Apple on Monday scored a small victory in their patent infringement lawsuit against HTC. A US trade commission ruled that HTC would be required to change the way they use phone number and date information within emails.

In their lawsuit Apple claims that the company could not allow users to tap on a phone number or date in an email to call someone or add an appointment to a calendar.

While HTC can still appeal the decision they say the functionality of their system will be changed before the ruling takes effect on April 19.

At the same time the lawsuit also dealt a blow to Apple when the court overturned a previous decision regarding the way in which HTC organizes software in its phones. HTC had worked hard to avoid the software organization patent.

In the meantime Apple’s lawsuits have ultimately been test runs for their suspected attack on Google, Inc., before he died Steve Jobs said his life goal was to “destroy Android, because it’s a stolen product.”

However since Steve Jobs attacked Google the search giant decided to acquire Motorola Mobility, Inc. which in turn provides Google with a library of more than 17,000 patents which the company could potentially use to attack Apple on a large scale.

Do you think the ridiculousness of mobile patent lawsuits has gotten out of hand? Is it time for the U.S. Government to intervene and create more stringent patent systems that ensure competition isn’t stifled?

Apple Scores Small Victory In HTC Patent Lawsuit is a post from: The Inquisitr

Several HTC Rezound customers have been complaining about loud static from their audio source, the main feature of the phone.

According t0 several Droid-Life readers their devices have been suffering from noticeable static when listening to music and the problem persists when Beats by Dre headphones are being used and when other third-party headphones are plugged in.

Users have also complained that the issue persists with both streaming and on-device music sources.

Since only some users are experiencing the problem HTC says it’s not an “inherent” flaw and released the following statement:

“HTC has received a very small number of calls related to audio on the Rezound, but nothing that so far points to a broader issue … We’re continuing to monitor it closely but currently believe the few calls we’ve received are isolated cases.”

Anyone experiencing the audio issue should treat the problem as a hardware malfunction and ask for a new device to replace their broken HTC product.

Have you experienced isolated audio issues on the HTC Rezound?

HTC Rezound Customers Complain Of Loud Static, HTC Says It’s An Isolated Issue is a post from: The Inquisitr

In a rare occurrence revenues at Smartphone manufacturer HTC took a slight dip in October when compared to September sales. According to the company their October revenue was down by 2.8 percent ($1.46 billion) compared to the month prior.

The company’s revenue dip is expected to last well into the holiday buying season after Apple last month released their iPhone 4S in 29 countries at once which in turn pushed down Smartphone sales for most other manufacturers.

While HTC officials have not directly said Apple is too blame for their drop in revenue they did hint to an Apple effect in their fall forecast and said they are expecting lower than previously thought phone shipments over the fall months.

HTC still has strong offerings especially in the U.S. market with their Amaze 4G, Rezound and Vivid Smartphones. Unfortunately for HTC they no longer have a “stronghold” on Sprint Wireless after the company began selling the iPhone 4S.

In the meantime all eyes will turn to CES (January 2012) and Mobile World Congress (February 2012), events where HTC tends to roll out the roadmap for their newest devices.

Are you a fan of HTC or have you decided on the iPhone 4S and it’s Siri voice assistant technology?

HTC Revenue Declined In October As iPhone 4S Made Worldwide Debut is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Google Android OS was a big winner in the ad impression space during the third quarter of 2011 securing 56 percent of the market compared to Apple’s 28 percent reach. Falling further behind is one time mobile darling Research in Motion (RIM) which grabbed 13 percent of the market based on Blackberry mobile use.

While Google Android gathered the most mobile ad impressions Apple was still the single manufacturer leader with 23 percent of mobile ads compared to Samsung and HTC who both followed with approximately 16 percent of each.

The report also showed that 54 percent of all iOS ad impressions came from iPhone devices while the iPad and iPod Touch units made up the remaining 46 percent.  Based on current numbers iOS ad impressions have grown by 60 percent over the last 12 months while iPad impressions climbed by 456 percent amid growing sales numbers.

The Millenial network has also reported that of the top 20 devices used on their network 15 use Android while six of those Android devices come from manufacturer HTC.

The study also found that Android Apps provide the most in-game ad spending with a 49 percent share of the market, up just 20 percent from year over year. Apple following in second place with 41 percent of the app ad spending market, up from 36 percent over last years numbers.

Google Android Mobile Technology Rules Ad Impression Market In Q3 2011 is a post from: The Inquisitr

HTC on Tuesday confirmed that a security vulnerability exists on their Smartphones that allows any app requesting internet access to look at a users account information, GPS location, system logs and other potentially private data.

