Speaker options for iPad 2
Shopping for iPad speakers doesn't have to be complicated. If you already have a speaker system you like, you're probably just a .99-cent stereo aux cable away from making it work with an iPad (or anything else, for that matter).But if you want an elegant way to amplify your iPad or iPad 2, there are a number of good options out there, including docks, wireless speakers, and portables.Generally speaking, there are four ways to get sound out of the iPad. It can go out through the headphone jack to anything, though you run the risk of distortion if you're plugging into a system with another gain stage (such as a car stereo aux input). For a cleaner signal, find a system that plugs into the iPad's dock connection. Typically these will tap the iPad's line-level output, or perhaps its digital out, and may even work to charge the device.Your other two options are wireless. The iPad can stream to any A2DP-compatible Bluetooth speaker--almost any stereo Bluetooth speaker will fit the bill. There are tons of these speakers on the market, but only a handful that deliver decent sound. Bluetooth speakers also happen to be some of the most portable options available, with examples like the Jawbone Jambox.Finally, there's a new breed of speakers using Apple's AirPlay system for streaming music over your local Wi-Fi network. Like Bluetooth, AirPlay speakers are wireless, but because they use your network's Wi-Fi bandwidth, there's no loss in audio quality from end to end. There are only a handful of AirPlay-compatible speakers promised so far, but with the success of compatible devices, including the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, more are sure to come. Until then, you also have the option of connecting an Apple TV or AirPort Extreme Base Station to your existing system as a relatively inexpensive AirPlay bridge.To see our favorite picks, check out CNET's top iPad speaker roundup.
iOS 5 beta 7 arrives for developers to test
iOS 5 beta 7 arrives for developers to test
Apple this afternoon released yet another beta version of its iOS 5 software to developers, the seventh time it's done so since offering a test version of the software in June.As usual, Boy Genius Report has posted a full copy of the change log, which developers are not supposed to share as per Apple's non-disclosure agreement. From that list, the release looks to contain mainly bug fixes from previous versions of the software, as well as additions to Apple's Xcode and user interface building tools. In other words, the nitty-gritty things developers are likely to enjoy, but not the things to excite consumers looking for the addition of new features.Apple has said it will release iOS 5 to users as a free update this fall. The company typically seeds several beta versions of its major software releases to developers ahead of time to work out any bugs and give the developers time to integrate new features and APIs into their applications. This is just the latest in a long series of software releases leading up to the public availability.So far, Apple has released a new version of the software every few weeks: • iOS 5 beta 1 on 6/6• iOS 5 beta 2 on 6/24• iOS 5 beta 3 on 7/11• iOS 5 beta 4 on 7/22• iOS 5 beta 5 on 8/6• iOS 5 beta 6 on 8/19The new version of iOS brings an overhaul of the notifications system, alongside a new messaging platform called iMessage that lets iOS users text and chat with one another free of charge. The software is also deeply tied to Apple's upcoming iCloud service, which will be used to ferry photos, applications, and settings back and forth between iOS devices, as well as serve as a free backup solution.Along with the new beta build of iOS 5, Apple released a new developer build of iTunes 10.5, its Apple TV software, and Xcode 4.2.
Apple this afternoon released yet another beta version of its iOS 5 software to developers, the seventh time it's done so since offering a test version of the software in June.As usual, Boy Genius Report has posted a full copy of the change log, which developers are not supposed to share as per Apple's non-disclosure agreement. From that list, the release looks to contain mainly bug fixes from previous versions of the software, as well as additions to Apple's Xcode and user interface building tools. In other words, the nitty-gritty things developers are likely to enjoy, but not the things to excite consumers looking for the addition of new features.Apple has said it will release iOS 5 to users as a free update this fall. The company typically seeds several beta versions of its major software releases to developers ahead of time to work out any bugs and give the developers time to integrate new features and APIs into their applications. This is just the latest in a long series of software releases leading up to the public availability.So far, Apple has released a new version of the software every few weeks: • iOS 5 beta 1 on 6/6• iOS 5 beta 2 on 6/24• iOS 5 beta 3 on 7/11• iOS 5 beta 4 on 7/22• iOS 5 beta 5 on 8/6• iOS 5 beta 6 on 8/19The new version of iOS brings an overhaul of the notifications system, alongside a new messaging platform called iMessage that lets iOS users text and chat with one another free of charge. The software is also deeply tied to Apple's upcoming iCloud service, which will be used to ferry photos, applications, and settings back and forth between iOS devices, as well as serve as a free backup solution.Along with the new beta build of iOS 5, Apple released a new developer build of iTunes 10.5, its Apple TV software, and Xcode 4.2.
