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German court upholds injunction against Samsung tablets
Samsung just got some more bad news. A German court has upheld an earlier preliminary injunction on the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Now Germany joins most of the rest of the EU on the list of countries that ban Samsung from selling its tablet. The injunction came as a result of Apple's legal moves to stop sales of the device, citing its similarities with the iPad. This isn't the worst news of the month for Samsung, however. Last week a Dutch court ordered EU-wide preliminary injunctions against all Samsung Galaxy smartphones. That ban goes into effect on October 13, 2011 and will arguably hurt much more than the Galaxy Tab ban. After all, smartphones are a much larger piece of Samsung's revenue than the Tab. A final ruling on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 injunction will happen on September 9th.
Dutch court has ordered EU-wide preliminary injunction against Samsung Galaxy smartphones
Oh, boy. A judge in The Hague has just issued a ruling [English Translation; PDF] in the patent case between Apple and Samsung, resulting in prohibition of "the marketing of Samsung smartphones Galaxy S, S II and Ace for violation of Apple Inc. EP 2,058,868." The Hague has issued a press release, explaining its move to "...ban trading of Samsung smartphones Galaxy S, S II and Ace." Additionally, the ruling notes that Samsung violated other Apple patents with the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 10.1v, but specifics on that were unavailable as of this writing. As Engadget notes, the ban will go into effect on October 13, 2011.
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]
Editorial: tablets aren't the 'third device' I'd hoped for... from a productivity standpoint, anyway
Hang tight just a second -- let me preface all of this with a quick reminder that I'm speaking on a personal level, and I'm absolutely certain that slates have a place in this world somewhere. We could go back and forth for hours with use-case scenarios (and the same could be done with cars, time machines or your luxury good of choice), but this isn't about proving that a tablet can do one or two things; it's about the limitations and awkwardness of using one that no one seems to talk about. After years of watching the masses fawn over the iPad (and every other PC maker scramble to come out with something that serves a similar purpose), I still can't ever imagine myself investing in one, let alone actually using one in place of a smartphone or laptop. I've met quite a few folks in my line of work that all ask me the same thing: "Should I buy an iPad?" It's worth noting that no one actually asks if "they should buy a tablet," but that's speaking more about Apple's absurdly enviable mind (and in turn, market) share than anything else. My response is always the same: "If you can't think of a reason you'd need it, you don't need it." Tablets, for whatever reason, seem to defy logic when it comes to purchase rationalization in the consumer electronics realm. I've yet to meet a bloke who purchased an ultraportable without knowing full-well that they would take advantage of enhanced battery life and a highly mobile chassis. Everyone I've know that invested in a high-end gaming rig knew why they were shelling out on that $500 GPU (read: frames-per-second). And all of my movie cuttin' pals knew precisely why they just had to have a Thunderbolt RAID setup. But tablets? People are just buying these things in a fit of hysteria -- does anyone actually know why this "third device" is such a necessity? Let's dive a little deeper, shall we?
Galaxy Tab 10.1 injunction suspended in EU countries except Germany
The German district court that granted Apple an injunction against Samsung and halted the sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the EU has temporarily suspended this ban. This suspension applies to all the countries in the EU except Germany. The court decision comes hot on the heels of a report by Webwereld that claimed Apple used flawed images of the Galaxy Tab in its German filing. Apple included images of the Tab that made it appear to be the same size and shape as the iPad. The shipping version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1, though, is oblong in shape and much different from the pictures used by Apple. This potential blunder by Apple could prompt the court to reverse its injunction and allow the sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 throughout Europe. [Via FOSS Patents]
Samsung halts Galaxy Tab 10.1 TouchWiz UX updates to prevent bricking issues?
