Apple on Friday filed a new patent infringement lawsuit in South Korea alleging that multiple Samsung products are infringing its patents. “It is no coincidence that Samsung’s latest products look a lot like the iPhone and iPad from the shape of the hardware to the user interface and even the packaging,” an Apple spokesperson said regarding case. The move is the latest in an ongoing legal battle in which each company claims the other is making unlawful use of protected IP. Apple struck first back in April when the Cupertino-based technology giant sued Samsung, claim it copied “Apple’s technology, user interface and innovative style in these infringing products.” Samsung responded just one week later by filing countersuits in South Korea, Japan and Germany, and then in the U.S. as well. Both companies are thought to have grounds for legal action, but their close relationship stands to take a hit as a result of the feud; Apple is currently Samsung’s largest buyer of LCD components.

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In April, Apple filed a lawsuit against Samsung for intellectual property violations and alleged that Samsung’s Galaxy S, Nexus S, Epic 4G, and Galaxy Tab products, among others, were copycat devices that all-to-closely resembled Apple’s products. Now, the Cupertino-based firm has expanded that initial lawsuit to include several more of Samsung’s devices, including the DROID Charge, Exhibit 4G, Galaxy Ace, Galaxy Prevail, Galaxy S, Gravity, Infuse 4G, Nexus S 4G, Replenish, Galaxy Tab 10.1, and the Galaxy S II. Here’s the kicker: Apple also believes Samsung’s hardware QWERTY sporting Sidekick 4G is infringing on its intellectual property. Apple argued that Samsung has products that “blatantly imitate the appearance of Apple’s products to capitalize on Apple’s success.” Samsung responded to the original lawsuit in April and said it is “responding actively to the legal action taken against us in order to protect our intellectual property and to ensure our continued innovation and growth in the mobile communications business.” Read on for taste of Apple’s revised complaint.

Apple also said:

Before Apple’s introduction of the first iPhone product, no other company was offering a phone with these features. Prior mobile phones were often bulkier and contained physical keypads. Some had a rocker-style navigation button and sets of buttons for numbers and calling features. Others had a front panel with a partial or full QWERTY keyboard and a screen. None had the clean lines of the iPhone, which immediately caused it to stand apart from the competition.

[Via 9to5 Mac]

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T-Mobile already has the Samsung-built Sidekick 4G, but it may have another up its sleeves. Images of a new Android-powered Sharp phone have been leaked by Unwired View, and its slide-up screen form factor and small rounded keys definitely resemble a Sidekick. The device is rumored to offer a 3.2-inch display with an HVGA resolution, Wi-Fi, GSM/CDMA connectivity, and GPS, but other specs remain in the dark. Sharp has built plenty of Sidekicks before, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see it get in on the Android game and re-enter the U.S. market. We just hope it has more beefy hardware muscle to make any future offerings even more compelling than the already solid Sidekick 4G.

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It’s been a long time coming, but the day is finally here. At the end of tonight, the servers that made your Sidekick devices so great — that insanely addictive push email, one of the best AIM experiences, one of the first app stores, and more — will be shut down for good. Since the Danger Sidekick devices were tied directly to the cloud, the devices had limited memory. What this means is that since there will no longer be data on the server, the data on your Sidekick will erase if your phone loses it’s charge. T-Mobile has recommended that Sidekick users go into T-Mobile locations to help get their data backed up, but if you’ve missed the boat, you can hit up your online T-Mobile account at the link below to access and export your data for free.

Note: the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G, the company’s latest Sidekick (Android, not Danger) is not at risk of losing data or service.

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BGR recently had a chance to catch up with actor, comedian, musician, producer, host, tech-lover, and now father, Nick Cannon, to see how tech has impacted his life and career. Nick is one of the most prominent Sidekick users around, so we wanted to find out if T-Mobile’s first Android-powered Sidekick managed to keep him reeled in. We also wanted to see how the advent of social media has impacted his life and career — Nick has over 2.5 million Twitter followers, and we’re sure many of you will recall his huge social campaign attempting to battle Eminem in a boxing ring for charity — and even what apps and games Nick and Mariah are planning to use with their new twins. Hit the jump for our interview.

BGR Interview is a series of interviews and conversations with executives, influencers, tastemakers and innovators, covering the mobile and consumer electronics industries.

You used to be a really prominent Sidekick user, but what’s your device of choice now?

The new Sidekick just came out so I got that, but I mean, I got everything from the iPhone, to the BlackBerry Torch, to the G2. I just happen to like the Sidekick — it’s just the easiest thing for me to use because I’m so used to it.

