bros – Choose your weapon and join the ‘Freakishly Rugged’ action heroes Percy and Francis Gun as they take on a terrifying menagerie of alien beings.
• Galaxy on Fire 2 – Escape into space with hours of deep gameplay and mind blowing graphics in this space exploration game.
• Guns ‘n’ Glory – You lead a gang of bandits in this popular and award-winning casual tower defence game with a hilarious western theme.
• Worms – Send your worm platoons into battle in this award-winning turn-based strategy game.
• Zenonia 2 - The lost memories – Classic and popular RPG. Numerous quests following an epic storyline.
• Backstab - An epic 3rd person pirate adventure that incorporates intense sword fights and other dynamic combat modes. Launching on April 14th exclusively on Xperia™ PLAY. 
• N.O.V.A.2 - Awesome graphics and intense multiplayer gameplay. This First-Person Shooter makes its Android debut exclusively on Xperia™ PLAY.

In addition Sony Ericsson is happy to confirm that Asphalt 6 – the latest instalment of one of the leading and top-selling racing games will be available for free exclusively on Xperia™ PLAY.

The games are downloadable via the “Xperia™ PLAY launcher”, an application that is activated by sliding open the gamepad.  The “Xperia™ PLAY launcher” recommends games and enables consumers to search for top titles optimised for Xperia™ PLAY on Android market.
There is also a range of PlayStation® original games available at launch (in select markets initially). These are comprised of a pre-install of the PS One classic Crash Bandicoot®* and a further 5 PlayStation® original games available to download via the PlayStation® Pocket application in Xperia™ PLAY.

• Cool Boarders 2 – Time to pick up that snowboard again and rip through the snow with 16 intense racetracks.
• Destruction Derby – Original car carnage.  Buckle yourself into a new car and destroy it but send your opponents to the junkyard first.
• Jumping Jack Flash - A first person platformer like no other. Leap around 6 colourful worlds in the cockpit of a robotic rabbit, hunting for the evil galactic property developer Baron Aloha.
• MediEvil™ – Resurrected 100 years later you have returned to defeat the sorcerer Zarok.  Perhaps the world's least worthy hero, you set out to save the land once again--for the first time.
• Syphon Filter™ – Become Gabe Logan: Guerrilla war expert. A man on a personal crusade to bring down an international terrorist ring and eliminate a deadly virus.

More games from Sony Computer Entertainment will be added to Xperia™ PLAY on a regular basis.
Dominic Neil-Dwyer, Head of Market Development at Sony Ericsson commented: “It’s great to get Xperia PLAY into consumers’ hands at last.  This is just the start and the future is exciting based on all the interest and support we have from the game industry.  A steady stream of fresh innovative content will be coming to Xperia PLAY over the coming months.”

Xperia™ PLAY will be available in the following markets starting from today and in the next two weeks: United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Spain, France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Russia, India and Portugal.

As announced at Mobile World Congress Xperia™ PLAY will be in stores in the US market with Verizon Wireless this spring.

Appendix: Games available within the first week of launch:
Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior from Digital Legends (pre-installed)
FIFA 2010 from EA Mobile (pre-installed**)
Sims 3 from EA Mobile (pre-installed**)
Star Battalion from Gameloft (pre-installed**)
Tetris from EA mobile (pre-installed**)
Asphalt 6 from Gameloft (free to download)
Dungeon Defenders: Second Wave from Trendy Entertainment
Galaxy on Fire 2 from Fishlabs
Assassins Creed from Gameloft
Need for Speed SHIFT from  EA Mobile
Worms from EA Mobile
Nova 2 from Gameloft
Modern Combat Black Pegasus from Gameloft
Guns n Glory from Handygames
Reckless Racing from Polarbit 
Real Football 2011from Gameloft
Gun Bros from Glu Mobile 
Racer Luma from Arcade/Unity 
Cordy from SilverTree Media
Aporkalypse from Handygames
Brothers in Arms Global Front from Gameloft
Guerrilla Bob from Angry Mob Games/Unity
Let's Golf 2 from Gameloft
Zenonia 2 from Gamevil 
Cyberlords from Handygames
Guitar Hero™ Warriors of Rock Mobile from Glu Mobile 
Age of Zombies from Halfbrick Studios
Spectral Souls from HyperDevBox Japan 
Splinter Cell Conviction from Gameloft
Air Attack from Art in Games/Unity
Armageddon Squadron from Polarbit 
Uno from Gameloft
InfeCCt from Handygames 
Spiderman total Mayhem from Gameloft
Millionaire City from Digital Chocolate
Avatar from Gameloft
Raging Thunder 2from Polarbit
Homerun Battle 3D from Com2us Games
Aftermath XHD from Jakyl 
I Must Run from GameLion
Baseball Superstars 2011from Gamevil
Ground Effect Pro from Jakyl 
ZeNonia from Gamevil
Super KO Boxing  2 from Glu Mobile
Farm Story from Team Lava
Wave Blazer from Polarbit
Soccer Superstars from Gamevil
Battle Bears from Skyvu 
Tower Blocks New York from Digital Chocolate
Super Dynamite Fishing from Handygames
Iron Sight from Polarbit
Toonwarz from Polarbit
Restaurant Story from Team Lava
Escape from AMA
Raving Babies from AMA
Bakery Story from Team Lava
Denki Blocks! Deluxe from Jakyl 
Rollercoaster Rush from Digital Chocolate

