Netherlands judge rules that Samsung Galaxy S, S II violate Apple patents, bans sales (updated)

A judge in The Hague just issued a ruling in Apple’s patent infringement case against Samsung, prohibiting “the marketing of Samsung smartphones Galaxy S, S II and Ace for violation of Apple Inc. EP 2,059,868.” In an official press release, the court explains that The Hague judge ruled to “ban trading of Samsung smartphones Galaxy S, S II and Ace,” adding that Samsung also violated other did not violate Apple patents with its Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 10.1v. The judge determined that Samsung violated patent 2,059,868, which deals with “method of scrolling,” but did not infringe 2,098,948 for “recording a flag in connection with multiple screen taps,” or 1,964,022, which relates to dragging a slider to unlock the phone. We haven’t been able to confirm, but from an online translation it appears that The ban will remain in effect through begin on October 13th. Hit up the source link for the full 65-page verdict (in Dutch).

Update: A dutch IP attorney has pointed out that the judge has ruled patent 1,964,022 to be null and void, meaning Apple can no longer make claims in the Netherlands based on this patent. The judge also found that Samsung did not infringe on patent 2,098,948. The infringement of 2,059,868 does not affect the Galaxy Tab 10.1. (Correction: the main patent in question is 2,059,868 not 2,058,868.)

Update 2: According to Tweakers.net, Samsung says that it will replace the software that infringes on Apple’s patent (the Gallery application, specifically), which should allow it to continue to sell the phones. Notably, that Gallery application is the standard Android one used in Android 2.3, which also explains why the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is not affected by this ruling. Less clear is what the ruling means for other Android phones that use the same application.

Update 3: Samsung Mobile’s Kim Titus released the following statement:

Today’s ruling is an affirmation that the GALAXY range of products is innovative and distinctive. With regard to the single infringement cited in the ruling, we will take all possible measures including legal action to ensure that there is no disruption in the availability of our GALAXY smartphones to Dutch consumers. This ruling is not expected to affect sales in other European markets. Samsung has a proud history of innovation in the mobile industry. We will continue our plans to introduce new products and technologies that meet and exceed consumer expectations. And we will defend our intellectual property rights through the ongoing legal proceedings around the world.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Netherlands judge rules that Samsung Galaxy S, S II violate Apple patents, bans sales (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 5 coming to Sprint, other carriers in mid-October?

Watch out AT&T and Verizon, it looks like there’s an iPhone 5 hat-trick coming this fall. WSJ is reporting that the Apple smartphone will hit Sprint at the same time as those other two networks, bringing a well-needed boost to the carrier’s shares in afternoon trading. We’ve heard mixed reports about an expected release date, but Wall Street Journal sources “familiar with the matter” are claiming that the phone will ship in mid-October. One source also stated that Sprint will begin carrying the iPhone 4 at the same time — presumably with a price drop in tow. Adding Sprint’s 52 million subscribers to the mix could bring the iPhone within reach of customers currently locked into contracts, family plans or corporate agreements with Sprint, making the move a huge win for both companies.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

iPhone 5 coming to Sprint, other carriers in mid-October? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Graft Concepts’ fancy Leverage iPhone case is probably fancier than your fancy case (video)

So you spent all of that money on an iPhone 4 — do you really want to cover it up with some discount protection? Graft Concepts’ new case is nearly as snazzy as the handset it was designed to protect. The Leverage is made out of polycarbonate with a matte finish and features a metal latch that secures it to the handset. The case is up for sale now, at a fittingly pricey $60. You can pick up additional backplates for $7 a piece.

Continue reading Graft Concepts’ fancy Leverage iPhone case is probably fancier than your fancy case (video)

Graft Concepts’ fancy Leverage iPhone case is probably fancier than your fancy case (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple to release cheaper, 8GB iPhone 4 within weeks?

As the world waits for Apple to release the iPhone 5, Reuters is reporting that Cupertino may be refreshing the iPhone 4, as well. According to two anonymous sources “with knowledge of the matter,” an unnamed Korean manufacturer has already begun producing parts for a cheaper, 8GB version of the smartphone, slated to launch within the next few weeks. As for that next-gen handset, the insiders went on to say that the iPhone 4S / iPhone 5 will feature a more spacious touchscreen, better antenna and eight megapixel shooter, and that Apple is indeed aiming for a late September launch, after having already asked manufacturers Hon Hai and Pegatron to prep their facilities for the production of 45 million units, altogether. Details, as usual, are still scarce at this point, but we’ll let you know as soon as we get more information.

Apple to release cheaper, 8GB iPhone 4 within weeks? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Telefonica iPhone stock being recalled in time for September 12th launch?

