Today’s mobile news roundup features: Apple and Samsung’s closing arguments; Opera’s new partnership with Google; Israel’s WiFi donkeys; and unlimited 4G offerings.

Apple and Samsung deliver closing arguments

Presiding Judge Lucy Koh asked Apple and Samsung to try and settle their high-profile patent lawsuit for one last time before jury deliberations begins, but of course that was fruitless.  So they set out to deliver closing arguments yesterday.  But before they could do that, Judge Koh read a lengthy 109-page jury instruction book.  The judge reminded everyone to pay attention and don’t fall asleep during the reading.

“I need everyone to stay conscious during the reading of the jury instructions, including myself,” Judge Koh reportedly said. “[We’re] going to periodically stand up, just to make sure we’re all alive.”

Apple was first to deliver their closing argument, stating that if people really wanted to know the truth, they need to make a timeline so they can see when Samsung started copying their devices.  Apple lawyer Harold McElhinny of Morrison & Foerster stated that before the release of the iPhone, Samsung’s devices did not look anything like the iPhone.  Apple stated that Samsung was their number one fan, and it showed when they blatantly copied their iDevices and made millions.  As for the damages, Apple presented claims ranging from as low as $519 million to $2.48 billion.

As for Samsung’s closing arguments, lawyer Charles Verhoeven stated that if the court does decide to side with Apple, they will be turning the market table on its head, inhibiting companies from competing with Apple.  Verhoeven also stated that Apple just cannot take the heat from the competition and they’re just pissed at Samsung since they’re giving consumers what they really want.  Samsung’s lawyer also stated that what the fruit-branded company is asking for in damages is unreasonable, as Apple did not invent the touchscreen, or the rectangular smartphone with rounded corners design.

Now it’s up to the jury to decide whether Samsung blatantly copied Apple’s devices and if their alleged infringing devices will be banned from being sold in the US.

Opera and Google team up

Opera Software ASA and Google entered in a new agreement that makes Google the default search partner for Opera mobile and desktop browsers.  The new agreement replaces the one entered in November 2009 and will be in effect until August 1, 2014.  The agreement seeks to increase revenue from mobile publishers and advertisers by expanding demand-side advertising reach and capabilities; increase position with mobile phone OEMs and chipset makers to drive greater distribution of mobile products; grow Opera’s desktop user base, particularly in Russia/CIS; and build on momentum with ConnectedTV manufacturers and to increase Opera’s overall profitability and margins.

Israel’s WiFi donkeys

Hoshaya operated Kfar Kedem, a recreational attraction which simulates life in ancient Galilee, is to offer WiFi internet access so users can send and check e-mails, update their social network status, upload photos and more while riding their donkeys.

According to Kfar Kedem site manager Menachem Goldberg, they’re equipping each of their donkeys with a wireless router much like those found in public buses.  The purpose of equipping donkeys with WiFi routers may be to entice more people to visit the attraction and recommend it to friends and family.

“We have 30 donkeys in our town and we have fitted five with wireless Internet. We will consider whether to equip more as time goes on,” Goldberg said.

Networks offer unlimited 4G data plans

Starting Septemeber 5, T-Mobile will offer what they claim is the “industry’s first and truly unlimited data plan.”  For $20 per month when added to a Value voice and messaging plan or $30 per month when added to a Classic voice and text plan, T-Mobile offers no caps and no speed throttling.

“Consumers want the freedom of unlimited 4G data. Our bold move to be the only wireless carrier to offer an Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan reinforces our value leadership and capitalizes on the strength of our nationwide 4G network,” said Kevin McLaughlin, vice president, marketing, T-Mobile USA.

T-Mobile isn’t the only one to offer unlimited 4G data plan, as MetroPCS unveils a new 4G LTE plan which includes unlimited talk, texting, and 4G LTE data for $55 a month for a single line.  Your family can also join in on the fun by paying $50 a month for second, third, and fourth lines.  The great thing about the offering is that it has no expiration, well none at the moment.

Aside from that, the network also unveiled a new phone, the LG Motion 4G phone for $149, which comes with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and features a 3.5-inch touchscreen, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a 5-megapixel camera, and a 1,080-pixel HD video recorder.  They’re also offering a rebate for the second of any two 4G LTE smartphones purchased – either a second LG Motion 4G or any other 4G smartphones offered by MetroPCS.