PlayStation original games:
Crash Bandicoot® from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Cool Boarders 2 from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Destruction Derby from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Jumping Jack Flash from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
MediEvil™ from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Syphon Filter™ from Sony Computer Entertainment

* In France Syphon Filter™ will be pre-installed on Xperia PLAY.
** Pre-install may vary by territory

[ via Sony Ericsson Press ]

• Aluminum unibody design
• HTML 5 and Latest Adobe Flash Support
• HTC Scribe Technology
• HD Video recording
• High quality front camera for video calls
• HD Gaming
• Stereo Speakers

The HTC Scribe Technology is basically what differentiates the Flyer and makes it a worthy contender. Pen based apps and the use of a pen may sound a bit like taking a step back, but according to HTC it is the other way around. They say when it comes to writing and drawing, pen is the most natural input and works very well with their new tablet. I really don't know how comfortable the use of pen is with any tablet, I personally still prefer keyboards. But then again, I have not used the Flyer in real life to pass on any judgment. The HTC Scribe and pen based apps would allow you to Notate in books, Sign Contracts, Make comments on documents, Share a link with a custom handwritten note, Take indept notes and scribble, etc.

HTC Flyer has a build in note app to take up comprehensive notes which get links with the meetings in the calendar. This note app allows you to take down details notes via the keyboard as well as drawings & scribbling via the pen, adding pictures and videos to the notes or simple recording audio in crystal clear high quality.

HTC has opened up its Scribe technology to developers to develop apps that support pen input. It would be interesting to see what developers come up with. Check out the official video below from HTC

( video link )

Does the HTC Flyer spark any interest for you. Let us know in the comments below.

Angry Birds Rio features:

• Two fantastic episodes with 60 exciting levels!
• Completely new achievements!
• Special Hidden fruits - discover them all!
• Put your Angry Birds skills to the ultimate test in a spectacular boss fight!
• Expect plenty more where this came from: Episodic updates throughout 2011!

From the screenshots in the gallery below you can see that the graphics are definitely crispy and improved from the original versions. Game play is smooth as well, no lags at all when played on the Galaxy Tab.

Head over to the market website and Download Angry Birds Rio.

Check out the game trailer:

( video link )

Gallery

Stuart Hibberd is the Head of the O2 phone testing team. He and his team are responsible to test each and every device for weeks before giving the green signal for launch. These guys have to basically try and test each feature of the phone and get to know the phone in and out. Bugs and issues are sometimes discovered and when they are, they work with the manufacturers and sort it out before the launch.

Unfortunately the testing team has found some bugs with the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play software, which if not fixed before launch could cause serious issues. Stuart Hibberd says, his team has been working with Sony Ericsson regarding this, sadly the issues would not be resolved in time and hence the delay.

You can sign up on the O2 Xperia Play Coming Soon Page to get an update as and when the phone becomes available.

[ via O2 UK blog ]

To make it clear, the phone will be skipping a version, i.e from 2.1 it will jump to 2.3 directly. Sony Ericsson says that the reason for this, is that they were very focused on launching Gingerbread for their 2011 line up which made it possible for them to work on Gingerbread for X10 as well. The X10 Mini, X8, And the X10 mini pro will not be getting this update. Sony Ericsson says they have to prioritize their resources and have decided to focus on the X10 only for the update.