VLC for iPhone plays nearly any video file
VLC for iPhone plays nearly any video file
As you probably know, the iPhone and iPod Touch make terrific video players--but they're limited in terms of the video formats they support. If you've got, say, Divx or MKV files you want to watch, you're out of luck unless you run them through a converter first--a time-consuming hassle, to say the least.Last month, the VLC Media Player app for iPad enabled users to work around this limitation by playing virtually all video formats, no conversion required.I'm happy to report that VLC just went universal, meaning it's now available for iPhone and iPod Touch as well. (Specifically, it's compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and "recent" iPod Touches--which appears to mean third- and fourth-gen models.)As with the iPad version, you copy videos to the app by way of iTunes' File Sharing feature: connect your device, click the Apps tab, scroll down to the File Sharing area, and then choose VLC. Click the Add button and find the video(s) you want to load up. They sync instantly (and quickly).The app itself is pretty basic, offering little more than basic shuttle controls. It lacks a zoom-to-full-screen button like you find in most video players, but at least this updated version does allow you to delete videos right on your device, rather than having to manage them within iTunes.I threw all kinds of videos at VLC, and it played each one without a hiccup. Your mileage may vary, especially with more obscure file formats, but I think it's a safe bet that if you want to watch a video--any video--on your late-model iPhone or Touch, this should do the trick.Amazingly enough, VLC is free.
As you probably know, the iPhone and iPod Touch make terrific video players--but they're limited in terms of the video formats they support. If you've got, say, Divx or MKV files you want to watch, you're out of luck unless you run them through a converter first--a time-consuming hassle, to say the least.Last month, the VLC Media Player app for iPad enabled users to work around this limitation by playing virtually all video formats, no conversion required.I'm happy to report that VLC just went universal, meaning it's now available for iPhone and iPod Touch as well. (Specifically, it's compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and "recent" iPod Touches--which appears to mean third- and fourth-gen models.)As with the iPad version, you copy videos to the app by way of iTunes' File Sharing feature: connect your device, click the Apps tab, scroll down to the File Sharing area, and then choose VLC. Click the Add button and find the video(s) you want to load up. They sync instantly (and quickly).The app itself is pretty basic, offering little more than basic shuttle controls. It lacks a zoom-to-full-screen button like you find in most video players, but at least this updated version does allow you to delete videos right on your device, rather than having to manage them within iTunes.I threw all kinds of videos at VLC, and it played each one without a hiccup. Your mileage may vary, especially with more obscure file formats, but I think it's a safe bet that if you want to watch a video--any video--on your late-model iPhone or Touch, this should do the trick.Amazingly enough, VLC is free.
