• Flurry, a mobile application analytics, monetization and promotion service provider, announced its Privacy First Initiative (PFI). The initiative is aimed at increasing consumer privacy standards in mobile application data collection and targeting. PFI combines a set of product features and usage guidelines to be included in Flurry Analytics and AppCircle services, which provides consumers visibility into collected data and control over how the data is used for targeting and product recommendations.
• T-Mobile USA says the new Garminfone, the first Android-powered smartphone fully integrated with Garmin's premium navigation, will be available in June in select T-Mobile retail stores and online. It will sell for $199.99 with a new two-year service agreement and qualifying voice and data plan.
• MONKEYmedia today filed a lawsuit against Apple for allegedly infringing claims in three of MONKEYmedia's Seamless Contraction patents. Apple's alleged infringement involves user interfaces for document summarization, RSS readers and video players that can display multiple versions of text and/or audiovisual content. The lawsuit was filed in the Western District of Texas, Austin Division.
• ExteNet Systems hired Steven Kingwell to serve in the new position of vice president, Network Engineering and Implementation. Kingwell previously was at American Tower Corporation, where he served for eight years in several positions, most recently as senior vice president of Site Leasing Management. Prior to that, he was vice president, RF Engineering and Site Development for AT&T Wireless.
• Ireland-based Cubic Telecom has launched what it says is Europe's first SIM card for the new iPad 3G, allowing users to travel and access the web anywhere in Europe without racking up expensive roaming charges. The first Cubic Telecom iPad 3G SIM cards, sold under the brand name MaxRoam, are available from today at www.maxroam.com. The SIM card costs €75 and comes preloaded with 50MB of data.
• Acacia Research says that its subsidiary, Telematics Corporation, has resolved a dispute with Blue Sky Network that was pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The telematics technology generally relates to systems and methods for displaying mobile vehicle information on a map. The technology can be used in navigation and fleet management systems that combine wireless communication with GPS tracking and map displays.
• ViaSat, a producer of satellite and other wireless communications and networking systems, says it made $10.4 million on sales of $212.6 million in its fourth fiscal quarter. For the full year 2010, the company made $31 .1 million on sales of $688.1 million. The company's fourth quarter results include new contract awards of $262.8 million.
• Sipco says Eka Systems has entered into a technology licensing agreement for its Essential Wireless Mesh Patent Portfolio. Eka Systems has assigned its rights under the license to Cannon Technologies,an affiliate of Cooper Power Systems.