The update will be available via the PC update software. Updating your X10 to Gingerbread will however make it loose some of its previous functionality:

• The current plan is that the Xperia^TM X10 will get the Android standard Camera user interface and therefore features like e.g. face recognition, smile shutter etc will be lost.
• Moxier is replaced by the gingerbread native EAS functionality.
• Mediascape is being replaced by the media experience widgets and music player included in our new 2011 products.
• DRM keys for protected content on your phone will be lost in the upgrade process.
• The Sony Ericsson Backup and Restore client is not supported in the Gingerbread version and will therefore be lost.
• Support for bi-directional languages will be reduced compared to the latest version of the 2.1 version of the Xperia^TM X10.

Sony Ericsson intent here is to bring similar software experiences to the X10 in comparison to their Xperia 2011 line up. However the X10 being a old and dated phone has certain hardware limitations and the entire 2011 Xperia phones experience cannot be fully ported to the X10.

Never the less, it is great to see Sony Ericsson giving support to people who are still hanging on to the Xperia X10.

[ via Sony Ericsson Blog ]

Why? Samsung earlier made it obvious that the original Galaxy Tab 10.1 was not competitive enough for iPad 2. The Tab was expensive and thick. Plus the lack of WiFi models just made it worse.

As posted earlier the Motorola Xoom Sales Figures are not so great. $800 Price tablets just don't cut it. After the announcement of these two new tablets, Samsung looks like the only real competitor to the iPad 2 in terms of Pricing as well as Market Reach. The only downfall for Samsung is that the iPad 2 is available now, where as the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is expected to come out on June 8 (United States) and the 8.9 version in Summer.

Those who were eagerly waiting for the Galaxy Tab 10.1, will have to wait a bit longer, till June. Both these 10.1 and the 8.9 one are about 8.6 mm thick, which makes it 0.2 mm thinner than the iPad 2. The 10.1 weighs about 595 g and the 8.9 about 470 g, beating Apple again. This revamped design however comes with a price. Samsung has reduced the camera to about 3MP from the original 8MP in the rear. The front camera remains at 2MP resolution. The 10.1 tab can now capture at 720p only instead of the 1080p capture in the original design. Both these tabs also have TouchWiz UX. So no stock Android Honeycomb like in the original design. However this customization by Samsung over the stock Android OS is turnoff for many people. They argue it results in UI slowness and delayed OS updates. Personally, I don't find any difference, except for the added benefits from the customized UI.

Both these tablets also support micros SD upto 32GB. The iPad 2 still has not external memory support. The Galaxy Tab 8.9 also comes with Bluetooth 3.0. Samsung also said that the original tablet will be available with the name of Galaxy Tab 10.1V and would be exclusive to Vodafone.

Here are the Specifications of the new Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 8.9:

Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1

Samsung GALAXY Tab 8.9

Gallery

The customized UI will have live panels showing emails, gallery, date, bookmarks, weather, stock etc. There would also be a mini tray will would allow one to pop-up any 6 applications without switching the screen.

Pocketnow managed to get their hands on two images which shows the tab and its features.

All this is very interesting, although I am not to happy about the customized UI. Customized UI mostly delays software updates, and most of the time screws up the UI experience as well. Tomorrow, after the official announcement and launch, we would definitely know for sure how bad or good is the customization by Samsung.

T-Mobile users who wanted an iPhone from ages, but were to reluctant to switch can now rejoice. Apple would benefit from this deal as well as there would be a pool of new users who now have an opportunity to get the iPhone on AT&T's network.

Update: T-Mobile says It would remain an independent company for 12 months and will not offer iPhone, instead will offer Android phones like Galaxy S 4G and Sidekick 4G.

"T-Mobile USA remains an independent company. The acquisition is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months. We do not offer the iPhone. We offer cutting edge devices like the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and coming soon our new Sidekick 4G."

According to AT&T, this agreement will benefit consumers in the following ways:

Expands 4G LTE deployment to 95 percent of U.S. population including urban and rural areas

As a result of this agreement, additional 46.5 million Americans will have access to AT&T's latest 4G LTE technology. In terms of area coverage, this transaction will enable deployment of 4G LTE networks to an additional 1.2 million square miles. Rural areas will also benefit this expansion.

Improving service quality of US wireless customers

Customers would also see service improvements. Because of the additional spectrum, increased cell tower density and broader network infrastructure, there would be improvements in voice quality as well. AT&T, with this agreement, gets instant access and benefits of the additional cell sites. Technically speaking it would have taken an average of 5 years or double in some markets for AT&T to build up this additional gained cell sites. Network density would be increased by approximately 30%.