Are you a Galaxy Tab 10.1 owner still waiting to upgrade your slate to TouchWiz UX? Well, prepare to be disappointed -- Samsung has pulled the update. It's remaining tight-lipped on the subject but it looks to be in response to some users experiencing lagging graphics or bricked devices. When Android Police tweeted Samsung's Carla Saavedra she said "(the update) has been temporarily halted to assess progress & ensure it's a positive experience for customers" and said regular service would "resume shortly" but "no specifics were given." We'll keep our eyes on this one, but in the meantime you can read the torrid exchange after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
German court lifts ban on some European Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 sales
A Dusseldorf, Germany regional court has partly lifted a preliminary injunction issued last week banning Samsung from selling the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Europe, the day after Webwereld noticed inconsistencies in Apple's injunction filing. Now Europeans (save those living in Germany) won't need to trek to the Netherlands to get their Tab fix -- at least until a verdict is issued after Samsung's August 25th appeal hearing. Sales of the device were originally banned following an Apple lawsuit alleging patent infringement, but were permitted to resume after a realization that a German court may not have the authority to halt sales of a South Korean company's device outside of Germany. Since the judgement didn't affect devices that had already been distributed to retailers, it's unknown whether or not the week-long ban has had any effect on sales.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Apple's evidence in Samsung case might not match up
The Internet is abuzz with images from Apple's lawyers presented to a judge in Germany that show Samsung's Galaxy Tab allegedly distorted to better match the dimensions of the iPad. Of course, no one but Apple's lawyers, perhaps, know if the images submitted were intentionally doctored or if they were inaccurate for other reasons, but the inaccurate evidence isn't going to do Apple any favors in the German courts, even if it is an honest mistake. Earlier this month a German court blocked Samsung from selling the Galaxy Tab 10.1 across most of the EU in response to an injunction Apple filed. Apple said that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 was a "slavish copy" of the iPad. You can use Photoshop these days to turn anything into a "slavish copy" of the original, but of course if the original comes to light, as it has here, there will undoubtedly be some backpedaling in action. It'll be interesting to see how the German court reacts to the inaccurate pictures, but no doubt Samsung has a smile on its face right now.
Did Apple alter photos of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in its injunction filing?
Previously, on Apple Versus Samsung: Cupertino's finest sued Samsung for making "similar" products -- a legal spectacle that most recently culminated with an injunction blocking the sale of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 across Europe (with one exception). The case hinges on Apple's assertion that Samsung is ripping off its designs, but tech site Webwereld spotted signs that perhaps Apple's claims are exaggerated, and that the outfit might have even gone so far as to alter images of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 to suit its case. The comparison shot you see up there is lifted from page 28 of a filing made by Freshfields Bruckhaus Derringer, Apple's European lawyers. Both devices look pretty identical with an aspect ratio of 4:3 -- except in reality, the Tab has a 16:9 16:10 aspect ratio and is far narrower than Steve's magical slate. Of course, we might never know if this was actually a malicious move on Apple's part -- certainly, Samsung's legal team isn't saying anything. For now, though, if you're game to play armchair attorney, head past the break for a comparison shot of the competing tabs as we actually know and love them. [Thanks, Jack]
Samsung will formally address Apple-led Galaxy Tab ban on Aug 25
Samsung will have the opportunity to defend itself against Apple in a German court on August 25th. The Korean manufacturer will argue against the recent injunction that halted the sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in all EU countries except the Netherlands. Until this date, the Apple-requested injunction will remain in effect. This timing will likely keep the Galaxy Tab off the shelves of European stores until September and may have an impact on Samsung's next quarterly earnings.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 European ban hearing to be held August 25th
No one was all that surprised when Samsung announced plans to fight the injunction granted by a German court that banned the sale of its Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Europe -- what is perhaps surprising, however, is how quickly the wheels of justice are spinning on this one. The hearing, which was initially expected to take four weeks to get started, will be held on August 25th. A decision on overturning the ban is expected to arrive a few weeks after that date.
