Today’s mobile news roundup features Apple’s plan for smaller iPads, DARPA enlisting Invincea to toughen Android security, and a UK judge ruling HTC did not infringe Apple’s patent.

Smaller iPads already in production

There have been rumors floating around that Apple will be releasing smaller iPads but Apple did not confirm it, stating that they’re always experimenting with their products but not all of them come out on the market.  But it looks like Google’s Nexus 7 may have affected Apple, as the iPad maker allegedly gave their production unit the go signal to mass produce the eight-inch iPad.  Apple partnered with LG Display Co. of South Korea and Taiwan-based AU Optronics Co. for the production of the 8-inch screens.

If this is true, this means more trouble for competitors, as smaller iPads would mean lower prices.  Consumers would now have the freedom to choose whether they want a full-priced 10-inch iPad or a bit smaller but cheaper one.  This move would also help Apple maintain the lead in the tablet market, adding more variety to the mix.

Apple representatives from both Cupertino and China were not available for a comment.

In other Apple news, a video of a smoking device being pulled out from the back-pocket is circulating the web.  17-year-old Henri Helminen claims that the smoking device was an iPhone and that it was working perfectly before it emitted thick smoke.  Helminen claims that the iPhone was only three months old but failed to mention what iPhone generation his was.

DARPA enlists Invincea to toughen Android security

Android devices must have a crosshair pointed directly at them, from malicious individuals spreading malware, but that may soon be resolved as the government looks into certifying Android devices for military use.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) tapped Invincea, a Web browser security firm, to make Android tablets and smartphones secure for use in combat as well as for personal use while in their barracks.

DARPA gave a $21 million grant to Invincea to secure military Android devices and the company is currently testing software that locks down data on Android devices used by 3,000 soldiers in Afghanistan, so information on lost or captured devices can’t be accessed.

“Our technology limits any app running in our bubble from gaining access to data or things like the GPS, microphone or camera,” says Anup Ghosh, Invincea founder and chief executive.

HTC cleared of infringing accusation

Judge Christopher Floyd of the UK court ruled that HTC did not infringe the four patents Apple submitted in court.  Furthermore, the judge stated that three of the four patents were invalid.

The patents in question involves the slide-to-unlock feature, tools used to scroll through photographs and change alphabets, and software allowing users to touch the screen in two spots simultaneously.  Judge Floyd stated that Apple’s patent claims over photo management was valid but stated that HTC did not infringe it.

While HTC was pleased with the ruling, “we remain disappointed that Apple continues to favor competition in the courtroom over competition in the marketplace,” Andrea Sommer, a spokeswoman for the Taoyuan City, Taiwan-based company said.

As for Apple, they’re still sticking to their dialogue that competitors should not copy their innovations.

“Competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours,” Cupertino, California-based Apple said in an e-mailed statement, without commenting specifically on the decision.