Well folks… looks like we’re finally getting some meat to all the iPhone 5/4S rumors that have been swirling around for months. We got some interesting news from a vigilant tipster today: beginning August 22nd, Telefonica will begin scaling back its current iPhone stock through September 12th. According to the source, this three week program is a move that “will of course prepare us for the launch of a new smart phone.” While the date next month should sound familiar, we’ve heard recently that the launch will actually take place sometime in October. Either way, a move like this is usually a telling sign that points directly to a new model launch. Keep your eyes pinned here, and prepare yourself, as it appears Mr. Jobs may have something planned for the fall.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Telefonica iPhone stock being recalled in time for September 12th launch? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carriers testing LTE-enabled 4G iPhone?

Earlier this year, Verizon CEO Dan Mead all but confirmed that an LTE Apple device would be making its way to Verizon. Eventually. And no 2011 Apple rumor spattering would be complete without at least a casual mention of the high-speed 4G network. Now, BGR claims to have received an internal iOS test build from a major carrier, revealing a property list file for LTE. This of course doesn’t guarantee that Apple will be shipping an LTE iPhone flavor later this year, but that it at least remains a possibility. Still, an October iPhone launch would fall nicely in line with recent confirmation that AT&T will be releasing an LTE smartphone in “late 2011,” and 4G compatibility could definitely explain Cupertino’s holdup in announcing the iPhone 4’s successor. So, will you be flying through the wireless web at lightning-fast speed later this year? Hopefully we need not wait much longer to find out.

Carriers testing LTE-enabled 4G iPhone? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iTableous is a white iPhone 4 fit for a giant (video)

If you like flying unicorns, you probably love giant flying unicorns, right? Well, the white iPhone 4 has officially gone from myth to reality, but it seems some folks are still chasing the dream in a BIG way. Case in point: iTableous, an outsized tabletop bearing a striking resemblance to the long-awaited iOS handset. Unlike previous iPhone tables we’ve seen, this one doesn’t support multi-touch — a wireless keyboard and mouse hold the keys to navigating this behemoth — but it does offer 4GB of DDR2 RAM, 500GB of internal storage, a 5.7 megapixel camera, 720p video recording, as well USB, HDMI and a good old 30-pin connector for hooking up the real-deal. What’s more, this iPhone’s a dual-booter, capable of running Mac OSX 10.6.7 (via Hackintosh) and Windows 7 Professional. If you’re living at the tip of a beanstalk and need to shake that tired old 3GS, check out the video of iTableous in action after the break.

Continue reading iTableous is a white iPhone 4 fit for a giant (video)

iTableous is a white iPhone 4 fit for a giant (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink InsanelyMac  |  sourceBenjamin Bachmeier  | Email this | Comments

iPhone 4 Vs The Simplest Phone on the Planet

Oooh yeah, let’s get ready to rumble! The iPhone 4 is the world’s favorite smartphone. John’s Phone is the world’s simplest cellphone! Which one will win as they battle to the death? More »

Nokia still ahead of Apple in smartphone sales, according to Gartner

Whoa there, Apple, we know you’re starting to feel pretty darn good about besting Nokia and Samsung for the title of world’s largest smartphone manufacturer, but hold on for just one minute. Gartner has a different idea of how the numbers game really works, and its interpretation makes all the difference in determining who earns the title. Rather than measuring the number of units each manufacturer ships out to the distributors (as IDC, ABI Research and Strategy Analytics do), Gartner gauges its numbers by how many devices were actually sold to end users instead. Thus, Nokia still keeps its title — for one more quarter, anyways. The firm is confident Espoo won’t be the top smartphone contender for much longer, thanks to the company’s grim Q3 outlook as it continues to await the transition to Windows Phone. But hey, there’s always Q4, right? Right? Check out the full press release after the break.

Continue reading Nokia still ahead of Apple in smartphone sales, according to Gartner

Nokia still ahead of Apple in smartphone sales, according to Gartner originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scosche myTrek sends workout vitals to your iPhone, starts shipping now for $130 (video)


With a variety of portable power accessories, most Scosche products are designed to keep gadgets up and running, not to get our own blood flowing. The company’s new Bluetooth myTrek pulse monitor pairs with an iPhone or iPod touch to motivate you to keep going and going, however, pumping “inspiring” audio alerts through your headphones during a workout, while also tracking pulse, distance, speed, pace, and calories burned. The arm-strap uses a pair of LEDs, along with a photo sensor and accelerometer to capture vitals as it rests strapped to your forearm, providing five hours of continuous feedback before needing its own boost using the included USB cable. You’ll need to have your iOS device within 33 feet of the device to record your workout, so the myTrek may be better suited for trips to the gym than, say, a run through the park in the rain. It’s also rather pricey, at $130, but if you’re already dropping a grand or two for your gym membership each year, a gadget that lets you elegantly track your progress may be within reach.

Continue reading Scosche myTrek sends workout vitals to your iPhone, starts shipping now for $130 (video)

Scosche myTrek sends workout vitals to your iPhone, starts shipping now for $130 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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