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News

• New Bluetooth spec could mean a comeback for wristwatches

  Remember wristwatches? With the surge in smartphones and their instant access to time and other information, fewer people seem to wear a watch these days.

• Rumored SAP-Red Hat merger seen as a long shot

  Rumors swirled once again this week regarding a possible takeover of Red Hat, this time by SAP, but a number of industry observers said Thursday that the prospect is unlikely at best.

• Voice-enabled medical search app for iPhone speeds inquiries

  As smartphones and tablet computers infiltrate medical operations, doctors are finding new applications to provide shortcuts for their busy work days. That includes a new voice-enabled medical search app for the iPhone announced by Nuance Communications.

• Faster HSPA smartphones, modems coming soon

  Smartphones and modems are about to get faster mobile broadband connections -- 14.4M bps (bits per second) and 42M bps, repectively -- using HSPA+ (High Speed Packet Access).

• LTE demo will test broadband for oil fields

  LTE is generating excitement in the world of consumer electronics and ever-faster online video viewing, but the 4G (fourth-generation) mobile network technology may have even greater implications for specific industries that lack a good means of connectivity.

• SAP execs outline plans for Sybase

  SAP executives today outlined the company's strategy for the recently acquired Sybase, which includes the creation of a mobile platform that can run on-premises or in the cloud, connects to every application and is compatible with "all major" mobile operating systems and devices.

• SAP, Sybase lay out tech road maps

  SAP and Sybase officials gathered in Boston on Thursday to reveal how they plan to bring together their respective technologies in the areas of mobility, analytics and enterprise information management.

• Google Docs on the go with the iPhone and iPad

  Mobile business professionals have been able to sync Google Docs to the iPad and have access on the go even without a live network connection using the Memeo Connect app, but iPhone users were out of luck.

• Chrome OS tablet from HTC reported to ship in November

  An HTC tablet running Google's Chrome operating system will be sold by Verizon Wireless in late November, according to an unnamed source cited by the blog Downloadsquad.

• Apple pulls Grooveshark music streaming app from iTunes

  Apple has pulled Grooveshark's music streaming application from its store due to a complaint from a major entertainment company just days after the application launched.

• Nook e-reader software ready for iPhone, iPod touch

  Barnes & Noble released free Nook e-reader software for the iPhone and iPod touch today, along with updates to Nook for the iPad that provide content rating and more.

• Apple won't change antenna for Verizon iPhone, says expert

  If an iPhone does appear on Verizon, don't expect Apple to change its antenna design, an expert said today.

• Amazon.com price for BlackBerry Torch is no cut

  Research in Motion today called reports that Amazon.com has cut the price of RIM's new BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone to $US99.99 "inaccurate and misleading."

• Experts argue over merits of 7-in. iPad

  Analysts split today over reports that Apple may be readying a smaller iPad for launch later this year.

• RIM may allow India to monitor instant messenger service

  Research In Motion (RIM) has offered India some access to BlackBerry instant messages, according to media reports citing government officials. Talks however continue on the Indian demand that its law enforcement agencies be able to also monitor enterprise email, the reports said.