Microsoft has so far been waging its patent battle against Android indirectly, striking deals and going to court with makers of Android devices, not challenging Google itself. But it’s getting harder and harder for the two companies to avoid a direct fight over the issue. Here’s why. Authorities in China this weekend gave Google the… Read More…
Microsoft is aiming to make Windows Phone a strong No. 3 in the smartphone market, behind Android and iPhone, but first it has a different rival to overcome: Samsung’s Bada smartphone operating system. Not to mention RIM and Symbian. The Redmond company remained in sixth place in smartphone operating system sales in the first quarter,… Read More…
LinkedIn finally released its first official app for Windows Phone this week. It’s an important addition to Microsoft’s catalog of apps, particularly as the Redmond company tries to make inroads with business users. More than that, it’s a well-designed app that is better, in some ways, than its counterparts on iPhone and Android. The Windows… Read More…
A few weeks ago on the GeekWire podcast, we featured a new iPhone app called Snackr that tuned into a user’s personal social networks in order to deliver a customized audio news report, told in the charming voice of a British gentleman. Now, Seattle upstart iHear Network is unveiling a similar offering, launching what it’s… Read More…
Microsoft just announced another patent licensing agreement with a maker of Android and Chrome devices, Pegatron Corp., making more headway with its claims that the Google operating systems violate its intellectual property. The Redmond company says it now has licensing deals with four of the top five original design manufacturers in Taiwan, and has agreements… Read More…
Boeing is jumping into the smartphone business, developing a new mobile device – but we probably won’t be buying this one at our local wireless store. The company is working on a secure communications device for the U.S. government defense and security market, a spokeswoman for the company confirmed this morning. The news was reported… Read More…
The launch of Windows 8 later this year will give Microsoft a boost in the media tablet market, making Windows-based machines a viable competitor against Android tablets and the iPad, but the company is still destined to be the No. 3 player through at least 2016, according to new projections from the Gartner research firm… Read More…
HTC, the mobile phone giant with North American headquarters in Bellevue, posted a decline of 70 percent in profits this morning, after one of its top executives acknowledged that the company “dropped the ball” on its products in the fourth quarter. Here’s the bigger problem: In its competition with Apple, the company is at risk… Read More…
One of the big challenges Microsoft faces in mobile phones is that developers don’t have the time — or resources — to make new applications for the emerging Windows Phone platform. The software giant is using its checkbook to help jumpstart that ecosystem. But as it turns out, even that financial incentive doesn’t always work…. Read More…
GeekWire Summer Bash, June 21: We’ll be breaking out the ping-pong tables for this giant summer celebration at the Showbox SODO — with expert and intermediate tournaments, foosball, prizes, and more. Sign up to compete, or just come to enjoy the party and cheer on your friends. Tickets available now.
Join us at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® awards gala to see who will take home top honors in the Pacific Northwest. The finalists are high-growth entrepreneurs and leaders who are innovating, expanding and creating jobs and enhancing our communities. June 15, 2012 | Hyatt Regency Bellevue | 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Come celebrate!
You’re invited to HAPPY HOUR, a monthly meet up for leaders in the film, music and interactive industries to share, learn and make meaningful business connections. This month features guest speaker Trey Gunn, guitar player for King Crimson, Brian Eno, Tool, and more. Trey will speak to the value of original voice, how to find it, and how, as an artist and business professional, to use it to your advantage.
See you Wednesday, May 30th, 5-7 PM at Spitfire in Belltown, free admission (21+)
In case you haven’t heard, Splunk’s Seattle office is responsible for the company’s developer platform and Microsoft offerings. Join us for our open house, where you can geek out at demo stations, enjoy food and drinks, and meet our CEO, Godfrey Sullivan, and more Splunkers. The event is free, but if you’d like to make a donation, check out Year Up Seattle.
RSVP for this free event, and we’ll see you on Wednesday, 6/20, 5-8 PM
FounderDating is a premier online network for entrepreneurs to connect with cofounders. You should apply if you want to a part of a network that is:
Ideas change, people don’t. FounderDating: Where Founders Meet. @founderdating
On May 22nd at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel, join 800 tech and business leaders at the Technology Alliance’s 2012 State of Technology Luncheon for a timely conversation with John McAdam, President, CEO & Director of F5 Networks, Inc.
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Rebecca Lovell, GeekWire's chief business officer and a veteran of Seattle's tech startup scene, dispenses tips, tricks, insights and tough love in this regular column. Have a question for Rebecca? Submit your lovelletter to rebecca@geekwire.com, and follow her on Twitter @lovelletters.
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Comments of the week: Will this phone really take off?
The best comments, quotes, and random zingers we heard this week… “Do you have to turn off *this* phone during takeoff and landing?” –GeekWire reader Lawrence Lam commenting on news that aerospace giant Boeing plans to develop a new phone based on the Android operating system. “I hope the phone takes off. Pun intended.”–GeekWire reader… Read More…