Now that we’ve all had a weekend to think about it, I wanted to get your take on the Apple vs. Samsung verdict. If you haven’t been keeping score at home, Samsung got its ass kicked and will have to pay Apple more than $1-billion in damages. The jury found that Samsung infringed on several of Apple’s software and design patents. While the software patents are pretty specific, the design patents are vague enough that it’s somewhat surprising that Samsung lost so decisively. Some people believe this is all the result of a broken patent system. Others believe that Apple was just protecting its IP rights. Some pundits feel that the decision will stifle innovation in mobile tech (unless the innovators want to shell out money to Apple). What say you?!?

The evolution of smartphones has screwed a number of businesses. Less people are buying watches. Point-and-shoot camera sales are down. Many pundits have predicted that handheld consoles are doomed. A big reason why the three aforementioned industries have taken a hit is because of smartphones. They’re just fantastic and versatile devices. Have you ever seen a consumer electronics device impact so many other businesses?

Remember when tech nerds would tote around a…

NBA player Baron Davis has started a company called 5 Balloons Interactive. The company’s first game, Getting Buckets, is available for iOS. It’s a Temple Run-style game that has you literally collecting buckets. The twist is that it stars basketball players Baron Davis, Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo, Brandon Jennings, and Candace Parker.

As for 5 Balloons Interactive, the company site says that it, “was created in 2012 to offer celebrity talent meaningful opportunities to extend their brands into the digital space through engaging and entertaining gaming applications.” … more

You’ve seen the leaked photos and videos of the “iPhone 5″ housing. More recently, iMore has reported that Apple will be holding a press conference for the next iPhone on September 12, with a launch set for September 21. The report was met with equal parts excitement and cynicism…until The Loop’s Jim Dalrymple — the unofficial arbiter of Apple rumors — legitimized it with his trademark “yep”. After that, it seemed like loads of web sites received confirmation on the dates from various unnamed sources.

It’s also interesting that … more

[Updated 7/30] Loads of purported iPhone 5 (or whatever it will be called) parts have been leaked over the last few months. The fastidious people at iLab Factory have assembled them to form Voltron illustrate what the final model will look like. Obvious changes include a longer form factor, a new dock connector, and a two-tone back. Head on over to the site to see several more pictures of iLab’s alleged iPhone 5.

Do you think these photos are legit? What do you think of the two-tone looks? Any longtime … more

Overhaul Games has listed new features and a new adventure for the highly anticipate Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition. The big surprise was a trio of new characters (more on them in a sec). The company claims that it will implement more than 400 improvements, including new cinematics, gameplay features from Baldur’s Gate 2 (class kits!), improved multiplayer, and more. The new adventure is called “The Black Pits” and revolves around the machinations of a mad drow named Baeloth. (Aside from Drizzt Do’Urden, are there any drow … more