Archive for January, 2012

Apple’s lawsuit against the Galaxy Nexus

Apple appears to be up to their same shenanigans, and this time it is something that has been speculated would eventually happen. Apple just filed a lawsuit in the Mannheim Regional Court, claiming that the Samsung Galaxy Nexus violates a utility model by copying their slide-to-unlock motion. Here’s a quote from Electronista with specifics,

The iPhone designer alleged on Friday that the Android 4.0 leader violated a slide-to-unlock motion from iOS that was given the utility model status in Germany in 2006. Apple argued that it couldn’t use the model until now as other phones, even ones years old, were too new for the claim, look at this web-site if you need an attorney.

What is more interesting is that if you look deeper and “read between the lines” this is a new tactic for Apple. In the past most of their lawsuits have been aimed at minor customizations rather than directly at Android functions. This time, by going directly after a primary feature of Android 4.0, Apple is making a statement against Google themselves. This is further reinforced by the fact that the Galaxy Nexus uses a completely stock version of Android rather than one “tweaked” by the OEMs. It’s important not to dismiss this claims outright, because the potential is significant for Android if the court rules in favour of Apple.
Interestingly, this is the exact same court where one of Samsung’s counter-claims against Apple was recently lost. There is a hearing scheduled for March 16. Speculation is that Samsung will likely base their defence around claims of “prior art” from a company called Neonode, which dealt with phones briefly in the past. This is the same strategy that Samsung used against Apple in the Netherlands in 2011.
What really makes a person scratch their head on this one is that the way the Galaxy Nexus’ slide-to-unlock works is very “loose” compared to other phones in the past. Certainly, someone could swipe their fingers in a manner that is similar to what Apple is claiming, but that doesn’t mean they will do it all the time.

Posted by: Gareth

ZTE Tania: At last a budget Windows Phone

In case you missed it, I few days ago ZTE held a small launch event in London where they announced their latest handset, the ZTE Tania. Up until now ZTE have only released smartphones running Android OS but with the Tania that set to change as this puppy run Windows Phone Mango.

The Tania is set to be an ‘affordable’ Windows Phone and there really isn’t yet a packed market place when it comes to Windows Phone so it will be very interesting to see how well it does.

Personally I think it’s a good looking handset and it works well in white even of the noise on Twitter does call it a girly phone with a girly name.

Specs and the press release can be found below:

Vodafone teams up with Yoda

Vodafone UK has today (Wednesday 18 January) announced that it has signed legendary Star Wars character Yoda to appear in its latest adverts.

The 900-year-old Jedi Master will star in a number of TV ads to showcase Vodafone’s innovative new services to ensure that customers get the smartphone that suits them, are able to use it right from the start and then have the confidence to experiment with all its new functions and apps. The first ad premieres on Channel 4 between 8pm and 9pm tomorrow night. The TV ad is supported by a major outdoor and digital campaign that showcases services including RED Box, Data Test Drive, Tech Team and Buyback.

The 60-second launch TV advert focuses on RED Box, a service that automatically transfers contents from an old phone to a new handset. Yoda is seen enthusiastically attempting to use his power to help a couple with the daunting task of transferring numbers to the husband’s new smartphone. However, he soon realises that the Force is not needed, as Vodafone’s new RED Box service has already solved the problem.

Each TV spot has been produced by a team at Lucasfilm’s renowned San Francisco-based visual effects facility ILM (Industrial Light & Magic), with Tom Kane voicing Yoda’s CGI character.

You can see the advert below:

Angry Birds Seasons update next week?

It looks like Angry Birds Seasons will be updated very soon and according to the below video that was uploaded to Rovio’s YouTube channel they are will have a Chinese Year Of The Dragon theme. For 2012 the Chinese New Year is the 23rd of January so fingers crossed the update should roll out for iOS and Android very soon. Now, I wonder if the BlackBerry PlayBook will also get the update?

Posted by: James