Today’s mobile news roundup features Apple having to pay a penalty for the 4G marketing debacle in Australia, Facebook launching the App Center, and MetroPCS and Huawei’s new smartphones.

Apple to pay Australian penalty

When Apple released their new iPad it boasted of its 4G capabilities.  But unfortunately, the company did not clarify that it’s only compatible with 4G networks in North America.  Because of that, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) filed a case against Apple for their misleading ads regarding the 4G capabilities of the new iPad. Though at first, Apple played tough cookie, they gave in to ACCC’s demands of removing their 4G branding in their Australian ads.  But that wasn’t the only condition the ACCC had, they want Apple to pay the fine for their misleading ads.

Apple agreed to pay the penalty of A$2.25 million (US$2.21 million) to formally end the dispute.  The proposed settlement was submitted to the Federal Court in Melbourne and is now pending court approval.  Apple has yet to comment on the issue.

Facebook’s App Center for iOS and Android devices

Facebook finally unveiled the App Center – an app store for both Android and iOS devices that features both native and web apps integrated with Facebook.

“The App Center helps high-quality apps grow by promoting those that people enjoy the most,” said  Bruce Rogers, a programmer at Facebook.  It includes all types of social apps, including those built for Facebook.com, iOS, Android, and the web. People can find apps through their friends, browse by category, or get personalized recommendations.”

The App Center launched with over 600 apps, including new apps like Ghost Recon Commander, Jetpack Joyride, and Ghosts of Mistwood and more apps are being added everyday.

MetroPCS and Huawei unveiled new LTE smartphone

MetroPCS Communications, Inc. and Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology solutions provider, announced that they will be making 4G LTE service available to all MetroPCS subscribers.  The announcement was accompanied by the introduction of the Huawei the Activa 4G smartphone –  Huawei’s first 4G LTE handset in the United States.

The Huawei Activa 4G features a 3.5-inch HVGA capacitive touchscreen, powered by the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) operating system and equipped with a 5.0 megapixel camera accompanied with a single LED flash and front-facing VGA camera. The 4G LTE device is powered by GCT’s GDM7240 single-chip 4G LTE solution.

“We are honored to bring our first 4G LTE device to U.S. audiences with the support of MetroPCS’ powerful and expansive network,” said Michael Chuang, executive vice president of Huawei Device USA. “MetroPCS is committed to providing customers with advanced, flexible and affordable smartphone options through its no-annual contract services, and is the ideal partner for Huawei’s entrance into a new era for smartphones and handsets.”