Android Co-Creator Andy Rubin's Startup Essential, Sued Over Magnetic Connector Technology

Keyssa has filed an intellectual property lawsuit against Essential, the maker of the Essential PH-1 smartphone backed by former Google exec and Godfather of Android Andy Rubin. The lawsuit pertains to magnetic wireless connectors that can pass information and current from one device to another, such as the magnetic module accessory system used on the Essential PH-1. 

According to Keyssa Essential worked with the company for period of 10 months on the magnetic technology and was given trade secrets under non disclosure agreement during that time. Eventually the relationship between the two companies dissolved and Essential picked magnetic components from a third company called SiBEAM for the Essential PH-1. Keyssa alleges that even though Essential is using different hardware for its phone the technology couldn't have been recreated without Keyssa's protected intellectual property.

"Keyssa has not been compensated for Essential’s use of this guidance and know how," said Keyssa in a statement provided to Reuters. "We are pursuing this action because our attempts to resolve this matter through discussions with Essential have not been successful." Keyssa is backed by Tony Fadell, who co-created the iPod when at Apple. Keyssa filed the lawsuit in federal court in San Francisco.


Source: Reuters

Google Glass Graduates, Leaves Google X Labs

Google Glass team announced that Glass is “graduating” from Google X labs the experimental unit of Google. 

The Explorer program will officially end on January 19, and the group that was responsible for developing Google Glass will now report to Tony Fadell, the man in charge of Nest.

Additionally, email's went out to Explorers, stating that further development will cease for existing versions of Glass while the team continues working on the next version. Support will still exist for those who need it, though.

It’s possible that given the timing of this announcement Google will have something concrete to announce at Google I/O later this year.

Source: Google Glass Google+

Google Acquires Smart Thermostat Maker Nest For $3.2 Billion In Cash

Google has confirmed in a press release that it is acquiring Nest Labs, the company behind Nest smart thermostats and fire alarms started by Tony Fadell. Earlier reports were quickly confirmed along with the transaction price of $3.2 billion in cash in an official announcement posted on the company’s Investor website. In the statement, Google said that Fadell will be staying on board as a Google employee and continuing to run Nest.

Google had already invested in the company through its Google Ventures arm, but the purchase means Nest will officially become a part of Google. In its statement announcing the acquisition, Google noted that Nest will continue “its own distinct brand identity” and that Fadell will continue to run the company.

Source: Nest