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In a move clearly acknowledging Apple's business strategy, Google buys Motorola Mobility and its 24500-strong patent portfolio for $12.5Bn.

Gartner describes the strategy as "vertical integration"-- building both software and hardware in-house from the ground up while owning a vast (not to mention valuable) IP library.

The acquisition means Google is now be able to make a whole variety of devices-- not only smartphones and tablets, but also Bluetooth-based accessories and set top boxes-- a potential means for a more successful future Google TV device, no doubt.

Google now also owns Motorola Mobility's 3 manufacturing facilities and 91 factory leases around the globe.

However Google severely risks alienating its handset-maker partners (39 in all, including HTC, Sony Ericsson LG), as it will now directly enter the hardware sales battlefield.

Google's Android partners might be saying they "welcome Google's commitment to defending Android and its partners," but one has to read behind the lines-- even as the company insists Android will remain an open-source platform and Motorola Mobility will be run as a separate entity.

Analyst predict the announcement might prove to be good news for Microsoft-- Pyramid Research says Google's partners will show "stronger commitment" to Windows Phone.

The only step left for the purchase is regulatory approval from the EU and other jurisdiction-- and hope it doesn't kick off more major antitrust investigations...

Go Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility

Go Official Google Blog: Larry Page on the Acquisition

Go Quotes from Android Partners

Go Google-Motorola: Everyone Gets a Trophy (Pyramid Research)

StarTech launches the USB2HDMI adapter, turning any available USB 2.0 port into an HDMI output with HD video and audio support, without the need of an additional video card.

Customers can use it as a multi-monitor solution-- either mirroring or extending their desktops through an additional HDMI (or DVI) enabled display.

Being USB-powered, it requires no external power adapter.

StarTech says the device is quick and easy to install (via WHQL certified drivers) and it supports both display rotation and Windows' Aero interface.

Go USB to HDMI External Video Adapter with Audio

The Serial ATA International Organisation (SATA-IO) announces two new SATA standards-- SATA Express and SATA µSSD.

SATA Express combines the SATA software infrastructure with the PCI Express (PCIe) interface, enabing the development of SATA-compatible devices using the PCIe interface.

The technology will thus increase device speeds to 8Gb/s and 16Gb/s while using PCIe 3.0's performance and scalability.

SATA Express specification should be complete by 2011's end.

Meanwhile SATA µSSD eliminates the traditional SATA inteface's module connector, enabling OEMs to produce a single-chip SATA implementation for embedded storage applications.

It consists of a new electrical pin-out, allowing SATA delivery via single ball grid array (BGA) package sitting directly on the motherboard-- enabling what SATA-IO says is the smallest SATA implementation to date.

SATA-IO is also working on interoperability tests for different SATA µSSD devices, ensuring devices based on the standard are compatible with each other.

SATA µSSD is already available in SanDisk's iSSD embedded drive, while Samsung and Toshiba express their support for the standard.

Go SATA Express Specification

Go µSSD Specification

Apple wins a preliminary injunction in Düsseldorf's Regional Court against Samsung, blocking Galaxy Tab 10.1 sales in all EU countries except the Netherlands, the dpa-AFX news service reports.

The injunction involves Apple claiming the Galaxy Tab infringes several of its design-related IP rights (not hardware or software patents)-- describing the Galaxy Tab as an iPad imitation.

Apple already has a separate lawsuit going on in the Netherlands.

Samsung responds by saying it will “take all necessary measures to ensure Samsung’s innovative mobile communications devices are available to customers in Europe and around the world.”

The two companies' patent battle goes on since April 2011, when Apple sued Samsung over claims of Galaxy smartphones and tablets "slavishly" copying the iPhone and iPad.

Go Apple Stops Samsung's iPad Competitor in Europe (dpa-AFX)

Go Apple and Samsung's Patent Battle