Visit 'Doctor Who' after trying 'The Leftovers' and more on the CraveCast
Visit 'Doctor Who' after trying 'The Leftovers' and more on the CraveCast
There's more "Doctor Who" to come, "Community" is back from the dead again on Yahoo (#sixseasonsandamovie), and HBO is providing "The Leftovers" to round out a smorgasbord of shows to be excited about.In the latest CraveCast, the crew discusses the series that everyone seems to want to talk about now that the World Cup is finally done swallowing the globe's attention whole. Related StoriesThe CraveCast summer movie previewThe CraveCast 'Games we play' showYou can listen to or watch the whole CraveCast with Crave contributors Kelsey Adams, Bonnie Burton, Stephen Beacham, Jeff Sparkman, Amanda Kooser, and Eric Mack below.To chime in and keep the conversation going, or to suggest topics for future CraveCasts, you can tweet @Crave and @EricCMack.As you watch, let us know in tweets or in the comments what you think of the TV shows discussed and what other series you look forward to.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play Audio only: CraveCast #4: 'The Leftovers' is just an appetizerYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe to the CraveCast:iTunes (HD)| iTunes (SD)| iTunes (HQ)| iTunes (MP3)RSS (HD)| RSS (SD)| RSS (HQ)| RSS (MP3)
There's more "Doctor Who" to come, "Community" is back from the dead again on Yahoo (#sixseasonsandamovie), and HBO is providing "The Leftovers" to round out a smorgasbord of shows to be excited about.In the latest CraveCast, the crew discusses the series that everyone seems to want to talk about now that the World Cup is finally done swallowing the globe's attention whole. Related StoriesThe CraveCast summer movie previewThe CraveCast 'Games we play' showYou can listen to or watch the whole CraveCast with Crave contributors Kelsey Adams, Bonnie Burton, Stephen Beacham, Jeff Sparkman, Amanda Kooser, and Eric Mack below.To chime in and keep the conversation going, or to suggest topics for future CraveCasts, you can tweet @Crave and @EricCMack.As you watch, let us know in tweets or in the comments what you think of the TV shows discussed and what other series you look forward to.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play Audio only: CraveCast #4: 'The Leftovers' is just an appetizerYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe to the CraveCast:iTunes (HD)| iTunes (SD)| iTunes (HQ)| iTunes (MP3)RSS (HD)| RSS (SD)| RSS (HQ)| RSS (MP3)
Chrome OS gets 'OK Google' voice search control
Chrome OS gets 'OK Google' voice search control
Google, continuing to spread its voice-search capability, has added the ability to launch searches from its Chrome OS operating system using the "OK Google" command. The newly released Chrome OS version 35 brings the "hotwording" support to new tabs and Google search pages -- including pages already showing search results.To use the feature, you must enable OK Google voice searching with a checkbox in the privacy section of Chrome OS's advanced settings. The feature, which arrived in the Chrome browser earlier this year, is available for people using US English. The "OK Google" hotword can provide a handy way to initiate searches, for cooks with dirty hands or kids who aren't good at typing, for example. It can be rough around the edges, though, sometimes misunderstanding words or not understanding when you've finished speaking. In the latter case, adding the word "question" can get Google to stop listening and start searching.The feature is important for Google: the more people use its search technology, the more opportunities it has to show the ads that are the mainstay of the company's revenue. The company has been building voice-control technology into its services to try to adapt computing technology to natural human interactions.You're required to specifically enable the "OK Google" feature in privacy settings.Screenshot by Stephen Shankland/CNETGoogle offers a number of other options with the voice interface, too, such as setting calendar appointments. It's more limited on Chrome OS than on Android, though. You can't use it to "launch Gmail" for example -- at least not yet.Chrome OS is a browser-based operating system that runs Web apps such as Google Docs and Facebook, instead of Windows and Mac apps stored on your machine like Photoshop or iTunes. It's offered on laptops called Chromebooks that can make a good second machine at home or an easy-to-administer option for schools and some businesses.Google also updated other versions of its Chrome browser. The stable version of Chrome 35 fixed 23 security bugs. And Chrome 35 for Android lets you reopen a tab you just closed and use the browser in some mobile devices that offer multiple windows.
Google, continuing to spread its voice-search capability, has added the ability to launch searches from its Chrome OS operating system using the "OK Google" command. The newly released Chrome OS version 35 brings the "hotwording" support to new tabs and Google search pages -- including pages already showing search results.To use the feature, you must enable OK Google voice searching with a checkbox in the privacy section of Chrome OS's advanced settings. The feature, which arrived in the Chrome browser earlier this year, is available for people using US English. The "OK Google" hotword can provide a handy way to initiate searches, for cooks with dirty hands or kids who aren't good at typing, for example. It can be rough around the edges, though, sometimes misunderstanding words or not understanding when you've finished speaking. In the latter case, adding the word "question" can get Google to stop listening and start searching.The feature is important for Google: the more people use its search technology, the more opportunities it has to show the ads that are the mainstay of the company's revenue. The company has been building voice-control technology into its services to try to adapt computing technology to natural human interactions.You're required to specifically enable the "OK Google" feature in privacy settings.Screenshot by Stephen Shankland/CNETGoogle offers a number of other options with the voice interface, too, such as setting calendar appointments. It's more limited on Chrome OS than on Android, though. You can't use it to "launch Gmail" for example -- at least not yet.Chrome OS is a browser-based operating system that runs Web apps such as Google Docs and Facebook, instead of Windows and Mac apps stored on your machine like Photoshop or iTunes. It's offered on laptops called Chromebooks that can make a good second machine at home or an easy-to-administer option for schools and some businesses.Google also updated other versions of its Chrome browser. The stable version of Chrome 35 fixed 23 security bugs. And Chrome 35 for Android lets you reopen a tab you just closed and use the browser in some mobile devices that offer multiple windows.
