Qualcomm teams with LIFX on smart lighting; Cricket will sell ZTE Grand X Max+ for $199

Quick news from around the Web.

Auction Watch: After 150 rounds, the last of which included 22 new bids, the FCC's AWS-3 auction has raised a total of $ 44.570 billion in provisionally winning bids. Page. AWS-3 auction primer.

> AT&T is selling a protective smartcase that provides LTE connectivity to Wi-Fi-only devices. Release

> Qualcomm subsidiary Qualcomm Atheros is seeing traction with its multiuser MIMO Wi-Fi technology. Release

> InstallerNet will provide installation services to customers of U.S. Cellular upon referral. Release

> Qualcomm Atheros teamed with LIFX to deliver Wi-Fi-based smart lighting. Release

> Sony introduced a new stainless steel version of the Smart Watch 3, which will be available in the weeks ahead. Article

> The Semiconductor Industry Association, a chip industry lobbying group, said that as of November, chipmakers had sold $307.6 billion worth of chips. Article

> LG debuted the G Flex 2 smartphone, which has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor and a  5.5-inch curved display. Release

> Cricket Wireless will begin selling the ZTE Grand X Max+, an LTE Android smartphone, for under $199.99. Release

> Apple stores are now selling a SIM-free version of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Article

> ZTE USA introduced the ZTE Spro 2, the company's next generation smart projector. Release

> Nokia's HERE navigation service is collaborating with BMW AG. Release

Mobile Developer News

> Developers aren't impressed with Microsoft's growth in Windows app installs. Article

> App installs surged on Christmas Day, according to Flurry. Article

Telecom News

> CenturyLink named company veteran Tim Meehan to lead its government division. Article

Cable News

> Dish Network officially unveiled its anticipated over-the-top pay-TV service Monday. The service, called Sling TV, will be available to consumers later this month for $20 per month. Article

> A group of high profile companies, including DirecTV, LG, Netflix, Panasonic, Samsung and others have formed the Ultra HD Alliance. Article

And finally… Facebook bought a company that could take on Siri. Article