No deal says Apple to Samsung on Galaxy Tab

Stan Beer
Tuesday, 04 October 2011 17:23

Your IT - Mobility

Apple has rejected an out of court settlement offer made by Samsung over sales in Australia of the Android powered Galaxy Tab 10.1 challenger to the iPad 2 tablet, which Apple claims infringes its patents. The snub of Samsung's offer signals that Apple intends to go for broke like it has in Germany and try to ban sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia indefinitely.

 

The Galaxy Tab 10.1, which has received excellent reviews worldwide, is slightly thinner and lighter than the iPad 2, has better battery life, a higher resolution screen and double the RAM (1GB).

However, many of the features on the Samsung device resemble those of the iPad 2 which have previously been patented, especially surrounding the touchscreen technology.

In Germany, a decision which Samsung is likely to appeal, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 has essentially been banned because its overall design and shape resembles that of the iPad 2 too closely.

Since August, when an injunction against sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 was first granted in Australia because of features that allegedly infringed Apple patents, Samsung has agreed to remove features until now only three features remain in question.

Those familiar with iPhone and iPad touch screen technology will recognise slide to unlock, pinch to zoom and zoom bounce, as well as selective rejection which stops users from inadvertently launching apps by accidentally touching icons.

Samsung will now have to await a court ruling on the dispute before it can hope to sell its new tablet in Australia. However, it is unclear as to whether Apple will accept Samsung's feature removing modifications or whether the court will keep the injunction against the Samsung tablet in place if it does not.

Apple's legal action against Samsung in key markets of the world, including a ruling due to take place in California this week, show that the Cupertino company is worried by the depth, breadth and quality of its Korean rival's product range, as well as its massive global marketing clout.

An earlier report today in iTWire revealed that Samsung could well overtake Apple in smartphone sales by the end of 2011.