Chrome extensions change hands, add malware
Chrome extensions change hands, add malware
Like apps on the iTunes store, Chrome extensions may be purchased from their creators. But there's a massive problems with this: Chrome extensions update automatically and silently, and Google can't vet every single update â€" even though such behaviour violates the company's terms of service.This means that, even when you download an extension from a vendor you trust, there may come a time in the future when, unbeknownst to you, the software starts serving up adware.Case in point are two extensions that Google has recently removed from its store after users started kicking up a stink, as Ars Technica reports. Add to Feedly, the first of these apps, was built in an hour by Amit Agarwal â€" so when an unknown buyer asked to purchase it for a four-figure sum, he decided to take the offer. Along with the extension, though, came over 30,000 users. Nothing occurred for a month, but when the new owner decided to update the extension, users started angrily reporting that it now injected adware on to pages and redirected URLs.Tweet this Page did something similar, hijacking Google searches.Google's policies do state that ad insertion is allowed â€" so long as the extension clearly discloses these activities to the user. But when the extension does not follow this rule, Google, it seems, has no way of knowing that the software is violating this policy. These two extensions were not removed from the Chrome Webstore until Google had been alerted to their presence by a request for comment from The Wall Street Journal.At this point, there is very little to nothing you can do to prevent this from occurring. However, now that Google knows that this is happening, hopefully the company will do something to prevent it very soon. Meanwhile, Ars Technica offers a few tips on how to protect yourself.
Like apps on the iTunes store, Chrome extensions may be purchased from their creators. But there's a massive problems with this: Chrome extensions update automatically and silently, and Google can't vet every single update â€" even though such behaviour violates the company's terms of service.This means that, even when you download an extension from a vendor you trust, there may come a time in the future when, unbeknownst to you, the software starts serving up adware.Case in point are two extensions that Google has recently removed from its store after users started kicking up a stink, as Ars Technica reports. Add to Feedly, the first of these apps, was built in an hour by Amit Agarwal â€" so when an unknown buyer asked to purchase it for a four-figure sum, he decided to take the offer. Along with the extension, though, came over 30,000 users. Nothing occurred for a month, but when the new owner decided to update the extension, users started angrily reporting that it now injected adware on to pages and redirected URLs.Tweet this Page did something similar, hijacking Google searches.Google's policies do state that ad insertion is allowed â€" so long as the extension clearly discloses these activities to the user. But when the extension does not follow this rule, Google, it seems, has no way of knowing that the software is violating this policy. These two extensions were not removed from the Chrome Webstore until Google had been alerted to their presence by a request for comment from The Wall Street Journal.At this point, there is very little to nothing you can do to prevent this from occurring. However, now that Google knows that this is happening, hopefully the company will do something to prevent it very soon. Meanwhile, Ars Technica offers a few tips on how to protect yourself.
Apple seeks patents for camera gesture techniques
Apple seeks patents for camera gesture techniques
Apple has filed a handful of patent applications that suggest future iterations of the iPhone and iPad will have dramatically improved camera features.The seven patent filings -- filed on Thursday and first discovered by Patently Apple -- describe gesture techniques and technology for preventing red eye in images.The abstract for patent application No. 20120242852 outlines mapping user interactions to input the parameters for various image filters, as well as applying "location-based distortions" to image processing.The accompanying illustrations show how a user would interact with the camera via touch gesture, as well as a light tunnel filter that is based on a user's tap and a filter that Apple refers to as a "shrink filter." Another application -- No. 20120242849 -- describes a technique for assisted image capture, in which the camera would display a stabilized image to determine whether it's well composed. A second image may replace the original image if it's substantially similar to the stabilized image.Related storiesApple iPhone 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S3 vs. HTC One X: The camerasiPhone 5 camera users reporting purple halo on certain photosiPhone 5 camera powered by Sony sensorApple also wants to help users of its devices conquer red eye, the appearance of glowing red pupils caused by a camera's flash. Patent applications 20120243783, 20120243780, 20120242861, 20120242681, and 20120242675 describe various techniques for red-eye removal using multiple recognition channels. Once the red-eye artifact has been identified, the techniques replace the artifact with a "photographically reasonable result" based on the type of red eye occurring.