AT&T have set up a website, www.mobilizeeverything.com, to address any questions the public may have regarding this deal.

Here is the full press release:

AT&T to Acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom

DALLAS & BONN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and Deutsche Telekom AG (FWB: DTE) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which AT&T will acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom in a cash-and-stock transaction currently valued at approximately $39 billion. The agreement has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies.

AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile USA provides an optimal combination of network assets to add capacity sooner than any alternative, and it provides an opportunity to improve network quality in the near term for both companies’ customers. In addition, it provides a fast, efficient and certain solution to the impending exhaustion of wireless spectrum in some markets, which limits both companies’ ability to meet the ongoing explosive demand for mobile broadband.

With this transaction, AT&T commits to a significant expansion of robust 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) deployment to 95 percent of the U.S. population to reach an additional 46.5 million Americans beyond current plans – including rural communities and small towns. This helps achieve the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and President Obama’s goals to connect “every part of America to the digital age.” T-Mobile USA does not have a clear path to delivering LTE.

“This transaction represents a major commitment to strengthen and expand critical infrastructure for our nation’s future,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T Chairman and CEO. “It will improve network quality, and it will bring advanced LTE capabilities to more than 294 million people. Mobile broadband networks drive economic opportunity everywhere, and they enable the expanding high-tech ecosystem that includes device makers, cloud and content providers, app developers, customers, and more. During the past few years, America’s high-tech industry has delivered innovation at unprecedented speed, and this combination will accelerate its continued growth.”

Stephenson continued, “This transaction delivers significant customer, shareowner and public benefits that are available at this level only from the combination of these two companies with complementary network technologies, spectrum positions and operations. We are confident in our ability to execute a seamless integration, and with additional spectrum and network capabilities, we can better meet our customers’ current demands, build for the future and help achieve the President’s goals for a high-speed, wirelessly connected America.”

Deutsche Telekom Chairman and CEO René Obermann said, “After evaluating strategic options for T-Mobile USA, I am confident that AT&T is the best partner for our customers, shareholders and the mobile broadband ecosystem. Our common network technology makes this a logical combination and provides an efficient path to gaining the spectrum and network assets needed to provide T-Mobile customers with 4G LTE and the best devices. Also, the transaction returns significant value to Deutsche Telekom shareholders and allows us to retain exposure to the U.S. market.”

As part of the transaction, Deutsche Telekom will receive an equity stake in AT&T that, based on the terms of the agreement, would give Deutsche Telekom an ownership interest in AT&T of approximately 8 percent. A Deutsche Telekom representative will join the AT&T Board of Directors.

Competition and Pricing

The U.S. wireless industry is one of the most fiercely competitive markets in the world and will remain so after this deal. The U.S. is one of the few countries in the world where a large majority of consumers can choose from five or more wireless providers in their local market. For example, in 18 of the top 20 U.S. local markets, there are five or more providers. Local market competition is escalating among larger carriers, low-cost carriers and several regional wireless players with nationwide service plans. This intense competition is only increasing with the build-out of new 4G networks and the emergence of new market entrants.

The competitiveness of the market has directly benefited consumers. A 2010 report from the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) states the overall average price (adjusted for inflation) for wireless services declined 50 percent from 1999 to 2009, during a period which saw five major wireless mergers.

Addresses wireless spectrum challenges facing AT&T, T-Mobile USA, their customers, and U.S. policymakers

This transaction quickly provides the spectrum and network efficiencies necessary for AT&T to address impending spectrum exhaust in key markets driven by the exponential growth in mobile broadband traffic on its network. AT&T’s mobile data traffic grew 8,000 percent over the past four years and by 2015 it is expected to be eight to 10 times what it was in 2010. Put another way, all of the mobile traffic volume AT&T carried during 2010 is estimated to be carried in just the first six to seven weeks of 2015. Because AT&T has led the U.S. in smartphones, tablets and e-readers – and as a result, mobile broadband – it requires additional spectrum before new spectrum will become available. In the long term, the entire industry will need additional spectrum to address the explosive growth in demand for mobile broadband.

