ban

Could HTC phones be banned from the U.S.? (FAQ)

The long-standing legal battle between Apple and HTC could make some real headway with the U.S. International Trade Commission set to issue a key ruling next week that could potentially ban HTC products from coming to the U.S.

For more than a year, the two companies have been tussling over the illegal use of each other's technology. The battle represents a microcosm of Apple's larger complaint against Google's Android operating system. As such, the ITC ruling could have serious ramifications on all of Google's Android partners, many of which are engaged with Apple in … Read more

T-Mobile backs Samsung in Apple case

T-Mobile USA filed a brief today opposing Apple's efforts to ban several Samsung Electronics products from the U.S., the second carrier to make such a move in the past week.

"While T-Mobile respects intellectual property rights and believes that owners of intellectual property deserve the right to present their arguments and evidence of infringement in court, a preliminary injunction is a drastic and extraordinary measure, and the courts should pay particular attention to its public consequences," T-Mobile said in a statement.

The filing was made with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of … Read more

Sony PlayStation Vita delayed in U.S.

Skype for Android expands two-way video calling to more phones, Apple's Find My Mac makes its debut on the developer testing version of iCloud.com, and Sony delays the launch of the PlayStation Vita handheld console in the U.S. and Europe.

Links from Thursday's episode of Loaded:

PlayStation Vita to miss U.S. and Europe holiday launch New device tests for HIV Gmail offering lower international rates Two-way Skype video chat arrives on more Android phones Find My Mac and iTunes Replay Missouri stops teachers from friend students Subscribe: iTunes (MP3) | iTunes (320x180) | iTunes (HD) |&… Read more

France bans Facebook and Twitter (the words)

I refuse to berate the French.

They have brought so much good into the world--cheese, wine, the nose of Gerard Depardieu, the tucked right arm of Napoleon--that their independence of word and deed should be respected. Even if occasionally it seems a little on the recalcitrant, or even drippy, side.

So please rise up with me and sing a little Charles Aznavour for the French broadcasting regulator who has banned on-air personnel from uttering some wretched anglicisms--specifically, "Facebook" and "Twitter."

An expat blogger, Matthew Fraser, explained that this ban has interesting and, naturally, intellectual roots.

There … Read more

Do Americans want to ban 'Brave New World'?

I am not sure what sorts of people go to libraries these days.

I had always assumed that Google and Amazon had corralled the library system between them, leaving few with the need to go and sit next to the coughing, the chatting, and the lonely.

But it seems that people do still go to libraries and still object to some of the books they see there. It so happens that the American Libraries Association, conscious of its continuing role in monitoring the national mood and culture, issues a list of those books that have been challenged by individuals or … Read more

preGame 42: Dragon Age II

Today on preGame we demo just a fraction of what there is to experience in the epic sequel from BioWare, Dragon Age II! Tune in to see how the improved combat system plays, and check out the advanced automation features that are available.

But first, we'll talk about last week's Nintendo 3DS sell-out debut in Japan and whether we think the 3D portable system will have similar success here in the States. Also, we'll try and make sense of the European PS3 seizing that has begun because of a patent infringement claim filed by LG.

Right before … Read more

India calls off BlackBerry ban

India has canceled a ban of BlackBerry services that was scheduled to occur at the end of October.

A press release from India's Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday confirmed the news, saying that discussions with RIM had led to an interim agreement under which BlackBerry Messenger services could continue. This agreement provides the Indian government with access to the lawful interception of data over the BlackBerry network, according to the ministry. Further, RIM has promised India that it would offer a final solution by January 31, to give the government continued access.

Details of the agreement were not … Read more

Turkey lifts two-year ban on YouTube

Turkey's ban on YouTube has ended two years after the government cut off access because of videos deemed insulting to the country's founder.

The ban was lifted after the offending videos were removed, according to Transport Minister Binali Yildirim, who is in charge of Internet issues.

"The ban has been removed," Yildirim said on Turkish TV news channel NTV, according to various media reports. "But we didn't get here easily, we have been through a lot in the process. I hope that they have also learned from this experience and the same thing will … Read more

RIM averts BlackBerry ban in UAE

Research In Motion and the United Arab Emirates have reached an agreement to call off a BlackBerry ban that was scheduled to start Monday.

Today's press release (Google Translate version) from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), which regulates telecommunications for the UAE, confirmed that all BlackBerry services will continue as usual and not be suspended on October 11.

The agency said that BlackBerry services are now compatible with the UAE's regulatory framework and added that RIM had cooperated in offering a compatible solution. Beyond that, the agency offered no details as far as specific actions or measures that … Read more

The 404 664: Where you pick it, we stick it (podcast)

We're glad to have Jeff back from his brief hiatus last week, although we soon find out that he spent a lot of the time playing NHL 2K11 for the Wii! To celebrate the release of the game, 2K Sports made Jeff's dream a reality and invited a few journalists to play *actual* ice hockey with NHL Pros Travis Zajac and Ryan Kesler.

And in other Jeff-related news, today's show title is in reference to a tattoo he has in the works courtesy of Miss D'Jo of Lark Tattoo, a friend and listener of The 404! We're excited to see what she has in store for Jeff...we're hoping it's a 404 tattoo on his face.

While everyone else spent Saturday, September 11, in mourning and quiet reverence, Microsoft staged a mock funeral parade the day before to celebrate the passing of the BlackBerry and iPhone.

The low blow even featured mock pallbearers, a large iPhone casket, a hearse, and--for some reason--an impromptu group Thriller dance. We hate to even give Microsoft publicity for this poorly timed stunt, but it's worth it to show how far a company will go to get exposure and shut down competitors.

And as if Microsoft weren't already in trouble, Xbox Live's stringent censorship rules are under fire again, this time with regard to a person getting banned for listing "Fort Gay, WV" as his location in the player profile section. Microsoft's automated censorship bots believed the name of the city to be an individual trying to degrade the sexuality of other players, but it turns out that Fort Gay is indeed a location in West Virginia. After some complaints, the player contacted the chief of Xbox Live police, and the ban was lifted.

After the break, we're proposing some new transit rules of our own after we hear about the New Jersey Transit express trains testing a plan to silence talking altogether on the first and last trains. Granted, the plan doesn't appoint a hall monitor to seek out rule-breakers, but this doesn't seem like a half-bad idea. Tune in to hear our idea of a public transportation utopia!

We're in desperate need of good call-backs, so leave a voice mail at 1-866-404-CNET and give us a piece of your mind! Also, big thanks to Alen for the BTTF Photoshop job you see up there; great work!

Episode 664 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more