ericsson

Intel says it bought ST-Ericsson's GPS operations

Intel has confirmed it was the mystery buyer that acquired ST-Ericsson's global navigation satellite system (GNSS) business, after the sale was announced Tuesday.

ST-Ericsson, the joint venture between STMicroelectronics and Ericsson, said Tuesday that a "leading semiconductor company" had bought its mobile connectivity GNSS unit. This includes personal receivers that interact with GPS technology and Glonass -- a radio-based satellite navigation system operated by the Russian Aerospace Defense Forces.

Nick Jacobs, a spokesperson for Intel Asia, has confirmed with ZDNet that the U.S. chipmaker signed a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets of ST-Ericsson's GNSS … Read more

Six eye-catching things from CTIA 2013

LAS VEGAS -- When it comes to emerging tech, crazy accessories, and carrier news, you can always count on a mobile conference to deliver.

CTIA 2013 was a much quieter show than in years past, with the biggest carriers and manufacturers largely opting out to focus on their own launch events.

While this confab felt the brunt of companies' shifting strategies, the absence of the brightest stars meant that we had time to scope out other finds that would usually be drowned out in the din.

Future shows are expected to regain CTIA's breakneck pace and vigor. A move … Read more

Windows that double as cell signal boosters? Yes, please

LAS VEGAS -- Windows that only let in sunlight and provide a view to the outside world? That's so yesterday's news.

Ericsson believes it can do more with windows, and it had on display here a few windows enhanced with different modifications. One had a transparent cellular antenna embedded in the glass, potentially improving smartphone reception. Another was outfitted with infrared sensors around the frame, allowing it to detect swipes and taps. … Read more

Microsoft to sell Mediaroom IPTV business to Ericsson

Ericsson plans to buy Microsoft's Mediaroom IPTV platform business so that Microsoft can tune in on its Xbox gaming system.

The companies didn't disclose the purchase price, but a person familiar with the deal terms said the price was "just south of $200 million." The deal should close in the second half of the year.

One of the next big battlegrounds among industry players is video. Many companies, such as Amazon and Netflix, already provide content, but others are looking to provide a full package to consumers. Chip maker Intel is building an IPTV service and set-top box,Read more

Ericsson eyes Microsoft's mobile-TV service -- report

Ericsson is in talks with Microsoft to buy the software giant's mobile-TV service, according to a report.

Microsoft for years has operated a software division that provides mobile carriers with the technology to deliver television service over their connections. The company is now in talks with Ericsson to sell the division so it can focus on delivering this service through the Xbox, according to Bloomberg, which cited people with knowledge of the discussions.

For Ericsson, the upside of acquiring Microsoft's division would be the opportunity to deliver another service to its wireless customers. The company's strategy is … Read more

Samsung responds to Ericsson patent suit with its own lawsuits

Samsung has taken out its big guns against Ericsson in a lawsuit deep in the heart of Texas.

Late yesterday, Samsung responded to a patent violation suit that was filed by Ericsson in the Eastern District of Texas last November. In its suit, Ericsson accused Samsung of patent infringement after the two companies failed to reach an agreement over the renewal of certain patent licensing deals.

In December, Samsung fought back by filing a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission over the licensing deals and several patent infringement claims. Now Samsung has fired the next shot with its … Read more

Chipmaking venture ST-Ericcson to close, cut 1,600 jobs

ST-Ericsson, the chipmaking joint venture between STMicro and Ericsson, announced today it will dissolve its partnership, dividing up the parts of the business between the two.

Market share for ST-Ericsson in the mobile space has shrunk as rival chipmakers Nvidia, Intel, and Texas Instruments succeeded in getting their components into popular mobile devices. As top customer Nokia lost market share to Apple and Samsung, orders for ST-Ericcson's chips have dwindled. Since the partnership's formation in 2009, Ericcson's share of the losses alone was $2.8 billion.

"All possible scenarios were considered but the option announced today … Read more

Mozilla, AT&T show WebRTC phone-Web communications link

BARCELONA, Spain--Mozilla, Ericsson, and AT&T announced today they're demonstrating technology to place Internet-based voice and video calls that bridge traditional telephone services and the Web.

The demonstration, at Mobile World Congress here, uses the nascent WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communications) standard to set up browser-based communications between different devices.

The "proof of concept" links a Web app with a person's existing phone number and "shows how consumers can easily take and receive video calls from their mobile phones or desktop browser using WebRTC or share their Web experiences with friends or family who might … Read more

Report tags top consumer trends for 2013

Cloud computing is one of the main trends to keep an eye on in 2013, according to a new report from Ericsson.

The electronics firm's "Ten Hot Consumer Trends 2013" report (PDF) suggests that not only is cloud computing becoming increasingly important in our daily lives, but young people's use of the Internet will drive new businesses and products in the coming year.

The most important technological trend is cloud computing. More than 50 percent of tablet users and 40 percent of smartphone users in the U.S., Japan, Australia, and Sweden subscribe to these kinds … Read more

Ericsson sues Samsung for alleged patent infringement

Ericsson has filed a suit against Samsung for patent infringement.

The Swedish telecommunications equipment maker said today that it launched the lawsuit after the two companies were unable to reach an agreement about renewing patent licensing deals.

Samsung previously licensed Ericsson's patents in 2001 and renewed terms in 2007, but licenses have now expired. According to Ericsson, Samsung refused to renew the licensing agreements for its patents on FRAND terms. FRAND (fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory) terms are used by industry groups to set standards for technology and products, and are aimed at encouraging competitiveness without allowing rights holders to … Read more