[Update] Motorola Sypder (RAZR) Leaked. Packs 4.3″ qHD Super AMOLED Display.

As of late the basic design of Motorola’s high-end Android devices have been rather repetitive. The Electrify on U.S. Cellular signals a change, however, to a more rounded dare we say classy design. Besides the long in the tooth brick-ish construction of Moto’s phones is the reliance on PenTile technology for their displays. While arguments for and against the technology could be made all day long, all you really need to know is that it’s garbage. Thankfully the unannounced Motorola Spyder (see above) will usher in a new type of display that is sure please the pixel lovers out there — a 4.3″ qHD (540 x 960) Super AMOLED display.

Besides the new screen tech, the Spyder is reportedly outfitted with a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, Gorilla glass (for the display), Kevlar casing, and 8-megapixel camera with 1080p video recording capabilities.

Considering Samsung is the biggest user or AMOLED displays we find it a bit odd they’re not the first to market with the new, higher resolution AMOLED display. Though at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter which company outs the tech just as long as someone does.

Update

TIMN has updated their original article with new information. According to several tipsters, the “Spyder” could very well hit the market as the “RAZR” — it’s coming back from the dead. There’s also chatter that a separate report that Engadget posted last month detailing a so-called “Droid HD” is in fact the Spyder/RAZR above. Certainly looks plausible, no?

Verizon Sides With Samsung, Urges U.S. Courts To Reject Injunction Against Samsung Smartphones And Tablets.

It’s not too often that cellular carriers get into patent battles with hardware manufacturers on their own accord. But Verizon realizing the potential for disaster should U.S. courts grant an Apple-led injunction against Verizon’s top-tier Samsung devices, namely the Galaxy Fuse 4G, Galaxy S 4G, DROID Charge, and Galaxy Tab 10.1, has urged U.S courts to reject any sales bans on the aforementioned devices. By Verizon’s account, allowing such a ban would “negatively affect governmental policy pushing for the expansion of US broadband networks”, not to mention, loosing access to a vast array of LTE equipment would also harm Verizon’s aggressive LTE rollout plans. Verizon even plays one close to home by telling the courts any Samsung hardware ban would hurt “the job growth dependent on that (LTE) network” as outlined by recently passed bills by President Obama.

At this point in the game we’re sick and tired of the legal sissy fighting taking place. We’d much rather see companies put hard earned dollars towards actual innovation and R&D rather than funding some lawyers’ pockets.

As always with tech patent related news, FOSS Patents breaks everything down in detail right over here.

Thoughts?

Google+ For iOS Updated. Mobile Hangouts, Improved Notification Settings, And More!

A few short hours ago Apple pushed the latest Google+ 1.0.4.2326 into the App Store. The most note worthy updates include mobile Hangout support from right within a user’s timeline, more robust notification controls/settings, and several other goodies.

Hop past the break for the full changelog…

XOOM 2 Shows Its Face, Leaves Us Wanting More.

How would a XOOM 2 packed with gorgeous display, speedy dual- or quad-core processor and LTE (sorry XOOM 1 owners) sound? Pretty awesome we’d gather. While we don’t know for sure what the XOOM 2 will feature just yet, we can at least go to bed knowing what it will look like.

The images above were leaked by Droid-Life earlier tonight and allegedly depict the XOOM 2 (and yet another device featuring Motorola’s apparent new style which makes use of rounded edges and a bit more color variation than their current boxy, black gadgets).

Consider us intrigued.

Otterbox Denies Knowledge Of iPhone 4S/iPhone 5.

Ready to see the proverbial cat stuffed back in the (iPhone 4S) branded bag?

Yesterday the internet exploded with news about so called “confirmation” of an iPhone 4S thanks to leaked images which showed Otterbox cases clearly branded for the “iPhone 4S”. Considering the insane amount of money it costs to design, produce, and ship a product such as a quality phone case, we found it highly unlikely Otterbox was merely “guessing” at Apple’s next-gen device. Competent, successful companies don’t operate like that.

But there’s another answer. Today Otterbox talked with Apple site TUAW and bluntly came out against the leaked case images stating they don’t know what Apple is announcing/releasing either:

“Of course we’re making a case for it! Like everyone else, we’re waiting to find out exactly what ‘it’ is. We’re eagerly anticipating the moment Tim Cook steps up to the podium to enlighten and delight us all. Whatever it turns out to be, we’ll have iPhone 4s cases or iPhone 5 cases for you!”

According to Otterbox the alleged case we saw yesterday was nothing more than a mock-up.

Are you buying it?

Samsung Files Lawsuit Against Apple In The Netherlands. Seeks To Ban Sale Of iPhones And 3G iPads.

The ongoing battles between Apple and Samsung just got a bit nastier — Samsung has officially filed their own lawsuit against Apple in the same Dutch that Apple has already used in their previously filed lawsuits against the company’s Galaxy S phones and Galaxy Tab tablets.

The basis of Samsung’s lawsuit seems more defensive, and quite honestly is more of a “me too” approach. With that said, Samsung’s suit alleges that Apple is violating four key 3G patents and is seeking to ban the sale of iPhones and the 3G iPad. It goes without saying the outcome for Apple could be quite disastrous should Samsung win such a case. The only problem with Samsung’s newly launched lawsuit is that their legal volley could be quickly shot down. The patents in question are known as “essential” patents meaning Samsung is required by law (fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory — “FRAND”) to give Apple licenses for the patents in question should they ask for them. FOSSPatent’s Florian Mueller speculates Samsung could be forcing Apple’s hand in a settlement.

We’ve still got a long way to go before this story ends…

Is This Google Branded SIM Card The First Sign Of Google Cellular Service?

Rumors have long concluded that Google would ultimately move towards creating their own open cellular service in an effort truly shake up the U.S. cellular industry. Though time and time again such rumors get debunked rather quickly as the road to creating a cellular network is full of trials and tribulations, government bodies, red tape, and of course, a ton of money. But the Google-branded SIM cards above discovered by Spanish Android site XatakAndroid rekindle the long running Google Carrier rumor.

Even more interesting, however, are reports via the same site that Google is looking at two Spanish telecoms to partner with — Pepephone or Simyo — and that ultimately Google’s phone service will once again take a partner approach with current cellular providers rather than be a standalone service.

To dream the impossible dream…