Apple has filed a handful of patent applications that suggest future iterations of the iPhone and iPad will have dramatically improved camera features.The seven patent filings -- filed on Thursday and first discovered by Patently Apple -- describe gesture techniques and technology for preventing red eye in images.The abstract for patent application No. 20120242852 outlines mapping user interactions to input the parameters for various image filters, as well as applying "location-based distortions" to image processing.The accompanying illustrations show how a user would interact with the camera via touch gesture, as well as a light tunnel filter that is based on a user's tap and a filter that Apple refers to as a "shrink filter." Another application -- No. 20120242849 -- describes a technique for assisted image capture, in which the camera would display a stabilized image to determine whether it's well composed. A second image may replace the original image if it's substantially similar to the stabilized image.Related storiesApple iPhone 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S3 vs. HTC One X: The camerasiPhone 5 camera users reporting purple halo on certain photosiPhone 5 camera powered by Sony sensorApple also wants to help users of its devices conquer red eye, the appearance of glowing red pupils caused by a camera's flash. Patent applications 20120243783, 20120243780, 20120242861, 20120242681, and 20120242675 describe various techniques for red-eye removal using multiple recognition channels. Once the red-eye artifact has been identified, the techniques replace the artifact with a "photographically reasonable result" based on the type of red eye occurring.
Apple seeks patent to eliminate lousy photos
Apple seeks patent to eliminate lousy photos
Snapping bad pictures with your iPhone could become a problem of the past if a new Apple patent ever sees the light of day.Published today by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the patent application dubbed "Image Capturing Device Having Continuous Image Capture" envisions a process in which your smartphone camera captures and processes a sequence of quick images of the same shot.That by itself may not sound too innovative. But taking it a step further, your smartphone would then automatically pick the best image of the bunch based on exposure times and other factors.The idea behind the patent is to work around a frustrating flaw of many smartphone cameras -- shutter lag. There's a delay between the time you press the button to take the photo and the time the photo is actually taken. Such a lag can result in blurry or poorly composed photos, especially if you're trying to shoot a fast-moving object.Human errors, such as a shaky hand on the camera, can also lead to bad photos.The process described in Apple's patent would allow you to keep your finger on the camera button to quickly snap a series of shots in succession until you release your finger. Those images are stored in a buffer. The technology would then review the buffered images, choosing the best one based on a variety of factors. You'd then have an opportunity to review that choice to see if you agree with it.As the patent explains it:The method can automatically select one of the buffered images based on one or more parameters. For example, the selection may be based on an exposure time of one of the buffered images and optionally an image quality parameter (e.g., image contrast). Alternatively, the selection may be based only on the image quality parameter. The sequence of images can be captured just prior to or concurrently with receiving the user request. The method can include automatically displaying the selected image on the display of the image capturing device.(Via AppleInsider)
Snapping bad pictures with your iPhone could become a problem of the past if a new Apple patent ever sees the light of day.Published today by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the patent application dubbed "Image Capturing Device Having Continuous Image Capture" envisions a process in which your smartphone camera captures and processes a sequence of quick images of the same shot.That by itself may not sound too innovative. But taking it a step further, your smartphone would then automatically pick the best image of the bunch based on exposure times and other factors.The idea behind the patent is to work around a frustrating flaw of many smartphone cameras -- shutter lag. There's a delay between the time you press the button to take the photo and the time the photo is actually taken. Such a lag can result in blurry or poorly composed photos, especially if you're trying to shoot a fast-moving object.Human errors, such as a shaky hand on the camera, can also lead to bad photos.The process described in Apple's patent would allow you to keep your finger on the camera button to quickly snap a series of shots in succession until you release your finger. Those images are stored in a buffer. The technology would then review the buffered images, choosing the best one based on a variety of factors. You'd then have an opportunity to review that choice to see if you agree with it.As the patent explains it:The method can automatically select one of the buffered images based on one or more parameters. For example, the selection may be based on an exposure time of one of the buffered images and optionally an image quality parameter (e.g., image contrast). Alternatively, the selection may be based only on the image quality parameter. The sequence of images can be captured just prior to or concurrently with receiving the user request. The method can include automatically displaying the selected image on the display of the image capturing device.(Via AppleInsider)
