Apple has lost a lawsuit to Spanish firm Nuevas Tecnologías y Energías Catalá, which fought back after the Cupertino-based company tried to block the company’s “nt-k” Android tablet from reaching market in Spain. Apple originally accused the Spanish firm of creating a “copy” of its iPad in 2010. According to FOSS Patents, Nuevas Tecnologías y Energías Catalá is now seeking damages related to the seizure of its tablets by Spanish customs, and it will file an antitrust suit against Apple as well. As FOSSPatents points out, the lawsuit is related to a “design-related right” and not a patent. Apple has reportedly used the “design-related right” to ban Samsung’s German subsidiaries from selling the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 7.7. FOSS Patents explains that unlike a patent lawsuit that may result in fines or licensing fees, Apple attacked Nuevas Tecnologías y Energías Catalá for violating a criminal law.

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Yankee Group is set to release its European Mobile User Study next month and the research firm has just provided a quick glimpse into its early findings. Reportedly, 40% of European smartphone buyers plan to purchase an iPhone as their next device. 19% plan to purchase an Android powered device, 17% have their eye on a BlackBerry, and 15% plan to buy a Nokia smartphone. “These findings highlight the continued strength of Apple in the European smartphone market and, in particular, its phenomenal brand appeal,” Yankee Group research vice president, Declan Lonergan, said. “The data also highlights the enormous challenges faced by Nokia and RIM to retain mind share and market share in this increasingly dynamic and competitive marketplace.” In addition, the firm found that employees argued they are 58% more productive while on long-distance travel trips when they have a tablet in tow. Yankee Group also argues that consumerization is taking over the workplace and that four times more employees are now using tools designed for the consumer market for work purposes — with IT’s approval, of course. The survey involved 5,000 consumers, 2,250 employees and “IT decision makers” in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Read on for the full press release.

Yankee Group Unveils New European Mobile User Study

New survey offering finds 40 percent of smartphone buyers plan to choose an iPhone.

London, U.K. Jun 22, 2011 – Yankee Group today announced the 2011 European Mobile User Study, which is designed to help both European and global firms make better product, pricing and segmentation decisions. The new study polls 5,000 consumers and 2,250 employees and IT decision-makers across five European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K.

Available in July, this new survey offering provides key insights into European mobile user behavior, attitudes and purchase plans. For example, it finds 40 percent of consumers who intend to buy a smartphone as their next mobile device will choose an iPhone. Android-based devices come in second (19 percent), followed by BlackBerry (17 percent) and Nokia (15 percent).

“These findings highlight the continued strength of Apple in the European smartphone market and, in particular, its phenomenal brand appeal,” said Declan Lonergan, research VP at Yankee Group. “The data also highlights the enormous challenges faced by Nokia and RIM to retain mind share and market share in this increasingly dynamic and competitive marketplace.”

Other study findings include:

• Consumerization is taking over the enterprise. Four times more employees use consumer tools for work purposes with IT’s explicit approval.
• New devices spur productivity. Employees say they are 58 percent more productive during long-distance travel when they have a tablet.
• Mobile users are multi-device-savvy. Most users have more than one device and they access the same services and content via the screen best suited for the time and place.

In addition to the new study, Yankee Group also announced that Simon Rodd is joining the firm as portfolio manager within the company’s European sales team (see accompanying release). To learn about additional open Yankee Group positions in Boston, London and other locations, visit http://www.yankeegroup.com/careers.do

Nokia has announced that it will hold its annual Nokia World conference from October 26th through the 27th in London. Given Nokia’s recent announcement that it’s still on-track to launch a Windows Phone this year, it’s entirely plausible that Stephen Elop will take the stage during Nokia World and do just that. An October announcement could mean that the new phone will land on store shelves right in time for the holiday season, too. Nokia has listed France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, England, and Spain as the first six countries that will receive the first Windows Phone, so it may not land in the United States as quickly. The Finnish firm also said it will launch 10 new Symbian devices over the next 12 months, and we’ll likely hear more about those devices soon, too.

[Via PCMag]

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According to AllAboutPhones, Nokia will launch its first Windows Phone handsets in six European countries this year. Oddly, Finland will not be one of them. The Finnish phone maker has said that it plans to launch the new devices by Q4 2011, and the first six countries named include France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands. If your country isn’t on that list, fear not. Nokia has said that it plans to launch as many as a dozen Windows Phones throughout 2012, some of which will pack dual-core processors. We’re looking forward to Nokia bringing its drop-dead gorgeous hardware to U.S. store shelves, too.

