Samsung brings a mid-range Galaxy-class device to MetroPCS's network in the Attain 4G. This simpler smartphone packs some surprises, along with some disappointments.

Court documents reveal that Motorola is seeking 2.25% of Apple's iPhone sales in order to license the standards-essential patents that Motorola holds. That percentage amounts to about $15 per iPhone (unsubsidized iPhone 4S 16GB). Motorola and Apple are amidst a patent battle in German courts, and the document came to light as part of this week's proceedings in those cases. At issues is whether or not Motorola's terms represent a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) offer. Apple argues that the terms are not fair. Motorola has won two decisions against Apple, one in December and one on February 3. The first pertains to smartphone patents, while the second pertains to Apple's iCloud service and email syncing patents.

AT&T has requested that the Federal Communications Commission set a number of requirements in place before Dish Network can build out its planned LTE-Advanced 4G network. AT&T wants Dish beholden to similar requirements levied on LightSquared. It would be required to cover 100 million POPs within 33 months and reach 260 million POPs within 69 months. AT&T also noted that it has "concerns" over Dish's use of 700MHz spectrum (which AT&T is also using for LTE). Dish responded this week to AT&T's request, saying such conditions would thwart its plans. Dish argues that LTE-Advanced will require much longer to deploy, as no other operator has deployed it yet. It also believes the differences between its commercial network (which will be sold directly to consumers) is different from LightSquared's wholesale approach, and requires more back-end systems be put into place. Last, Dish said its LTE-Advanced network will be deployed on its 2GHz spectrum holdings, not 700MHz. The FCC has not yet ruled on the matter.

Motorola has provided a system update for the Atrix 2, which is sold by AT&T. The software update, which must be downloaded via Wi-Fi, makes a number of adjustments to the Atrix 2. According to Motorola, the update improves the performance of the camera; adds the Google Music application; patches security holes; adds emergency alerts from government agencies; and improves the keyboard, device stability, and performance of the Webtop application. The update is free to download and install.

Apple was able to convince a German court to suspend an injunction that went into effect earlier today that temporarily prevented it from selling the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPad 2 via its web site. Apple lost a patent ruling to Motorola in December that effects the aforementioned devices. The patents in question cover GPRS standards. Apple claims that Motorola is seeking licensing terms for the patents that don't comply with fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) rules. The iPhone 4S was excluded from the patent ruling because it uses a Qualcomm baseband rather than one from Infineon. Motorola had to post a $100 million bond for the ban to take effect., but Apple won a reversal. It isn't clear how long the reversal will last. Separately, German courts today issued another ruling against Apple and its iCloud service. Apple was found guilty of infringing on a Motorola patent concerning how email is synced between devices. The ruling gives Motorola leeway to inquire about past device sales as it prepares requests for damages. Apple is appealing the decisions.

A company called Ting has this week launched its cellular phone service using Sprint's CDMA and WiMax networks. Ting, which is operated by Tucows, provides inexpensive, no-contract access to mobile services. Potential customers will need to buy a Ting-branded phone from Ting, which range from the Samsung Reclaim for $45 to the Motorola Photon for $545. Phone prices are subsidized only slightly. Voice minutes, messages, and data can be each be ordered separately so that customers get the services they want at the cost they need. Voice plans range from "XS" at $0 per month for zero minutes to "XXL" at $52 per month for 3,000 minutes. Text messaging plans range from $0 to $14 and data plans range from $0 to $60 per month, depending on amounts. Users must pay $6 per handset per month at a bare minimum to keep the service active. The service includes voicemail, picture and video messaging, three-way calling, caller ID, tethering, hotspot at no extra cost. Ting is available anywhere Sprint services is provided.

Verizon Wireless has shared the details about a forthcoming software update headed to the Motorola Droid RAZR. The update does not include Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, but does introduce a wide range of enhancements and bug fixes. Some of the applications affected include the mobile hotspot, visual voicemail, VZ Navigator, Bluetooth performance, battery life, and MotoCast. The update also installs new applications, including V CAST and the Commercial Mobile Alert Service. The update will be available shortly.

Google Wallet has become visible to AT&T variants of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S. The application was previously only available to the Sprint version of the Nexus S (though unofficial workarounds for other handsets were possible). The appearance of the application means that Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S owners will be able to download, install, and use the NFC-based Google Wallet mobile payment system to make purchases at select retailers in select cities around the U.S. Google Wallet is still officially unavailable to the Verizon version of the Galaxy Nexus.

Google today announced that it is taking more active measures to keep malware out of the Android Market. It said it is using a new service that it calls Bouncer to sweep through the Market for potentially malicious software It scans new applications, applications already in Android Market, and developer accounts for known malware, spyware, trojans and for apps that may be misbehaving. Google says that Bouncer has been running for a while now, and has seen the incidences of malware and spyware drop significantly in the last few quarters. Google also notes that it has built Android with security in mind, and sandboxes applications -- meaning that can't always share data back and forth. It also reminds users to use the permissions listings for each application, which could identify malware. Last, it said Android is designed to prevent malware from modifying the platform or hiding, so it can be easily removed if necessary.