What do you like most about the Sidekick 4G? Do you like the keyboard? Do you like how fast it is — the way you can jump into any app real quick? How do you use it to help what you do?

I like the keyboard and then just how everything, like access to the text messaging and email and the phone, is right there. It’s just mad easy.

Let’s switch gears to BlackBerry… RIM has a new tablet that just came out called the BlackBerry PlayBook. What would you pick between the iPad 2 and the new BlackBerry PlayBook?

Probably the iPad. That’s what I got now and I really hate having to learn how to do new stuff. If I have a device, I want to just use it for what it does best right then and there and not have to read a manual and all of that. Since I’ve had the iPad for a minute, I’d rather rock with that then have to learn a whole new device.

Speaking of the iPad then, do you use any specific apps or programs for making music, or anything on the go? If you’re not near a studio and you get an idea, do you have anything that helps you?

Not yet. I’ve noticed that there’s some stuff coming out. I even saw they have the DJ app on the iPad now — the turntables, the mixer, everything in one — but, I haven’t been able to jump into it yet. I’m just still an outboard gear type of guy.

You’re a really huge Twitter user with over 2.5 million followers. How do you think using Twitter, with the ability to connect and speak directly to your fans, has impacted your music and your other projects?

It just allows me to connect on a real level with everybody. It’s a dialogue amongst fans, and even people who aren’t fans, but it allows you to connect in a way that’s never been possible before.

Touching on the whole Eminem and Mariah controversy — and we obviously don’t have to get into any sort of specificity if you wouldn’t like — but feuds like this five or ten years ago would normally involve some back and forths in a song, maybe a couple interviews and everyone would keep it moving. Here, you launched a really big social campaign — a proposed boxing match with you and Eminem, for charity. You used a lot of social media and your radio show to spread the word. What kind of response did you get from that?

It was everywhere. Everybody talked about it… it was big! I wasn’t even going for that; it just was one of those things that happen organically and naturally when you do talk about it on Twitter and my blog and all that. I mean, at the end of the day, I guess it was what it was. It was entertaining.

Well, congrats on becoming a father man!

Thank you man, I appreciate it!

Have you started to think about any games or tech toys you can use or play with your kids? Has anyone given you any advice?

I am trying to figure out how to get them on the iPad as soon as possible! I’ve seen it on YouTube with all these babies using an iPad. I’m looking forward to all those kid apps that are out there. I even went and got the baby can read thing and all that so, I’m trying to have tech-saavy kids!

What’s your favorite app on the Sidekick 4G that you’re using now?

I haven’t really dove into any extra apps yet, but they got this Word document one that’s really easy to write in, and I’ve been rocking with that for a minute.

Tell us about the Showtime stand up Mr. Showbiz and the accompanying album.

Yeah man, I’m excited. May 16th the album is out. This weekend the special actually airs on Showtime, and a lot of people didn’t know I even did standup, so it’s like the first introduction for some. And then, it’s like a dream come true for me because it’s something I have been doing since I was a preteen, and to finally get to share it with the world is cool.

Wrapping up, can you give us a couple general areas where technology has impacted your career?

You know, you kind of hit it on the head. Everything with Twitter, with all the followers, and being able to connect directly with your audience in a way that’s never been done before, really on an intimate level where they feel like they can get to know you. That has definitely impacted my career. Then everything from Serato has really allowed me to be the best DJ I could possibly be without having to carry around, you know, 1200 crates, and be able to operate on a level, and do things in a nightclub, and on radio, that I never would have been able to do before. Those are probably the most two impactful things with technology in my career.

Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us today, Nick.

No doubt.

If you’ve been patiently waiting to get your paws on the Sidekick’s sweet, sweet, keyboard, the wait is over. The T-Mobile Sidekick 4G — built by Samsung — sports a 1GHz processor, Android 2.2 (Froyo), 3-megapixel rear-facing camera, and HSPA+ radio for access to T-Mobile’s 4G network. Despite packing more heat than any other Sidekick before it, the device still maintains the same lovable form factor of the Sidekicks from yesteryear. We dug the colorful user interface and sturdy build quality during our initial hands-on, and think it will be a big hit with Sidekick fans everywhere. T-Mobile’s offering the phone for $99.99 with a new two year contract, and it’s available in matte black and magenta.