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More than 30 individuals allegedly associated with the hacker group “Anonymous” have been detained by Turkish police according to a report from the Turkish state media on Monday. Police executed raids in 12 separate Turkish cities as part of the operation that resulted in 32 arrests across Turkey. The news follows reports that three men allegedly tied to the group were detained in Spain last week, a move that sparked a statement from an Anonymous spokesperson. “You have not detained three participants of Anonymous. We have no members and we are not a group of any kind. You have, however, detained three civilians expressing themselves,” the group wrote on Saturday in a statement directed at the Spanish government. “You are providing us with the fuel, but now you must expect the fire.” Anonymous, which refers to itself as an “international Internet hactivist collective,” has carried out cyberattacks on numerous high-profile targets including Visa, Amazon and Sony. Anonymous’ full statement can be read below.

Greetings Spanish Government:

We know you have heard of us; We are Anonymous. It has come to our attention that you deemed it necessary to arrest three of our fellow anons, … which you claim to be the leaders of Anonymous and for their participation in DDoS attacks against various websites…

First and foremost, DDoSing is an act of peaceful protest on the Internet. The activity is no different than sitting peacefully in front of a shop denying entry. Just as is the case with traditional forms of protest…

Regardless of how many times you are told, you refuse to understand. There are no leaders of Anonymous. Anonymous is not based on personal distinction…

Arresting somebody for taking part in a DDoS attack is exactly like arresting somebody for attending a peaceful demonstration in their hometown. Anonymous believes this right to peacefully protest is one of the fundamental pillars of any democracy…

You have not detained three participants of Anonymous. We have no members and we are not a group of any kind. You have, however, detained three civilians expressing themselves…

You are providing us with the fuel, but now you must expect the fire.

Awaiting your action,

Anonymous,

We are Legion.
We do not forgive your attacks on freedom.
We do not forget your ignorance.
Expect Revolution.
Expect us.

Read [Turkish detentions] Read [Anonymous statement]

We’re not sure why HTC decided to change the name of its ChaCha handset in Spain. Maybe it’s the fact that ChaCha is already the registered trademark of a mobile search engine? Or maybe it’s that “chacha” slang for “servant” or “slave” in Spanish? Whatever the reason, HTC has decided that its Facebook-button bearing, ChaCha handset — which could be making its way to AT&T this summer — will be known as the ChaChaCha in España. Earlier today, the company took to Twitter to let Spaniards know about the name change. What do you think? Are three chas better than two?

[Via Engadget]

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We’re here and ready to go at Samsung’s Mobile World Congress 2011 event. While the Samsung Galaxy S II and Samsung Galaxy Tab II have popped up online, we’re sure there will still be a few surprises in store for us. Hit the break for all the live coverage!

12:26PM:We're here, front and center. The event should begin right around 7:00PM CET, 1:00PM ET.

12:28PM:Looks like a full house.

12:31PM:We should probably mention that Samsung decided not to provide Wi-Fi at this event. We, like the other 400 people here, are working off a mobile broadband card. *Fingers Crossed*

12:37PM:Not much to report. Nondescript rock music and black, underwhelming podiums.

12:48PM:Yup... still waiting.

12:56PM:Lights are down... HERE WE GO!

12:57PM:Gettings a countdown from 10... 9...

12:58PM:Corny videos? Check!

12:58PM:Cue the orchestra!

12:58PM:

12:59PM:If you can't tell, the left half of the orchestra is playing with Galaxy products... the right, actual instruments.

1:00PM:Sammy's really bringing the drama. No persons of relevance on stage yet.

1:01PM:Our MC for the evening is Kim Titus.

1:03PM:Mr. Titus is director of Public Communications (for those wondering).

1:03PM:Giving thanks to various groups.

1:04PM:Talking about events Samsung has been running around Barcelona.

1:05PM:"I can promise that this will be time well spent. We're going to showcase a revolutionary product."

1:05PM:Here comes the President, JK Shin to tell us.

1:06PM:"What is driving Samsung's strategy in the short and long term?"

1:07PM:"Last year at MWC, I said 2010 would be remarkable year for mobile."

1:07PM:"In 2010 we sold about 25 million smartphones and tablets."

