Apple expected to unveil new iPads; China Mobile posts large drop in profit

Quick news from around the Web.

@FierceWireless: RT@gigaom: Tablet sales are on a tear, while desktop swoon continues ArticleFollow@FierceWireless

> Apple is expected to unveil new iPad models tomorrow. Article

> Is Google's long-term plan for Motorola to drive down smartphone prices across the board? Article (sub. req.)

> BlackBerry's patent portfolio will be key to its valuation, analysts said. Article

> China Mobile reported its biggest quarterly profit decline since 1999, largely due to expenses it incurred to build out its TD-LTE network. Article

> Apple debuted its first iPhone 5s TV advertisement. Article

> One reviewer found Microsoft's Surface Pro 2 to be an improvement over its predecessor, noting that it is quicker, quieter and has a longer battery life. Article

Wireless Tech News

> Chinese researchers have been able to connect four computers to the Internet using a Li-Fi light-based communications link from a one-watt LED light bulb. Article

> As concern grows regarding the negative impact poorly written applications can have on mobile networks, Huawei is offering a cloud-based way for developers to evaluate a particular app's network friendliness. Article

> The terrestrial antennas deployed at buildings where Google's Project Loon delivers broadband Internet service from free-floating balloons in the stratosphere are simple today, but that probably will not be the case in the future. Article

> Telefónica and China Unicom, which are collaborating on development of network virtualization technologies, released a white paper that outlines numerous potential use cases, including virtualization of the mobile network. Article

European Wireless News

> EE upped the pressure on rivals in the UK LTE market by introducing a raft of measures including cheaper LTE tariffs, new pay-as-you-go LTE tariffs and plans to offer a "converged" bundle of LTE and home broadband services. Article

> Alcatel-Lucent is on the verge of winning a contract from a domestic French operator that would see the struggling manufacturer provide more of its small cell solutions for improved mobile coverage in France, Reuters has reported. Article

> Vodafone executives will collect a £56 million ($90.4 million) windfall after sale of Vodafone's stake in Verizon Wireless. Article

> Missed opportunities for some as well as second chances for others have dominated the headlines this week, highlighting the often fickle and sometimes surprising industry we all work in. Editor's Corner

> Analysys Mason forecasts that mobile data growth will be strongest outside Europe and North America over the next several years. Industry Voices

And finally... Apple was sued over an unwanted iOS 7 installation download. Article