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If you’re a member of the T-Mobile family and are intrigued by the new, Android-based Sidekick handset, listen up. RadioShack has taken to Twitter to let its customers know that the device will be on store shelves beginning on April 20th. “The new @TMobile Sidekick 4G comes to The Shack on April 20,” reads the post. “Who’s your fav sidekick? Tweet us a pic!#BestSidekickEver.” Announced on March 15th, the Samsung-made horizontal-slider will be priced at $99.99 with a signed 2-year contract. The device will sport a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, 3.5-inch display, 21 Mbps HSPA+ radio, and will run Froyo (Android 2.2) — the Sidekick will be available in matte black or pearl magenta. What was unknown, up to this point, was when the Sidekick would be available for purchase.

UPDATE: Fixed article error, the Sidekick 4G has a 3.5-inch screen.

[Via TmoNews]

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We swung by Samsung’s booth at CTIA Wireless on Wednesday to get some more hands-on time with the Sidekick 4G, soon to launch on T-Mobile. Somewhere in the back of our minds we still had the stigma that the Sidekick was a dead messaging phone of yesteryear, but that’s not really the case. The Sidekick 4G rocks Android 2.2 (Froyo) with a custom user interface that has more neon than a 1980′s themed frat-party, and, believe it or not, that’s actually what makes the phone pretty compelling. The screen is bright, and the colors remind us that the Sidekick 4G is all about being a party in your pocket. The keyboard was easy to type on and Sidekick fans will definitely feel right at home. The device’s pop-out hinge felt sturdy and has a nice snap to it, and we really like the overall build quality. Seriously, if you’ve been missing your Sidekick like the deserts miss the rain, this handset is going to be right up your alley. For a more in-depth read, check out our hands-on from Tuesday. Otherwise, hit the jump for a video tour of the Sidekick 4G in action.

As tech writers we get to play with a ton of phones, but nothing really takes us back to our high school days like playing with a Sidekick — and we just had a chance to sit down with the first one powered by Android. Built by Samsung, the Sidekick 4G features Android 2.2 (Froyo) and, despite our initial fears that it would be a lackluster device compared to the high-end beauties recently announced, we were pretty pleased with what the Sidekick 4G offers. It includes a horizontal-slider form factor, a throwback QWERTY keyboard with rounded keys, and more power under the hood than any Sidekick before it.  Hit the jump for our hands-on with the Sidekick 4G, and some initial impressions.

The Sidekick 4G is powered by a 1Ghz Cortex A8 Samsung Hummingbird processor, so unlike previous models that had a feature phone feel, the Sidekick 4G has enough kick to keep up with T-Mobile’s high-end smartphones. It felt well built and its display hinge felt very sturdy when we popped it open to reveal the keyboard. Moving around the custom user interface was fluid and fun, but we think tweens and teens will probably enjoy the colorful UI a bit more than we did. The Sidekick 4G has a 3-megapixel camera but sadly, it lacks a flash. For those up on video-chatting, however, there’s also a front-facing camera.

Overall, the Sidekick 4G felt light in the hand and well built, but it also reminds us a bit more of a feature phone than a smartphone. That’s OK, though, given that it has the power of a smartphone with the features users expect from a Sidekick: Easy and quick messaging with a great keyboard and a fun user interface.

Remember your first Sidekick? That black and white screen… but oh, the AOL Instant Messanger. T-Mobile is back at it with a brand new Sidekick, though quite a few things have noticeably changed. For starters, this isn’t your younger cousins’ Sidekick Slide — Microsoft-owned Danger is nowhere to be found on here — Google’s Android OS powers the Samsung-manufactured device, and it’s pretty feature packed. The new Sidekick 4G rocks a 3.5″ display, support for T-Mobile’s 21Mbps 4G HSPA + network, a 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird CPU, front-facing video camera, signature Sidekick QWERTY keyboard with “pop-tilt” hinge, and is preloaded Twitter and Facebook applications. Two color choices, matte black and pearl magenta will be available from T-Mobile when the device launches “later this spring”. Pricing has not yet been announced. Full press release after the jump!

T-Mobile Sidekick Is Reborn

New Sidekick 4G is a Lightning-Fast and Stylish Communication Hub, Delivering Evolved Messaging and Entertainment at 4G Speeds

BELLEVUE, Wash., and DALLAS — March 15, 2011 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.,1 today unveiled the new T-Mobile Sidekick® 4GTM by Samsung. The new AndroidTM-powered smartphone pays tribute to its heritage with its stylish good looks and a killer keyboard while redefining messaging and upgrading to 4G speeds. One of T-Mobile’s fastest smartphones running on America’s Largest 4G NetworkTM, the new Sidekick 4G is capable of delivering theoretical peak download speeds of up to 21 Mbps.