1:07PM:"Since launching the Samsung Galaxy S we've sold over 10 million units and become the #1 smartphone manufacturer in the world."

1:08PM:"From everyone at Samsung, thank you."

1:08PM:"Demand for smartphones and tablets will continue to grow steadily in 2011."

1:09PM:"Samsung aims enrich our lives with mobile. Making it easy enough for everyone to enjoy."

1:10PM:"2011 is the year of smart mobile devices."

1:11PM:"How do we create this new generation of smart mobile devices?"

1:11PM:"They need to deliver in three areas: screen, speed, and content."

1:12PM:"Samsung will deliver this with the Samsung Galaxy S II."

1:12PM:Super AMOLED Plus, faster dual-core processor.

1:13PM:"We're delivering an intuitive UI to fulfill the content piece."

1:14PM:Introducing four hubs: Reders hub, Game, Hub, Music Hub, and Social Hub.

1:14PM:"Powerful revolution of the original Galaxy S. Thinnest and lightest design ever and allows us to do more with less."

1:15PM:Mr. Shin is exiting.

1:16PM:Thomas Richter and Andrew Coughlin are up next.

1:17PM:"More with less is this years theme."

1:17PM:"Samsung will be making a statement tonight about the mobile evolution."

1:18PM:We keep hearing the same things over and over again... oh, here's a new one: 1,600mAh battery.

1:19PM:8.49mm thick and 116grams in weight.

1:20PM:We're seeing a video that doesn't tell us anything specific about the phone... other than its magical and thin.

1:20PM:"Your life is a Galaxy" seems to be a new slogan.

1:20PM:More user testimonial videos.

1:22PM:We've just heard, for the 8th time, it has a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display...

1:23PM:0.01 millisecond response time on the Super AMOLED Plus display. IPS has a .25 millisecond response time.

1:23PM:Super AMOLED Plus has 18% power reduction over previous AMOLEDs

1:24PM:"All new customizable UX."

1:24PM:The Reader Hub will give users access to hundreds of magazines in dozens of languages.

1:26PM:David Wadhwani, Senior VP of Adobe, is on stage. Talking about collaboration with Samsung.

1:27PM:Ok, he's done.

1:28PM:Galaxy S II will have NFC technology embedded in it.

1:28PM:But will be available in non-NFC models as well.

1:30PM:We're seeing a gag-inducing video about "Jim in Pittsburgh"... also known as Mr. Cold (don't ask, just be thankful you weren't here to see it).

1:31PM:"8-megapixel camera with LED Flash."

1:31PM:"2 megapixel front-facing camera."

1:31PM:AllShare (DLNA) media sharing.

1:33PM:Sidebar: Samsung is wheeling out these marketing managers that are explaining (at an excruciatingly slow space) the features of the Gally S II around these user narratives. It's kind of whack.

1:34PM:With be an HTC-like web portal that will allow for remote tracking, locking, whipping, and tracking.

1:34PM:"Samsung will be offering a more personal and powerful cloud service later this year... look for it."

1:38PM:We just saw a video of a elderly woman who claims she was "living the best days of her life" thanks to her Galaxy S. Her name is Amy. The features we're focusing on are Samsung Voice Commander and social hub.

1:39PM:Google's voice translation system will be built into the Galaxy S interface.

1:43PM:"30fps encoding and decoding of 1080p video."

1:43PM:"Game Hub will give users access to networked games."

1:44PM:Okay, this is dragging. We're going to take a break and wait for the Tab II (hopefully it moves quicker).

2:03PM:aaaaaand we're back...

2:03PM:Introducing the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

2:03PM:No specs... no nothing

2:05PM:We're being told we'll get to see it tomorrow on the show floor.

2:06PM:Here are the images we could grab...

2:07PM:Belkin is on stage talking about products they wil make specific for Samsung.

2:08PM:10.1-inch screen, 599 grams, 6,200mAh battery

2:08PM:WXGA screen, Android 3.0

2:09PM:Dual-core processor, 8MP main camera, 2MP front camera, full HD recording and playback. 1280 x 800 pixel resolution.

2:11PM:and that's it! we're going to try and get our dirty little mits on these new devices.

