Gadget Watch: Apple vs. HTC

Chatter about Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) versus High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC) (Taiwan: 2498) is still dominating the mobile gadget scene this week, while Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) is boasting about its new cheap touchscreen:

Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) is now commenting on the Apple suit against Android pioneer HTC, according to the latest reports. "We are not a party to this lawsuit. However, we stand behind our Android operating system and the partners who have helped us to develop it," Google told PC Mag.

Nokia, meanwhile, unveiled its 5230 Nuron for T-Mobile US Inc. this Wednesday. At first glance, the phone appears to be a fast smartphone with a recession-bustin' price-tag: $69 with a contract and rebates. The device will support T-Mobile's new 7.2-Mbit/s 3G network upgrade. It is also the first device to come pre-loaded with Nokia's Ovi maps software.

Separately, the Finnish giant has become the latest wireless company to jump on the Skype Ltd. bandwagon: The VoIP software is now available through the Ovi store.

Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT) is building on its experience with TD-LTE to introduce what will likely be the first data dongle to support the technology in conjunction with its Shanghai Expo contract this year. Time Division Long-Term Evolution is being championed by China Mobile Communications Corp. and uses a single channel for both up and downlink.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T)'s CEO Randall Stephenson is elaborating the carrier's earlier comments on the Apple iPad: The webpad will be a WiFi-driven device even if the operator will be offering a 3G version. (See Apple's iPad: Unlocking the 3G Myth.) For more gizmos, click on:

• Nokia Gets Social with C5 Phone
• Intel, Orange Team on MeeGo
• Rosum, Siano Launch Indoor GPS Chip
• Icera Demos LTE/HSPA Modem
• Telefonica O2 Offers SIM Only iPhone Plan

— Dan Jones, Site Editor, Light Reading Mobile