NL ruling on Apple vs. Samsung dispute due on 9/15, courtroom antics catalogued
Apple has succeeded in getting the Galaxy Tab 10.1 blocked from import into most of Europe -- but not the Netherlands. Today the initial proceedings in the legal dispute between the two companies there came to a close, an apparently entertaining show that saw Apple attempting to make the case that its design is being stolen. Apple presented online market research indicating that 80% of respondents found the iPad and Galaxy Tab 10.1 to be "identical" or at least "similar in general impression," a study that apparently did not impress the judge. Apple also alleged infringement from the Galaxy S and the Galaxy Ace, while Samsung, for its part, said Apple's claims were far too vague, enough so that any digital photo frame would be in trouble.While Danny Crane sadly did not make an appearance the presiding judge still seemed rather amused, calling the various legal representatives "terriers" according to Andreas Udo de Haes, an editor at Webwereld who live-tweeted the proceedings. The judge finished by saying a ruling would come on September 15th and if indeed an injunction were coming it won't appear until October 13th. So, tablet fans in the Netherlands, know that you have at least two months worth of worry-free shopping ahead of you.[Thanks, Paul]
German Apple suit ruling blocks Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 sale in Europe
The plot thickens yet again in the seemingly endless patent war between Apple and Samsung. A new ruling by a regional court in Dusseldorf, Germany has granted Cupertino a preliminary injunction, blocking the sale and advertising of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 across Europe, save for the Netherlands. Samsung can still appeal the ruling -- in the meanwhile, however, the decision will stand. According to The Telegraph, the likely appeal will take about a month to be heard by the judge who granted the injunction. Update: Jonne wrote in to tell us about Samsung's official response to the matter. The company notes that all products already distributed to retailers in Germany will not be affected by the decision. And naturally, Samsung promises to fight to have the injunction lifted.
German court blocks Galaxy Tab 10.1 sales across most of the EU (Updated)
The indispensable Florian Müller at FOSS Patents relays a report from the German dpa news agency (translated version): sources close to the Apple-Samsung patent dispute in Europe say that a district court in Düsseldorf has issued an injunction barring sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 across the entire European Union, with the exception of the Netherlands. This follows last week's official postponement of the Tab's Australian launch due to the local version of the same infringement claims. It may seem odd that an injunction in Germany could impact the entire EU, but a cursory reading of the relevant case law seems to support that -- we're inquiring with actual lawyers to find out. Also odd, though, is the fact that dpa cites Reuters as a source for this story, but there does not seem to be a corresponding Reuters piece out there. We'll keep an ear out. The Telegraph has a few more details. [The reference to Reuters was a mistranslation on our part, our apologies. –Ed.] Apple's complaint is before the ITC, which could have much wider effects in the long run -- although the lead time on a resolution is also much longer. Update: Bloomberg News now has confirmation of the injunction from an Apple spokesperson.
Samsung brings WNBA-sized Galaxy Tab 8.9 to BlogHer 2011
The release date and pricing info we're waiting on from the Galaxy Tab 8.9 continues to elude us, but Samsung's slightly smaller slate did find time to make a live US appearance at BlogHer 2011 this week. Handled by our friends at Tecca, the new TouchWiz UX looked every bit as slick and speedy here as it did on the regulation size 10.1-inch Tab, but on a screen that might be easier to handle. There's no real surprises -- you knew the speakers had migrated around to the sides of the Tab's proprietary connector, right? -- but now that Samsung's showing it off to the public a wide release is hopefully just around the corner.