The Taiwanese rumor mill that is DigiTimes has let go another tablet-based prognostication. In a post today, the blog asserts that HTC will release its 7-inch Scribe tablet at the Mobile World Congress conference in Barcelona this February. The report, which also mentions that the Scribe will be running Android 3.0, cites “Taiwan based makers of components” as the source of its information. HTC, who was one of the first major phone manufacturers to jump on the Android bandwagon, has been noticeably absent from the tablet market — an absence that may work in the company’s favor if this rumor turns out to be true. It’s all speculative at this point, but we know HTC won’t be on the tablet-sidelines forever.

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Fresh off the wire, Apple is reminding everyone that their flagship product, the iPhone 4, will go on sale in 17 additional countries beginning July 30th. Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland to be exact. Hit the bounce for the full release.

CUPERTINO, Calif., July 26, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ – Apple’s iPhone(R) 4 will be available in 17 more countries this Friday, July 30. iPhone 4 features FaceTime(R), which makes video calling as easy as one tap, Apple’s new Retina display, the highest resolution display ever built into a phone, resulting in stunning text, images and video, and a beautiful all-new design of glass and stainless steel that is the thinnest smartphone in the world.

Beginning this Friday, customers can purchase iPhone 4 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. iPhone 4 will be available for purchase through Apple’s retail and online stores and Apple(R) Authorized Resellers.

iPhone 4 also features a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, HD 720p video recording, Apple’s A4 processor, a 3-axis gyro and up to 40 percent longer talk time.* iPhone 4 comes with iOS 4, the newest version of the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, which features Multitasking, Folders, enhanced Mail, deeper Enterprise support and Apple’s new iAd mobile advertising platform.

Pricing & Availability

iPhone 4 will be available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland this Friday, July 30.

iPhone 4 is currently available in France, Germany, Japan, the UK and the US for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 16GB model and $299 (US) for the 32GB model. iPhone 4 will roll out to many more countries later this year and Apple will announce availability and local pricing for these additional countries at a later date.

*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

Good news for Android users situated in Canada and and 11 Western European nations, as today Google announced the immediate availability of its free Google Maps Navigation application in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland. To get Google Maps Navigation 4.2 you’ll need to live in the aforementioned countries and have an Android phone running 1.6 and up. Also announced by Google was the addition of support for French, German, Italian and Spanish for Google Voice Search. This update applies not only to Android, but BlackBerry and iPhone as well. No update to the application is needed to gain support for the additional languages, but if you’re the paranoid type you can grab the app at m.google.com or the iTunes App Store.

Read [Maps] Read [Voice Search]

We imagine that there will have been an inordinate number of sick days claimed yesterday in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK, as the iPad went available for sale in the aforementioned nations. The price of the device, as well as data plans for the 3G model, vary greatly from country to country, so if you’ve not already done so, hit up your respective online Apple webstore to check out how much you’ll need to shell out to become the laughingstock envy of your neighbors. Also let us know if you’re outside the U.S. and finally got an iPad!

WebOS devices have long since extended their reach beyond the cozy confines of United States, but unfortunately paid apps have yet to be made available as they are in the US. This could all change in one week’s time, however, as Palm has notified developers that they will be able to sell apps through the App Catalog in Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Mexico and Spain starting on the 31st of March. If all goes according to plan, a large number of paid apps will be available on day one simply because Palm has made it easy for developers to get in on the international market: resubmit the app, check off where you want it to be sold and relax while the app is rushed through the approval process.

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Looks like the Palm Pre will be making another GSM appearance this month, this time in Spain on Telefonica’s HSDPA network starting October 14th. O2 has already announced a release around the same time in Germany, Ireland, and the UK.  The Official Palm blog announcement:

“Telefonica today announced the availability of Palm Pre on its HSDPA mobile network in Spain on 14 October. New Telefonica customers can receive the phone at no cost, depending on their service plan commitment. Telefonica is also the exclusive initial carrier for Palm Pre in United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany. The phone can be purchased at Telefonica outlets in Spain and online at www.telefonica.es. More information about Palm Pre is available at http://www.palm.com/es-pre-notify.”

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Eight days ahead of its expected launch in the UK, Vodafone’s HTC Magic page has suddenly gone live in Spain and ordering of the latest android handset has commenced. The Spanish Magic will come with a slightly higher price tag than its UK counterpart, ranging from 199€ ($261USD) with a 21€ ($28USD) monthly plan down to 19€ ($25) with a 62€ ($81) monthly plan. Being able to flaunt the latest and greatest Android handset earlier than anyone else comes with a cost, no?