The T-Mobile Sidekick has long been known for its innovative and distinctive design, and the Sidekick 4G does not disappoint. The 3.5-inch display marks the first Sidekick to feature a touch screen and its sturdy “pop-tilt” hinge reveals the previously acclaimed, five-row QWERTY keyboard that has long been a Sidekick hallmark and the reason behind its status as an exceptional messaging device.

The new Sidekick 4G leverages its quality keyboard along with Sidekick Group TextTM and Cloud TextTM to redefine messaging. Sidekick’s Group Text feature lets customers create, name, manage and participate in reply-all group text conversations, enabling them to lead their network in conversation and social planning. Group Text breathes new life into one of the most popular forms of messaging allowing Sidekick 4G customers to initiate and share the benefit of the application with SMS-capable devices from flip phones to smartphones. In addition, Cloud Text provides the option to text with friends or groups across platforms, whether from the comfort of their PC’s large screen and keyboard, or from their new Sidekick 4G.

“Backed by the faster speeds on T-Mobile’s 4G network, the new Sidekick 4G offers customers both speed and style,” said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA. “We’ve reinvented the messaging experience that made the Sidekick such an iconic device, and supercharged it with communication and entertainment experiences that take full advantage of our 4G network.”

Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile, said, “We are proud that T-Mobile selected Samsung to help create the next-generation Sidekick and carry the iconic Sidekick brand and device to the next level. Samsung redesigned the new Sidekick 4G with our best-in-class hardware, combined with T-Mobile’s 4G network speeds, the Android operating system, and unique messaging and entertainment features, to make this a perfect match for both loyal Sidekick fans and new Sidekick owners.

The new Sidekick 4G also comes preloaded with Facebook® and TwitterTM applications, and provides easy interaction with customers’ social networks by allowing them to update their status from the notification pane and browse their feeds from the home screen. They have the ability to sync their social network contacts to the phone’s address book, which lets them post to their friends’ walls or comment on their status. And multitasking is easier than ever with the Sidekick 4G’s jump key, an easy-to-access physical button that enables customers to quickly switch between active applications, even during a phone call, or assign keyboard shortcuts to their favorite functions or applications.

In addition to a communication hub, the new Sidekick 4G is now an entertainment hub. With speeds as fast as home broadband, enjoying a favorite TV show or surfing the Web on the go is a breeze. Sidekick’s Media Room features one place to enjoy music, videos, movies, YouTube®, T-Mobile TV® and Slacker Radio, and to search for content regardless of the source. The integrated media player, also accessible through the Media Room, spans across all media including music, video and Internet radio. Customers also have the option to rent or purchase their favorite movies and TV programs directly from the Samsung Media Hub, which offers a robust collection of movie and next-day TV show titles from CBS, Fox, MTV Networks, NBC Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. Customers now have the option to place Media Hub charges directly to their monthly T-Mobile service bill.

Complementing the messaging communication features, the new Sidekick 4G is equipped with a VGA front-facing camera and pre-installed T-Mobile Video Chat powered by QikTM, to ensure you are always present with your social circle. Powered by Android 2.2 (Froyo) and a speedy 1 GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor, so consumers can keep up with their favorite blogs while on the move, search for the must-try dinner spots and map the way to their next destination — all at blazing fast speeds. The new smartphone will also offer dynamic media features and integrated GoogleTM services, including GmailTM, Google MapsTM and access to thousands of applications on Android MarketTM.

The new Sidekick 4G also comes equipped with DriveSmartTM from T-Mobile, a first-of-its kind service from a U.S. carrier, that helps prevent distracted driving. When initiated, DriveSmart Basic provides automatic incoming call and message management, sending a customizable note to callers and senders, letting them know that the recipient is driving and will respond when it’s safe. DriveSmart Plus offers the same functionality, with the added capability to automatically activate when the handset is in a moving vehicle, as well as advanced parental controls for enhanced peace of mind when teen drivers are behind the wheel.

Offered exclusively to T-Mobile customers, the new T-Mobile Sidekick 4G is expected to be available later this spring in two stylish colors — matte black or pearl magenta. Customers can visit http://sidekick.t-mobile.com/ for more information.

T-Mobile has begun sending letters to remaining Sidekick users in order to notify them that the Danger Services powering Sidekick phones will no longer be operational as of May 31st. T-Mobile first announced the imminent shut down on Tuesday. What can current Sidekick users expect in return for being forced to part with their beloved Danger phones? Half off a select Samsung phone between now and May 31st, or a waived ETF should they choose to take their business elsewhere. Oh, and users will have to sign a new two-year contract should they opt for the discount Samsung phone. Hit the break for the full letter T-Mobile sent affected subscribers.