The manufacturer assured customers that while their own software won’t harm user data they have warned that third party malware could exploit the security flaw and cause information to be stolen.

HTC programmers are already building a patch for the flaw and they promise that an over-the-air patch update will arrive as soon as possible.

Here’s the official security statement from HTC:

HTC takes claims related to the security of our products very seriously. In our ongoing investigation into this recent claim, we have concluded that while this HTC software itself does no harm to customers’ data, there is a vulnerability that could potentially be exploited by a malicious third-party application. A third party malware app exploiting this or any other vulnerability would potentially be acting in violation of civil and criminal laws. So far, we have not learned of any customers being affected in this way and would like to prevent it by making sure all customers are aware of this potential vulnerability.

HTC is working very diligently to quickly release a security update that will resolve the issue on affected devices. Following a short testing period by our carrier partners, the patch will be sent over-the-air to customers, who will be notified to download and install it. We urge all users to install the update promptly. During this time, as always, we strongly urge customers to use caution when downloading, using, installing and updating applications from untrusted sources.

Customers are urged to avoid non-trusted apps until the patch is made available and installed.

HTC Confirms Security Flaw, Says Fix Is On The Way is a post from: The Inquisitr

What does HTC do after purchasing nine patents from phone partner Google? They wage war on Apple, suiting the company for violating patent laws surrounding their recently purchased intellectual property.

The patents in question were first used by Palm, Motorola and Openwave Systems then according to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office records they were sold to Google before the search giant sold and transferred them HTC on September 1st.

The move is a smart strategic one for Google, by providing HTC with the patents the Taiwanese handset manufacturer and one of Google Android’s biggest supporters was given the ammunition needed to go after Apple. The Cupertino based company is already suing HTC, claiming that Google Android phones ripped off the iOS OS, while manufacturers ripped off iPhone design features.

For their part Google, who entered the year with less than 1,000 patents made a huge move to protect themselves and their manufacturers from intellectual property lawsuits when they purchased Motorola Mobility for $12.5 million. The Motorola Mobility purchase provides the company with various patents used by phone manufacturers around the world, including Apple Inc.

According to Bloomberg:

The lawsuit contends the Mac computer, iPhone, iPod, iPad, iCloud and iTunes are infringing patents for a way to upgrade software wirelessly; a way to transfer data between a microprocessor and a support chip; a method to store user preferences, and a way to provide consistent contact between application software and a radio modem.

The International Trade Commission also received the same product complaints involving five more patents which they obtained from Google.

Apple vs. the world, we saw how great that worked out for Microsoft back in their worldwide leadership role in technology, it will be interesting to see how Apple plans to fight back when every mobile phone manufacturer on the face of the planet files suit against them for patents not held in Cupertino.

Smartphone Patent Battle: HTC Vs. Apple is a post from: The Inquisitr

2011 is definitely the year of the Smartphone with an estimated 420 million units expected to ship around the world before the end of the fiscal year according to data from IMS Research

The company also predicts that by 2016 one billion Smartphones will be sold annually and will make up more than half of all mobile handsets sold around the world.

Among the industry’s big winners is Samsung which climbed from 3 percent of the market in Q1 2010 to 13 percent in Q1 2011.  Apple as should be expected also witnessed some growth, capturing 19 percent of the global market in Q1, up 3 percent year-over-year. HTC is also a big winner, increasing their market share from 6 percent to 10 percent of the Smartphone market in a 12 month period.

It’s not good news for all Smartphone manufacturers though, Research in Motion, makers of the Blackberry line of devices lost 5 percent of their market reach over the last year, dropping to 15 percent of the global market while firing 2,000 workers this week, while Nokia year-over-year market share dropped by 16% to just 24% of the overall market. Nokia hopes to gain some market share back when their first Windows Phone 7 devices arrive.

While Google doesn’t manufacturer their own devices they also had an excellent year with their Google Android mobile operating system grabbing an astounding 38 percent of the worldwide market and 27 percent of the overall U.S. market, beating out Apple for the number one Smartphone sales record.

Smartphone Sales Skyrocket In 2011, 420 Million Phones Will Go Out The Door is a post from: The Inquisitr

Apple loves to sue their competitors, whether their going after HTC or Google or Samsung and various other mobile phone company’s the firm has chosen to exercise their rights in front of the ITC time and time again and now Smartphone innovator HTC is calling them out, telling the brass at Apple to step up and start competing instead of suing.

In a statement to the press HTC’s general counsel Grace Lei told Jobs and his team that ”HTC is disappointed at Apple’s constant attempts at litigations instead of competing fairly in the market.”