[Via Phandroid]

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Vodafone and HTC came together today to announce the HTC Magic, the latest Android handset we named and outed yesterday. As the world’s first touchscreen-only Android phone, the Magic isn’t that much of an improvement over the G1 though it does have a nicer look to it and some spec improvements behind it. Details as to when the Magic will launch are hazy at best but the Vodafone UK website states it will be “Arriving in April.” Being a Vodafone exclusive, customers in the UK, Spain, France and Germany will be the first in line to get the Magic while Italian mobile aficionados will be able to purchase the Magic as a non-exclusive. After that it’s anyone’s guess as to where else thing thing will show up, be it under the Vodafone name or otherwise. Here’s to hoping it makes its way to this side of the world as soon as possible. Now to the specs:

• Android OS
• Quad-band EDGE / dual-band 7.2Mbps HSDPA (900/2100 MHz)
• 512MHz Qualcomm® MSM7201a
• 512MB ROM / 192MB RAM
• 3.2″ HVGA touchscreen display (though the presser and Voda say QVGA, Android does not play nice with QVGA displays)
• Virtual QWERTY keypad, trackball
• 3.2 megapixel camear w/ AF (no flash)
• WiFi 802.11 b/g
• GPS
• Bluetooth 2.0
• microSD
• 1340 mAh battery
• Talktime: 400 min 3G / 450 min GSM
• Standby: 660 hours 3G / 420 hours GSM
• 113mm x 55mm x 13.65mm, 118.5g
• Available in black and/or white depending on market

Not bad and not great, but we’re happy the Magic is a bit more refined compared to the banana-faced G1. Some of the basics however, such as a 3.5mm audio jack and an LED flash are unfortunately still MIA. Why HTC, why?

Jeté the jump for the full press release.

Vodafone and HTC unveil Android-powered HTC Magic

BARCELONA — Feb 17, 2009 — Vodafone and HTC Corporation today announced the HTC Magic smartphone, Vodafone’s first Android-powered mobile, which will be available in the spring.

The stylish new handset is exclusive to Vodafone in the UK, Spain, Germany and France (SFR) and available on a non-exclusive basis in Italy. Customers can ensure that they are the first to receive information about the HTC Magic’s availability, pricing and pre-ordering by registering their interest via their local Vodafone website from today.

The introduction of the HTC Magic is the result of a successful relationship between Vodafone and HTC, and Vodafone’s joining, late last year, of the Open Handset Alliance.

A tablet-style device, with a sleek design and unprecedented compactness for a smartphone featuring the Android platform, the HTC Magic enables a superior mobile internet experience, providing broad flexibility for personalisation via the application-rich Android Market. Available in white in the UK, Spain and France, black in Germany and in both colours in Italy, the HTC Magic will be for sale in several other Vodafone markets over the next few months.

“Delivering an unbeatable mobile internet experience for our customers is a priority for Vodafone, so we are very excited to be introducing our first Android-powered smartphone in the spring,” says Patrick Chomet, Global Director of Terminals, Vodafone Group. “Following our joining of the Open Handset Alliance, we have worked very closely with HTC to bring this cool new phone to the market. Our customers want to access a wide range of the most attractive mobile devices to help them make the most of their time – the HTC Magic helps meet that need.”

“The HTC Magic embodies the compact style and sophistication for which HTC has come to be known, with the powerful and intuitive internet experience for which the Android platform was designed,” says Peter Chou, president and CEO, HTC Corporation. “We are proud of our partnership with Vodafone and excited about making the Android-powered HTC Magic available to Vodafone customers in Europe.”

“The announcement of the HTC Magic is an important step for Android and the Open Handset Alliance,” says Andy Rubin, Senior Director of Mobile Platforms at Google. “With it, Vodafone is opening up the mobile web for consumers across Europe and giving more third-party developers a platform on which they can build the next wave of killer applications.”

Available from free on various price plans, the HTC Magic has a 3.2” QVGA touch screen display and features a trackball and navigational buttons for quick, easy access. The HTC Magic includes a variety of email options such as Google Mail™, POP3 and IMAP as well as Google Talk™ for instant messaging.

The HTC Magic has a variety of powerful mobile internet capabilities beginning with an Android-optimised Webkit browser. It also features the popular Google™ applications, Google Maps™ and Google Search™ as well as favourites like YouTube™. In addition, Android Market allows for quick and easy downloading of games and applications utilising Vodafone’s fast and reliable network.

Full details of availability and pricing will be available in the future in local Vodafone markets.

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