patent - Android Community

Google Face Unlock patent adds facial expressions to Android security

By Cory Gunther
on 7 Jun, 2013

The ongoing debate about how secure and realistic face unlock is on Android is still a hotly discussed topic. However, Google is exploring new and improved systems that could help improve the security as we unlock our smartphones and tablets. The easy to fool (with a picture) Face Unlock feature could soon be getting facial features and expressions to help bolster the security method.

Apple patents curved battery tech – so much for a Nexus smartwatch

By Cory Gunther
on 4 Jun, 2013

Today we're learning that the folks up at Apple headquarters have just secured another patent that could be a huge deal in our mobile future. Apple has just patented some form of "curved battery" technology. With mobile devices growing to all shapes and sizes, and wearable computing (like Google Glass) taking off, this could be a big win for Apple in the courtroom.

Nokia seeking HTC One US import ban

By Robert Nelson
on 24 May, 2013

Nokia appears to have stepped up in their patent dispute against HTC. This latest move involves an additional patent complaint that was filed with the International Trade Commission (ITC) on Thursday. The round involves the HTC One and it seems Nokia is seeking to ban US imports of the handset. Nokia has added six patent claims to the list of 44 and this all touches back to actions that began in 2012.

Apple claiming Google Now infringes on Siri patents

By Robert Nelson
on 22 May, 2013

We had known Apple was looking to include the GALAXY S 4 in the patent suit with Samsung. As of today however, it looks like Apple has filed a motion with the courts to include both the GALAXY S 4 and Google Now. Specifically, Apple is claiming patent infringement for a total of seven patents -- five of which deal with the GALAXY S 4 and two of which deal with Google Now.

Apple looking to include the GALAXY S 4 in upcoming patent trial

By Robert Nelson
on 14 May, 2013

The fighting between Samsung and Apple has been ongoing for sometime now. While things have been relatively quiet recently, it looks like both companies are preparing for the next phase, which will be taking place next year. Specifically, the trial will continue in March of 2014. In the meantime though, both Samsung and Apple have recently submitted an updated device list. At present each of the lists contain 22 devices.

Motorola may have “abused its position” during Apple patent fight

By Robert Nelson
on 6 May, 2013

EU officials have recently gone after Motorola Mobility saying they may have abused their position when they filed a patent injunction against Apple. Basically, the EU Competition Commission has said Motorola went after the injunction even as Apple made attempts at working towards an agreement.

Google smartwatch patent reveals touchpad controls – like Google Glass

By Cory Gunther
on 2 May, 2013

It looks like those Googlers up in Mountain View have more than just Google Glass in the works. Today we're seeing some evidence and patent filings that reveal some potential information about an upcoming Google smartwatch. The dive into wearable computing is about to take off full steam. More details on what makes this stand out is available after the break.

ZTE signs Microsoft patent license agreement for Android

By Shane McGlaun
on 24 Apr, 2013

Microsoft continues to land significant patent license agreements with manufacturers of Android smartphones and tablets. The latest company to come on board with Microsoft and sign a patent license agreement is the ZTE. The company has signed an agreement licensing both Android and Chrome OS devices.

Microsoft signs Android Agreement with Hon Hai

By Shane McGlaun
on 17 Apr, 2013

At this point, I think we all know that Microsoft holds some key patents having to do with the Android and smartphones using the OS. So far, Microsoft has been successful in getting most of the largest Android smartphone and device makers in the world to sign patent agreements. There are some indications that Microsoft makes more money from these patent license agreements for Android than it does from its own smartphone operating system.

Samsung infringed on Apple’s text-selection patent

By Robert Nelson
on 5 Apr, 2013

Samsung and Apple and more patent talk. This particular case stems back to mid-2011 when Apple accused Samsung of infringing on several patents. This complaint originally included seven patents, however one was quickly dropped from the group. Of the six remaining, it was determined that Samsung infringed on four of them. On the flip side, that meant Samsung did not infringe on those remaining two patents.