BlackBerry Curve 9380
NXP Sues RIM Over Patents, Wants Triple Damages
Research In Motion was hit with a lawsuit by NXP, which alleges that RIM's BlackBerry Torch, Curve, and Bold smartphones infringe on six of its patents. NXP wants sales of the devices halted, and compensatory and triple damages. It's not immediately clear to which technologies the patents pertain.
Visa Certifies First Batch of Smartphones for PayWave
Visa announced that it has certified the first selection of NFC-equipped smartphones to use PayWave, Visa's mobile application for payments at retail locations. The handsets include the Samsung Galaxy SII, LG Optimus NET NFC, BlackBerry Bold 9900, Bold 9790, Curve 9360, and Curve 9380. By certifying this collection of smartphones, mobile operators and retailers can now partner with financial institutions to offer Visa mobile payment services to consumers.
RIM Announces BlackBerry OS 7.1, Adds Mobile Hotspot
Research In Motion today took the wraps off a new version of its BlackBerry operating system. BlackBerry 7.1 adds a range of new features to RIM's smartphone platform, including a native mobile hotspot client. With the mobile hotspot feature, BlackBerries will be able to share their internet connection via Wi-Fi with up to five other devices. BlackBerry 7 also bolsters the functionality of Universal Search with new auto-complete software and Bing results. Other new features include BlackBerry Tag, for sharing contact details via NFC; carrier-based Wi-Fi calling (if supported by network); it brings an FM radio to the BlackBerry Curves 9360 and 9380; and special offers, coupons, and discounts from nearby vendors have been added to the BlackBerry Maps application. RIM said that carriers around the world will begin to roll out BlackBerry 7.1 starting today, though U.S. carriers have not announced any such plans of as yet.