Apple seeks patent to beef up mobile-device battery life
Apple seeks patent to beef up mobile-device battery life
Those of us craving better battery life from our mobile devices could see help from an Apple invention outlined in a patent application.Published Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the patent dubbed "Power management for electronic devices" suggests key ways to save or reduce the power consumed by your phone or tablet.Your mobile device could monitor its own activity throughout the day to determine when and for how long you charge it, how far you travel for your commute, and if and when you're able to charge it throughout the day. As such, it could then reserve battery power by automatically turning off or decreasing certain functions, such as regular e-mail fetching or the brightness of the display.The activity would be stored as a power management scheme that could then be used on a regular basis. The goal is to make sure your current battery charge lasts until you can recharge your device.Such an invention would be of the greatest benefit to mobile phones, but Apple lists other devices, such as a laptop, gaming device, and digital music player.The power management scheme outlined in the patent application could also adjust itself on the fly depending on your proximity to a charging station or as your power consumption changes. Multiple schemes could also be stored on the device.Battery life has always been one of the major complaints of mobile users, especially those who travel frequently. It's not unusual to fully charge your device in the morning, use it heavily throughout the day, and then see it totally depleted before the day is over. This is one patent application that Apple needs to turn into reality. (Via AppleInsider)
Those of us craving better battery life from our mobile devices could see help from an Apple invention outlined in a patent application.Published Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the patent dubbed "Power management for electronic devices" suggests key ways to save or reduce the power consumed by your phone or tablet.Your mobile device could monitor its own activity throughout the day to determine when and for how long you charge it, how far you travel for your commute, and if and when you're able to charge it throughout the day. As such, it could then reserve battery power by automatically turning off or decreasing certain functions, such as regular e-mail fetching or the brightness of the display.The activity would be stored as a power management scheme that could then be used on a regular basis. The goal is to make sure your current battery charge lasts until you can recharge your device.Such an invention would be of the greatest benefit to mobile phones, but Apple lists other devices, such as a laptop, gaming device, and digital music player.The power management scheme outlined in the patent application could also adjust itself on the fly depending on your proximity to a charging station or as your power consumption changes. Multiple schemes could also be stored on the device.Battery life has always been one of the major complaints of mobile users, especially those who travel frequently. It's not unusual to fully charge your device in the morning, use it heavily throughout the day, and then see it totally depleted before the day is over. This is one patent application that Apple needs to turn into reality. (Via AppleInsider)
Apple seeks ban on Samsung phones in Germany
Apple seeks ban on Samsung phones in Germany
Nope, these patent lawsuits aren't slowing down anytime soon.The latest comes from Apple, which filed a lawsuit this week against Samsung Electronics in Germany. Apple is seeking to ban the sale of Samsung smartphones in the country, according to a report by Bloomberg. The lawsuit is part of a broader legal war between Apple and Android partners, with Samsung being a particularly fierce opponent. The companies have multiple lawsuits filed against each other in numerous countries and courtrooms around the world. A spokesman for Samsung wasn't available to comment to CNET on the newest lawsuit.The lawsuit follows up on Apple's attempt to seek a ban on Samsung's tablet products. Last month, the company argued that at least 10 of its patents were being violated by Samsung in Australia. That followed a lawsuit filed in Germany by Samsung alleging four infringed patents of its own, including one involving an emoticon. Despite some initial rulings that have gone Apple's way, it has seen its share of setbacks recently. Last week, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that Motorola's smartphones do not violate Apple's patents, a blow to its legal offensive against Android. The two companies are playing this high stakes game of legal chicken in an attempt to gain the upper hand in a potential discussion over a licensing agreement. They are both hoping to be the first to score a decisive ban in one of the countries--preferably a major market such as the U.S.--which would hasten the need for the two to come together and strike a resolution. In the meantime, the companies will continue to up the ante and continue filing lawsuits against each other.
