Everything about HTC's Status screams Facebook. Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com

Facebook has always maintained it is not working on a phone. And while it’s not exactly an official Facebook phone, the HTC Status is as close as you’re going to get to one.

The entire device screams “Facebook” in functionality, form and aesthetic. To begin with, there’s the most obvious social feature: A Facebook-branded “F” button located at the lower-right corner of the phone, dedicated entirely to updating your status (hence the name of the phone).

The premise is frightening. Imagine your Facebook feed packed with...

A Las Vegas federal judge has sanctioned copyright troll Righthaven to the tune of $5,000 for making misrepresentations to the court.

U.S. District Judge Roger Hunt of Nevada last month ordered Righthaven to explain why Hunt should not sanction it for trying to “manufacture standing.” (.pdf) Standing is a legal concept that has enabled Righthaven to bring about 200-plus lawsuits over copyrighted articles and photos owned by news agency Stephens Media.

Judge Hunt, ruling from the bench Thursday, said Righthaven basically tried to pull the wool over the court’s eyes.

“The court finds those r...