The statement comes as Apple has launched a second attack on HTC, asking the courts to block devices from the Taiwanese company, while at the same time fighting it out with Samsung, GetJar and Amazon over various patent issues.

In the meantime, Apple came to the mobile game late and there were thousands of patents already being used by other mobile phone manufacturers who could attempt to offer Apple a bit of backlash over their recent attempts to stifle competition through various lawsuits.

HTC to Apple: Try Competing Instead of Suing Everyone In Sight is a post from: The Inquisitr

The HTC Flyer may not have Google Android Honeycomb at this time, but the tablet with it’s 7-inch display has received an over-the-air update meant to increase the systems overall performance.

The company hasn’t come out and said exactly what was tweaked and the tablet already had decent battery life, connectivity and speed.

If you happen to be an HTC Flyer customer let us know what improvements, additions or subtractions you may have witnessed so far.

HTC Flyer Gets Over-The-Air Update, Improved System Performance is a post from: The Inquisitr

The HTC Sensation has become the newest device to fall victim to the dreaded “Death Grip” which was largely debated on the Apple iPhone 4. According to reports users lose the ability to connect via WiFi and Bluetooth when holding a flat palm alongside the back of the device.

According to reports the “flat palm” position fo the phone can cause 20 to 30 dBm to be dropped, causing major slow down speeds when uploading and downloading files and even the loss of those connections.

The phone is made out of aluminum and when combined with the Smartphones unibody design is believed to be the cause of the signal issues, the same issued witnessed on other unibody aluminum body designs from Apple and HTC, including the HTC Desire and Legend models.

HTC went after Apple during the iPhone 4 antenna issues and how the company is continually fighting the same type of claims, it will be interesting to see if sales are affected by this new report.

In the meantime here’s a video demonstrating the issue:

Have you had any reception issues on your HTC device? Let us know what type of antenna issues you have experienced.

HTC Sensation Becomes Next Victim Of “Death Grip” Reception Issues is a post from: The Inquisitr

Radio Shack has made good on their promise to off an AT&T compatible HTC Inspire 4G with an exclusive red coloring.

The phone, which features a 4.3-inch WVGA display, 8MP camera with LED Flash and a 1GHz Snapdragon processor powering a Google Android 2.2 setup with HTC Sense technology can be had for just $29.99 with a two-year contract that includes data.

If you’re a fan of the phone and don’t mind paying full price you can also grab the red exclusive for $550.

Still no word as to whether or not the Inspire 4G will get the Gingerbread update and Radio Shack points out on their website (shown above) that you can still purchase the black version of the device for the same price structure.

Radio Shack Gets Exclusive HTC Inspire 4G Coloring is a post from: The Inquisitr

The HTC Sensation 4G with it’s 4.3-inch 543 x 960 display, dual-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon processor and eight-megapixel camera will be arriving at T-Mobile stores on June 15 according to a Tuesday night press release from the cellular network provider. Before customers can even pick up the device, which also features a forward-facing 1.3MP camera, they can head on over to WalMart where it is expected to begin selling on June 12, a full three days earlier than the actual network it operates on.

The 4G enabled Smartphone is expected to sell for $200 with a two-year contract and data-plan, the standard going rate for an iPhone competing smartphone. however the company at this time has not officially announced pricing for the Android 2.3 enabled device.

Also featured with the device is 1080p recording capabilities, 4GB on-board storage with microSDHC card slot support and HSPA+ data capabilities once T-Mobile switches over to their new system.

HTC Sensation 4G Reaches Walmart June 12, T-Mobile on June 15 is a post from: The Inquisitr

AT&T is looking to eclipse Verizon’s announcement of the HTC 7 Trophy by announcing a “powerhouse” Windows Phone 7 device of their own via the HTC HD7S.

The wireless provider announced the HD7S and it’s June 5 arrival via their Facebook page, while placing a $200 ($199.99) price tag on the device with the signing of a 2-year contract that includes a data plan.

That cost for a WP7 phone is slightly high, however AT&T tends to start their phones at that price ceiling before deeply discounting them as units fail to move.

If you want to wait for better deals on the phone simply fill in their “Email Alerts” box which can be found HERE.

AT&T Will Receive HTC HD7S on June 5, Hawking It For $200 is a post from: The Inquisitr

A screen grab on Google Adwords today has revealed that HTC plans to release the HTC Sensation on June 8. As you’ll notice, the screenshot sends users to the HTC.com url, leading us to believe that it was accidentally announced by HTC.

If that isn’t enough proof for you, TmoNews also points out that a photo of the device from HTC also shows the June 8 date on the phones display, more than likely a mock up that was meant to be used when announcing the phones U.S. release date.

