The world of Android seems a virtual background as patents are fought over heatedly with each passing week. Google’s Motorola has filed a suit against Apple, aiming to block the import of Apple products from Asia. Meanwhile, Samsung thwarts its patent issues with Apple, releasing the all new Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet.
New and fresh patent issues crop up by the turn of the week, as Google’s Motorola files a complaint against Apple for patent violations. The mobile company filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) against Apple’s Siri and other features, claiming infringement. Motorola looks for a ban on import of Apple products from Asia, where they are manufactured. While the details are currently sketchy at best, Bloomberg reports that some of the features in question include location reminders, email notifications and phone/video players.
Apple filed a federal injunction against the Samsung Galaxy Tab a little earlier this year, but that did not stop Samsung from revising its product and releasing the Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet to the US Market this week, starting at $499 for the 16GB model. A multitasking system has been installed allowing two Android apps to run simultaneously on its bright 10.1 inch display, besides introducing a new stylus called the S-pen which supports pressure sensitivity.
Samsung continues to add value to its products, developing new software support and features that add value to the S-pen, an addition Samsung hopes would increase the tablet’s brand value. Riding on the sales momentum of the Galaxy Note phone, which has topped over 10 million handsets, the Galaxy Note 10.1 aspires to be more than just another alternative in a highly competitive market, but seeks to carve an identity for itself.
In other news, Google improves its Play store, improving the Android experience for buying apps and digital media. Given that a million Android devices are activated daily, the improvement came as a much needed short in the arm for Android users, who find that the old lackluster store left much to be desired. Google now enabled users to download only the app changes, saving time and bandwidth. Besides, Google introduced upcoming support for gift card redemption and wish lists, which enable customers to add their favourite products for later purchase.