Improves service quality for U.S. wireless customers

AT&T and T-Mobile USA customers will see service improvements - including improved voice quality - as a result of additional spectrum, increased cell tower density and broader network infrastructure. At closing, AT&T will immediately gain cell sites equivalent to what would have taken on average five years to build without the transaction, and double that in some markets. The combination will increase AT&T’s network density by approximately 30 percent in some of its most populated areas, while avoiding the need to construct additional cell towers. This transaction will increase spectrum efficiency to increase capacity and output, which not only improves service, but is also the best way to ensure competitive prices and services in a market where demand is extremely high and spectrum is in short supply.

Expands 4G LTE deployment to 95 percent of U.S. population – urban and rural areas

This transaction will directly benefit an additional 46.5 million Americans – equivalent to the combined populations of the states of New York and Texas – who will, as a result of this combination, have access to AT&T’s latest 4G LTE technology. In terms of area covered, the transaction enables 4G LTE deployment to an additional 1.2 million square miles, equivalent to 4.5 times the size of the state of Texas. Rural and smaller communities will substantially benefit from the expansion of 4G LTE deployment, increasing the competitiveness of the businesses and entrepreneurs in these areas.

Increases AT&T’s investment in the U.S.

The acquisition will increase AT&T’s infrastructure investment in the U.S. by more than $8 billion over seven years. Expansion of AT&T’s 4G LTE network is an important foundation for the next wave of innovation and growth in mobile broadband, ensuring the U.S. continues to lead the world in wireless technology and availability. It makes T-Mobile USA, currently a German-owned U.S. telecom network, part of a U.S.-based company.

An impressive, combined workforce

Bringing AT&T and T-Mobile USA together will create an impressive workforce that is best positioned to compete in today’s global economy. Post-closing, AT&T intends to tap into the significant knowledge and expertise held by employees of both AT&T and T-Mobile USA to succeed. AT&T is the only major U.S. wireless company with a union workforce, offering leading wages, benefits, training and development for employees. The combined company will continue to have a strong employee and operations base in the Seattle area.

Consistent with AT&T’s track record of value-enhancing acquisitions

AT&T has a strong track record of executing value-enhancing acquisitions and expects to create substantial value for shareholders through large, straightforward synergies with a run rate of more than $3 billion, three years after closing onward (excluding integration costs). The value of the synergies is expected to exceed the purchase price of $39 billion. Revenue synergies come from opportunities to increase smartphone penetration and data average revenue per user, with cost savings coming from network efficiencies, subscriber and support savings, reduced churn and avoided capital and spectrum expenditures.

The transaction will enhance margin potential and improve the company’s long-term revenue growth potential as it benefits from a more robust mobile broadband platform for new services.

Additional financial information

The $39 billion purchase price will include a cash payment of $25 billion with the balance to be paid using AT&T common stock, subject to adjustment. AT&T has the right to increase the cash portion of the purchase price by up to $4.2 billion with a corresponding reduction in the stock component, so long as Deutsche Telekom receives at least a 5 percent equity ownership interest in AT&T.

The number of AT&T shares issued will be based on the AT&T share price during the 30-day period prior to closing, subject to a 7.5 percent collar; there is a one-year lock-up period during which Deutsche Telekom cannot sell shares.

The cash portion of the purchase price will be financed with new debt and cash on AT&T’s balance sheet. AT&T has an 18-month commitment for a one-year unsecured bridge term facility underwritten by J.P. Morgan for $20 billion. AT&T assumes no debt from T-Mobile USA or Deutsche Telekom and continues to have a strong balance sheet.

The transaction is expected to be earnings (excluding non-cash amortization and integration costs) accretive in the third year after closing. Pro-forma for 2010, this transaction increases AT&T’s total wireless revenues from $58.5 billion to nearly $80 billion, and increases the percentage of AT&T’s total revenues from wireless, wireline data and managed services to approximately 80 percent.

This transaction will allow for sufficient cash flow to support AT&T’s dividend. AT&T has increased its dividend for 27 consecutive years, a matter decided by AT&T’s Board of Directors.

Conditions

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, a reverse breakup fee in certain circumstances, and other customary regulatory and other closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in approximately 12 months.

Advisors

Greenhill & Co., J.P. Morgan and Evercore Partners acted as financial advisors and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Arnold & Porter, and Crowell & Moring provided legal advice to AT&T.

Conference Call/Webcast

On Monday, March 21, 2011, at 8 a.m. ET, AT&T Inc. will host a live video and audio webcast presentation regarding its announcement to acquire T-Mobile USA. Links to the webcast and accompanying documents will be available on AT&T's Investor Relations website. Please log in 15 minutes ahead of time to test your browser and register for the call.