Considering that HTC had said the 4G enabled phone would show up in the U.S. “beginning this summer” there’s a good chance the leak is correct.

Here’s the phone screenshot showing the June 8 date:

Get ready T-Mobile customers, it looks like your 4G device is only a two months away.

HTC Sensation Launching June 8, Leaked Twice By HTC is a post from: The Inquisitr

The HTC Sensation, previously known as the HTC Pyramid has not yet been released but that hasn’t stopped the devices ROM from being leaked just two days after it was shown off in London.

The Sensation ROM is due to reach Asian markets and includes HTC Sense 3.0 which will eventually be released globally.

HTC has acknowledged that the Sense 3.0 UI will support newer models such as the Evo 3D, however it’s still unclear if the ROM will be reworked by developers to operate on other HTC devices.

The actual Sensation will arrive in Europe and Asian Markets by June, possibly May. [via Android Central]

HTC Sensation ROM Gets Leaked is a post from: The Inquisitr

The HTC Arrive is now available for pre-order at online retailer Wirefly. Under the company’s current plan the device can be picked up for $150 with a two-year contract.

The Sprint CDMA based device offers a Windows Phone 7 setup with a tilt-slider QWERTY keyboard and a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU and a five-megapixel camera with 16GB integrated storage.

Sprint has also thrown in their own proprietary home tile and some preloaded apps including Sprint TV and NASCAR Sprint Cup.

The HTC Arrive will reach customers hands on March 20.

Are you planning on purchasing the Arrive when it hits shelves? At $150 it’s hard not to like the device, minus WP7.

Wirefly Puts Up HTC Arrive Pre-Order Page, Offers Device For $150 is a post from: The Inquisitr

The 4G capable HTC Thunderbolt is looking for approval and landing at the FCC is always the right place to start. While it’s still not confirmed, model number PG05100 which was spotted in FCC documents today is expected to be the Thunderbolt, a Verizon 700MHz LTE device with CDMA and EVDO bands. The device is also shouting for SVDO and SVLTE capabilities.

At this time we only have an FCC label to show off (pictured above), however photos for the device are expected by March 31st and hopefully a release date won’t be too far off from that point.

Now if we could just get a bunch of specs and some nice high definition pictures we would be good to go.

HTC Thunderbolt Lands On FCC Doorsteps is a post from: The Inquisitr

The HTC Freestyle, a smartphone that doesn’t feature either Google Android or Windows Phone 7 will hit AT&T Wireless on February 13 with a price of $100.

The phone features Qualcomm’s Brew MP, a feature phone OS that comes with a 3.2 inch display and a full HTML browser. While other features on the phone include a 3.2 megapixel camera, microSDHC compatible card slot for up to 32GB storage and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The phone also features HTC’s own Sense UI, which doesn’t carry the “wow” factor it use to.

If you want a Freestyle of your own you can expect to pay $149.99 with a $50 mail-in-rebate and a two year contract.  Then again at that pricing you could go with a more capable low-end Android device.

HTC Freestyle Hitting AT&T Wireless On Feb 13, $100 Price Tag is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Merge was originally rumored to debut on the Verizon network by the end of 2010, however the device eventually disappeared completely, only to resurface with Alltel branding.

Rumors surrounding the device say it needed to be reconfigured for LTE network use, but was then left off Verizon’s first 4G promotional campaigns, leading to speculation that it would appear elsewhere.

Reports point to a 3.7 inch touchscreen display (800 x 480 or higher pixels of resolution) for the device with a Snapdragon CPU, while pictures show a sliding QWERTY keyboard.

There is still no Alltel pricing or availability information and Verizon Wireless has not commented on whether the device will still appear on their network at a later date.

HTC Merge Shows Up With Alltel Branding is a post from: The Inquisitr

In the last quarter HTC has announced a profit jump of 160 percent thanks to strong sales numbers for Android based Smartphones. In their financial release the company also announced that they expect a hefty increase in profits through 2011.

HTC also announced that of the $9.55 billion in revenue they collected in 2010, 50.6% of that profit came from the North American market, while a total of 24.6 million phones were shipped from the company’s manufacturing plants.

According to HTC executives, the company expects to ship 8.5 million phones worldwide in the first quarter of this year, a production number that will double the number of phones being produced at their Shanghai factory.

HTC CEO Peter Chou also confirmed that the company is working on a tablet device, however no specifics have been given at this time.

Look for HTC to debut various new Smartphones when the Mobile World Congress arrives in mid-February. [via Electronista]

HTC Profits Soar 160 Percent Thanks To Android is a post from: The Inquisitr