Senator Chuck Grassley has accused LightSquared of bribery, claiming that the company insinuated that it would build a call center in Iowa if he "pulled his punches" in the government's investigation of LightSquared's GPS interference issue. LightSquared vehemently denied the accusation, saying that Grassley has misstated the facts to create the appearance of impropriety. Grassley has been a vocal critic of LightSquared's planned Long Term Evolution 4G network. LightSquares is awaiting FCC approval to begin building its network.

MetroPCS today announced that is once again offering a $40 plan to all 4G LTE smartphones within its portfolio. This plan had previously been available only for the Samsung Craft, which MetroPCS ceased to sell in December. The new $40 monthly plan includes unlimited talk, text, 4G web browsing, and 100MB of streaming media. Customers may also choose the $50 or $60 monthly plans, which add access to more streaming media.

Skype today released a version of its VoIP application for Nokia's Symbian Belle platform. The application matches the look and feel of the Belle user interface and includes most of the main features, such as Skype-to-Skype calling, instant messaging, and so on. The application is free to download and use over Wi-Fi.

Samsung Mobile Display and Corning today announced a new joint venture that will create OLED glass substrates and panels for mobile phones and other devices. Samsung will supply its OLED expertise to the joint venture and Corning will contribute its Lotus Glass technology. The venture will supply OLED backplane glass substrates for Samsung Mobile Display, as well as for the broader market in Korea. The joint venture is an expansion of an existing partnership between the two companies. Growth in the smartphone market has increased the demand for low-cost, durable screens.

Qualcomm today announced that it and partner Ericsson have successfully completed the first voice call handover from an LTE mobile network (using voice over LTE -- or VoLTE) to a WCDMA network. The call used Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC), which is required for VoLTE calls to seamlessly switch to a WCDMA network when a consumer on a VoLTE call leaves the LTE network's coverage area. SRVCC and its predecessor CSFB (circuit-switched fall back) allow both LTE and 3G network connections to be supported on a single chip, which lets handset makers design smaller, less expensive, more power-efficient phones. The test was completed using an Ericsson handset with Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 3G/LTE multimode processor.

HTC is in the process of sending out software updates to some of its smartphones to address a security issue concerning the Wi-Fi radio. The problem revolves around applications with the "access_wifi_state" permission, and the ability to sniff out Wi-Fi passwords for networks to which the phone is connected. The affected handsets include the Desire HD, myTouch 4G, Desire S, Sensation, EVO 3D, Droid Incredible, and Thunderbolt. The update had already been distributed to some of the phones over the air, though HTC is working to make a manual update available to the last few. HTC suggests owners of the aforementioned phones check its support page the week of February 6 for more instructions.

A U.S. Senate spokesperson has confirmed that an antitrust panel is going to hold a hearing to discuss Verizon's planned spectrum purchases. Verizon Wireless currently has three spectrum deals on the table with Leap Wireless, Cox, and SpectrumCo that will significantly bolster its AWS and 700MHz holdings. "The subcommittee carefully examines questions about competition in the wireless and video markets, with the ultimate goal of protecting consumers and reducing their cable and cellphone bills, and these deals are no exception," said Senator Herb Kohl in a statement. The hearing will likely take place in March.

Google today announced an update to Google Docs for the Android platform. The chief new feature is support for document viewing when the device is offline. Users need only select to make specific files available offline, and they will be downloaded and stored on the device. Files can then be updated any time the device is reconnected to the network. Google has also improved the Docs viewing experience on Android tablets. Docs as viewed on Android tablets will offer swiping page navigation and high-resolution images, graphics, and other elements. The update to Google Docs for Android is a free download from the Android Market.

U.S. Cellular today announced that it will launch Long Term Evolution 4G in a handful of markets starting in March. The first markets to have access to U.S. Cellular's faster network include Milwaukee, Madison and Racine, Wis.; Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa; Portland and Bangor, Maine; and Greenville, N.C. According to U.S. Cellular, this represents 25% of its service footprint. It is advertising speeds that are 10 times faster than 3G. In addition to the timing of the launch, U.S. Cellular also announced its first two LTE-capable devices: the Samsung Galaxy S Aviator and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The Aviator is an Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread smartphone that includes a 4.3-inch WVGA SAMOLED+ touchscreen, an 8 megapixel rear-camera, front-facing webcam, and an HDMI port. The Tab will be available in March, but the Aviator won't be available until April. U.S. Cellular said more details will be available closer to launch.

AT&T today made Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread available to the Samsung Infuse 4G. The update brings a wide range of new features to the Infuse 4G, including a new touch keyboard, notification shade controls, new widgets and fonts, and improved power management. According to AT&T, the update can only be installed via a Windows PC. It cannot be downloaded over the air, or through Apple computers.

Verizon Wireless has made a system update available to the Casio G'zOne Commando that adds support for free push-to-talk services. The update also makes improvements to security, replaces the V CAST Video app with Verizon Video, adds new system alerts, and fixes a variety of bugs. The update can be downloaded over the air.