For dial-in access, please dial +1 (888) 517-2464 within the U.S. or +1 (630) 827-6816 outside the U.S. after 7:30 a.m. ET. Enter passcode 8442095# to join or ask the conference call operator for the AT&T Investor Relations event.

The webcast will be available for replay on AT&T’s Investor Relations website on March 21, 2011, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET through April 21, 2011. An archive of the conference call will also be available during this time period. To access the recording, please dial +1 (877) 870-5176 within the U.S. or +1 (858) 384-5517 outside the U.S. and enter reservation code 29362481#.

[ via BusinessWire ]

If you have not received the update notification on your phone, you can try and check if the update is available in your region by using SW update application in the applications folder. If the update is found the phone will prompt you to continue with the installation. If you cannot get the update, don't worry, some times there are delays with certain regions / operators. The update will eventually come.

[ images source allaboutsymbian ]

Official change log:

- Added the ability to upload photos to friend's walls

- Upload photos to groups

- Photos will always upload with the correct orientation

- Improvements to landscape mode

- Improved security using SSL

- Various bug fixes

Head over to your my apps in the market and initiate the update.

However after trials and errors, I did manage to purchase my favorite games like Spider Man, Lets Golf 2, UNO and some others for my Galaxy Tab. However any consumer should not have to spend time on r&d to purchase such stuff online. Any purchase should be quick, swift and fast. Who really has time to spent minutes on app purchases.

At the MWC earlier this year, there were some talks that Gameloft would eventually come out on Android Market. It seems that now Google and Gameloft have reach an agreement and cleared their differences, as I can clearly see some games from Gameloft on the Android Market.

So go ahead and make hassle free purchases of Gameloft addictive games from the Market: https://market.android.com/developer?pub=Gameloft

Many games are still not available, like Spider Man, Asphalt 6 HD, Lets Golf etc. These are however available on their website, if you can manage to purchase them.

Another thing on the market is that most of the games are in HD and require huge installation downloads. So the 15 min refund policy will not work here, as it might take more than 15 min to download over 100-200 mb of game files for installation even on WiFi and actually try out the game.

Analyst Morgan Keegan, after speaking to approximately 80 retailers, has found out that the Motorola Xoom is moving at a pace of 2 units per day, on an average, from the Verizon stores. This means the estimated sales would reach 300,000 units in the quarter. Analyst also have estimated that the iPad 2 sales would reach around 600,000 over the weekend itself. Despite these poor figures the Xoom customers feedback at the Verizon stores have been positive, as in no one has returned their unit.

What went wrong over here? Pricing, Reach, Marketing?

When Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab, it picked up fast. Selling around 600,000 units in just one month. Well you cannot expect a $800 tablet to sell that much. Mostly the issue here is pricing and reach, both. Android works best in numbers. Motorola's lack of presence in the Global market and along with the lack of simultaneous launch of the Xoom in world wide market have definitely hindered sales. To add to this the iPad 2, have 5 models which are cheaper than the Xoom. Considering in same markets, the Xoom would never catch up with the iPad 2.

As far as Motorola's concerned the sales are be steady but not great. As far as Google and Android is concerned, it is a totally different ball game. Android 3.0 Honeycomb is to be promoted by other manufacturers like Samsung, HTC and LG. Samsung has a very good market reach. If they get their pricing right as well, it could hit off. All said, Samsung did a very good job with the original Galaxy Tab. I am sure Samsung's global reach and marketing would do way better numbers than the Motorola Xoom.

[ sales figures via business insider ]

My advise would be, just be on the look out when you are drinking at a bar.

[ video link for mobile viewing ]

For those who are interested in getting this Honeycomb 3.0 tablet from Samsung, I suggest you contact your retailers for a pre-booking. I would be getting the new tablet from Croma Mumbai, on launch.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is a successor to the original Galaxy Tab which sold over 2 million units world wide. The new Galaxy Tab 10.1, has as the name says, a 10.1 inch screen, built on Stock Android 3.0 Honeycomb, powered by dual core nVidia Tegra 2 processor, 1GB of ram and a 8mp rear camera capable of full hd video recording @ 1080p.

Also if you are looking to buy the original Galaxy Tab, I suggest you wait till the new one launches as the prices of the original Tab would slash further.

Check out this video by AndroidHD to learn what's the new Galaxy Tab all about:

[ video link for mobile viewing ]