Nope, these patent lawsuits aren't slowing down anytime soon.The latest comes from Apple, which filed a lawsuit this week against Samsung Electronics in Germany. Apple is seeking to ban the sale of Samsung smartphones in the country, according to a report by Bloomberg. The lawsuit is part of a broader legal war between Apple and Android partners, with Samsung being a particularly fierce opponent. The companies have multiple lawsuits filed against each other in numerous countries and courtrooms around the world. A spokesman for Samsung wasn't available to comment to CNET on the newest lawsuit.The lawsuit follows up on Apple's attempt to seek a ban on Samsung's tablet products. Last month, the company argued that at least 10 of its patents were being violated by Samsung in Australia. That followed a lawsuit filed in Germany by Samsung alleging four infringed patents of its own, including one involving an emoticon. Despite some initial rulings that have gone Apple's way, it has seen its share of setbacks recently. Last week, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that Motorola's smartphones do not violate Apple's patents, a blow to its legal offensive against Android. The two companies are playing this high stakes game of legal chicken in an attempt to gain the upper hand in a potential discussion over a licensing agreement. They are both hoping to be the first to score a decisive ban in one of the countries--preferably a major market such as the U.S.--which would hasten the need for the two to come together and strike a resolution. In the meantime, the companies will continue to up the ante and continue filing lawsuits against each other.
Apple seeks appeal in iPad trademark case in China
Apple seeks appeal in iPad trademark case in China
Apple wants a Chinese court to take another look at an iPad-related trademark lawsuit it filed against a local company.IDG News reports that Apple filed an appeal with the Higher People's Court of Guangdong Province on January 5, seeking once again to have its case against Proview Technology heard. Last month, the court rejected the lawsuit but gave Apple 30 days to file an appeal.The original legal fracas between the two companies began shortly after the iPad was introduced. Apple took aim at Proview for infringing its trademark of the iPad name. Proview countered by saying it registered for the trademark in several countries with filings dating back to 2000, and that when Apple acquired the name from United Kingdom-based IP Application Development in 2006, Proview never actually signed off on the deal, since it was made by one of the company's subsidiaries.Related storiesReport: Apple in trademark dispute over iPad nameA brief history of Apple's mobile-tech patent battlesApple patent and trademark skirmishes through the yearsThe outcome in a ruling there could present a noteworthy legal challenge for Apple, which is the target of a countersuit from Proview to the tune of 10 billion yuan ($1.58 billion). That suit, first reported by Caixin Online, claims that Apple is infringing on its iPad trademark with its namesake product.Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the appeal.The scuffle is one of many by Apple to control the names of its products and features. Several battles emerged last year over its technologies' names, including "App Store," "multi-touch," and "iCloud."
Apple wants a Chinese court to take another look at an iPad-related trademark lawsuit it filed against a local company.IDG News reports that Apple filed an appeal with the Higher People's Court of Guangdong Province on January 5, seeking once again to have its case against Proview Technology heard. Last month, the court rejected the lawsuit but gave Apple 30 days to file an appeal.The original legal fracas between the two companies began shortly after the iPad was introduced. Apple took aim at Proview for infringing its trademark of the iPad name. Proview countered by saying it registered for the trademark in several countries with filings dating back to 2000, and that when Apple acquired the name from United Kingdom-based IP Application Development in 2006, Proview never actually signed off on the deal, since it was made by one of the company's subsidiaries.Related storiesReport: Apple in trademark dispute over iPad nameA brief history of Apple's mobile-tech patent battlesApple patent and trademark skirmishes through the yearsThe outcome in a ruling there could present a noteworthy legal challenge for Apple, which is the target of a countersuit from Proview to the tune of 10 billion yuan ($1.58 billion). That suit, first reported by Caixin Online, claims that Apple is infringing on its iPad trademark with its namesake product.Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the appeal.The scuffle is one of many by Apple to control the names of its products and features. Several battles emerged last year over its technologies' names, including "App Store," "multi-touch," and "iCloud."
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