OTA TouchWiz update comes to Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 right on schedule
We were there when a select few got their Galaxy Tab 10.1's loaded up with TouchWiz for the very first time, and we gave you a rundown of what to expect from the newly skinned slate. Now the day has finally arrived for all the other owners to get the new software, and Samsung's delivered the OTA update as promised. We grabbed the update ourselves on an untouched Tab, and found that it's a 188MB download -- so be prepared to hurry up and wait a while for your new media-enhanced, widget-happy tablet experience. Once you're done doing the download dance, do let us know how the new UX is treating you in the comments. [Thanks, Michael]
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 shows up for pre-order at Amazon.co.uk, ships August 11th
Back when we got word of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 making its British debut on August 4th, Samsung told us that our UK brethren could expect its elusive younger sibling, the 8.9, "later in the year." Well, if its recently minted Amazon page is correct, the Galaxy Tab 8.9 will land across the pond just one week after its big brother, on August 11th. The 3G-sporting Android tablet carries a £605 price tag. Considering its stop off at the FCC in June, and the recent appearance of the Retail Mode app, we hope to see the 8.9 stateside sometime soon. Otherwise, it'll be off to the UK for you die-hard Galaxy fans. [Thanks, Jules]
Samsung officially postpones Australian Galaxy Tab 10.1 launch
Samsung originally planned to host a media event on August 11 for the Australian launch of its Galaxy Tab 10.1, but it has now officially been postponed, according to TechCrunch. Over the past couple of days, Samsung's story has changed multiple times. First it said the Galaxy Tab would launch in Australia despite Apple's patent-related complaints to Australia's Federal Court. Then, Samsung said it had no plans to launch the Galaxy Tab in Australia in the first place, and its decision had nothing to do with Apple's complaint. The latest update on the matter seems to be a combination of all the previous takes. Samsung chooses not to classify the situation as withdrawing the Galaxy Tab from sale since the launch hasn't happened yet. The company also states that the decision to postpone the Australian launch is directly tied to the current legal situation with Apple. Samsung appears to be trying to work around the patent battle by producing a specialized Australian variant of the Galaxy Tab, but the unit is still in production with no ETA for a launch, and TechCrunch speculates that launching a variant of the same product may violate the spirit of the agreement. Samsung isn't characterizing this as an injunction against the Galaxy Tab's launch, but rather a mutual agreement between it and Apple as part of the ongoing "look and feel" patent dispute between the two companies. Another hearing on the matter is scheduled for August 29, but a final resolution to the case may take years. Meanwhile, in the United States the ITC has agreed to review the case, and the Commission has the power to impose an injunction against US imports of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 if it agrees with Apple's position.
Samsung details TouchWiz UX update for Galaxy Tab 10.1, OTA rollout goes public on August 5th
We're headed over as we speak to get an early look at what TouchWiz has in store for Tab 10.1-totin' New Yorkers, but in the meantime, Samsung's served up a laundry list of details (after the break) to clue everyone in on what it'll bring. Aside from pushing the TouchWiz UX overlay atop Android 3.1 (Honeycomb), the new digs will also enable Samsung Kies 2.0 support for PC and Mac, solving an issue we spotted a few weeks back. For those unfamiliar with Sammy's Android dressings, this one promises to bring a Live Panel (described as a magazine-like widget view for immediate access to weather, social updates, email, and news on the home pane), a Mini Mode Tray (providing one-touch access to commonly used apps), Clipboard (it's copy and paste, advanced), Photo Editor (it edits JPEGs, y'all) and the token Indicator Quick Panel (which enables users to quickly toggle on / off WiFi, notifications, sound, brightness and settings in lower right hand corner of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 display). Of course, proceeding with the update means that you'll get Amazon's Music Cloud Player, the Kindle app and 'Words with Friends' preloaded, but enterprise folk can at least look forward to full support for Exchange ActiveSync version 14, on-device encryption and compatibility with Cisco's VPN / Sybase MDM / WebEx. Still hungry for more? How's about wireless printing to any "compatible" printer, as well as a bolstered Swype app that enables resizing of the keyboard and movement of the keys to any position on the panel. You'll also find Adobe's Flash Player 10.3, a redesigned Samsung Media Hub service and a promise that all Galaxy Tab 10.1 owners will start to see it beginning August 5th. If you're eager to get prepped for Friday's release, hit the source link to setup a required Samsung account; once registered, you'll be notified when your device is ready for the upgrade and given drop-dead simple steps to complete it. Naturally, we'll be bringing you an early look of the changes as soon as humanly possible.
Google I/O Galaxy Tabs get Google Movies update, VIP treatment
Lucky enough to snag one of those coveted white Galaxy Tab 10.1s from Google I/O? If so, tablet life is about to get a little bit sweeter. Google Movies is now an update away, making video rentals from The Goog mere moments from reality on your slate. Don't get your hopes up though... this isn't an update to Android 3.2, nor is it the TouchWiz UX update that will be rolling out at a NYC event later this week. Keep in mind these Google-fied Galaxy Tabs are Wifi-only devices, which typically receive updates like this far later than their 3G brethren -- making this download a bit peculiar. Regardless of its irregularity, those with the limited edition tablet can now catch up on all those Harry Potter flicks on the go, before their jealous pals with the standard model can.
