Smartphones

Motorola: If ICS won't make our device better, we won't update to it

Motorola

Motorola yesterday updated its device update schedule, with the crux being that we'll finally start to see some phones get Ice Cream Sandwich in the next month or so. Specifically, that's the Droid RAZR/MAXX, with the Atrix, Atrix 2, Droid 4 and Xyboards getting it in Q3.

Have a Droid 3 or Droid X2? Sorry, you're out of luck. And today Motorola expanded on why, saying:

"... obviously we want the new release to improve our devices. If we determine that can’t be done—well then, we’re not able to upgrade that particular device."

Customers don't want shared data plans says T-Mobile

Carly

With all the recent news about forcing customers to use shared data plans we saw this week, T-Mobile wanted to let everyone know their stance on the situation. Posting on the company's Issues and Insights blog, Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president of marketing, says "T-Mobile believes that consumers today do not want a ‘one size fits all’ approach to shared family data plans, nor would they benefit from that model". ​Reading through the sentiment in the comments on the recent Verizon news, and one would have to assume he is right.

ITC orders import ban on Motorola Android phones over Microsoft patent issues

RAZR MAXX

Update: More of the story is coming out, and we learn that Motorola was found not to infringe on eight other patents in the case. This verdict is currently under Presidential review, and will be subject to appeal. In a statement to ArsTechnica Motorola has said the following: 

Although we are disappointed by the Commission’s ruling that certain Motorola Mobility products violated one patent, we look forward to reading the full opinion to understand its reasoning. Motorola Mobility will not experience any impact in the near term, as the Commission's ruling is subject to a $0.33/per unit bond during the 60 day Presidential review period. We will explore all options including appeal.

The original story follows.

Get yourself a new Android smartphone just for eating at Chili's

Chili's

We've seen some pretty interesting Android promotions in our time, but Chili's latest takes the cake for sure. They have a new app out and they really want you to try it out. In fact, they want you to try it out so bad that they'll give you a free Android smartphone to do so.

The process is fairly simple of course, visit the Chili's website and order up $25 worth of food and you'll get be able to collect a free Android device and then download their app onto it. The fine print is where you may get caught up though, it shows it's with a new 2-year contract and subject to terms but that's just how it has to be. Interested? Check out the link below for the full details.

Source: Chili's; Thanks, Cory!

200 movies available to rent for 5p in the UK on HTC Watch this weekend

HTC Watch

If you're in the UK and have a high-end HTC phone or tablet, you'll want to check the bundled HTC Watch application this weekend. HTC has 200 movies available to rent for just 5p this weekend, as part of its HTC Watch 5p Weekend Special. HTC Watch has grown considerably since it first appeared on the Sensation last year, which means there's a surprisingly good selection of flicks on offer as part of the 5p deal (we've got the full list after the break.)

Unfortunately we're not seeing any sign of any similar deals on our US-bound HTC devices, but if the promotion proves a success on this side of the pond, there's a chance we may see it expanded to other territories.

Check past the break for the full list of movies on the 5p rentals list.

Windows Phone overtakes iPhone in world’s largest smartphone market

Windows Phone Market Share China

Analysts repeatedly harp on how important China is for Apple’s iPhone. The Cupertino, California-based consumer electronics giant’s iPhone 4S launched in China earlier this year but despite reports of continuing negotiations, China Mobile — the world’s largest telecom carrier — still does not offer Apple’s iPhone to its massive subscriber base. But as Apple continues its efforts to make headway in the world’s largest smartphone market, an underdog has reportedly taken an early lead.

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