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In a statement released at 12:00AM ET this morning, T-Mobile announced that Microsoft’s Danger Services — the service that powers T-Mobile’s Sidekick — will be shutdown on May 31, 2011. The announcement was brief, and noted that T-Mo will be providing offers to Sidekick customers, incentivizing them to transition to a new device before the end of May. A web tool has been created that will allow users to export their personal data from the Danger service — including contacts, photos, calendar, notes, to-do lists, and bookmarks — for importation onto a new device. The full statement from T-Mobile is waiting for you after the break.

After May 31, 2011, the Danger Service (a subsidiary of Microsoft) used by T-Mobile Sidekick customers for data services will no longer be available on Sidekick devices.

T-Mobile will provide offers for our Sidekick customers before May 31, 2011, to help make an easy transition from their existing Sidekick device to a new device. We will have more information to share about these offers with our customers in the weeks ahead.

To ensure the best possible transition for our loyal Sidekick customers, an enhanced Web tool is available on myT-Mobile.com to easily export their personal data, including contacts, photos, calendar, notes, to-do lists, and bookmarks, from the Danger service to a new device, computer, or a designated e-mail account.  An application is also available in the Sidekick Catalog to make it easy to export personal data to the Sidekick’s memory card.  Many T-Mobile stores can transfer data from that card to a new T-Mobile device if the customer brings in the memory card and Sidekick.

Following T-Mobile’s confirmation last week that it would soon launch an HSPA+ compatible Sidekick sequel, leaked images of the Sidekick 4G have been revealed. Enthusiast blog TmoNews published the images on Thursday along with some preliminary details. The T-Mobile Sidekick 4G is manufactured by Samsung, and the device pictured is said to be running a customized version of Android 2.2.1. It is unclear if this is a final build for the phone or if it will launch with a newer version of the Android operating system. From the image above, it appears as though the display will feature a sliding mechanism that opens at a forward angle like the Nokia N97, or allows the display angle to be adjusted like the HTC Touch Pro2. There also appears to be a front-facing camera on the device for video chat. Hit the break for more shots of the upcoming T-Mobile Sidekick 4G.

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T-Mobile USA’s new CEO Phillip Humm confirmed at an event on Thursday that the carrier will soon launch a pair of new “4G” HSPA+ phones. Humm noted that T-Mobile will soon announce a 4G version of Samsung’s Galaxy S smartphone as well as a 4G addition to the popular Sidekick line that will run Android. “We will launch as new the Samsung Galaxy S 4G … and coming soon, will also be a Sidekick 4G. Everybody knows the Sidekick, and we’re going to relaunch the Sidekick and bring it as a 4G device, Android based, into the market,” Humm said at the event. While he didn’t refer to the Vibrant 4G by name — instead, he called it a “Galaxy S 4G” — Humm’s confirmation certainly firms up our exclusive report from earlier this week. We can likely expect both handsets to be announced next month at Mobile World Congress, and Humm confirmed that both devices will launch in the first half of this year. T-Mobile also said at the even that its current Vibrant smartphone will finally receive a software update “very soon,” and that the carrier will not offer Apple’s iPhone in the near future due to the device’s incompatibility with its AWS 3G network.

UPDATE: Check that. It looks like T-Mobile went with the “Galaxy S 4G” moniker instead of “Vibrant 4G.” Since it’s basically the same phone with the addition of newer HSPA+ compatibility from the looks of things, the carrier likely wanted to distinguish it from its predecessor as much as possible.

Read [4G phones] Read [Vibrant update, no iPhone]

We don’t think there will be too many tears shed over this news, but T-Mobile today announced that it will be halting sales of both the Sidekick LX and Sidekick 2008 as of tomorrow, July 2nd (we called it.) There’s no bug, defect or data loss SNAFU to blame; just the cold realization that there’s no room for such a product in a smartphone obsessed nation. Here’s how T-Mobile is spinning it.

As T-Mobile looks to further innovate and raise the bar for the next iteration of the T-Mobile Sidekick, as of July 2, the Sidekick LX and Sidekick 2008 will no longer be available through T-Mobile, including retail stores, care, telesales and online. While we work on the next chapter of our storied Sidekick franchise, T-Mobile will continue to provide our loyal Sidekick customers with product service and support. Stay tuned for exciting updates in the months ahead, which we expect will provide customers with a new and fresh experience.

Two Microsoft feature phones killed off in two days? Not looking too good for the Redmond Boys, now is it? Let’s hope Windows Phone 7 will step up to the plate and knock one out of the park.

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