patent - Android Community

Tagged: patent

Google applies for patent, brings voice controls to Google TV

By Cory Gunther
on 20 Feb, 2012

Google has some big plans for Android and our homes. With lots of discussion lately of a Android@Home project under way and more we are now seeing some information that Google has applied for a patent to bring Voice actions and Siri-like voice controls to our living rooms and Google TV. Put down that remote, let Google and Android do everything for you.

Google patent depicts future lockscreen features on Android

By Sam Koutroulakis
on 17 Feb, 2012

After Apple patented their "Slide To Unlock" lockscreen method, Google has been busy readying their own next-gen unlock features. Surprisingly, it looks to work just like the one used in HTC Sense 3.0. By sliding applications to the respective unlock area, users will be able to instantly access particular apps with ease.

Google’s Motorola buyout approved by EU, will be vigilant

By Cory Gunther
on 13 Feb, 2012

The acquisition of Motorola Mobility by Google has been given the green light and thumbs up from the European Union today. This unconditional regulatory approval will allow Google to purchase the device maker and patent holding company for a grand total of $12.5 billion USD. We knew the day was today, February 13th and now the official OK has just been approved.

Apple attacks Samsung over Galaxy Nexus slide-to-unlock feature

By Cory Gunther
on 20 Jan, 2012

Oh this looks like fun. Apple is at it again this month and we have just learned they are taking another stab at Samsung in court over their new Samsung Galaxy Nexus and its slide-to-unlock feature. While the filing clearly is going after Samsung this is an Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich feature -- more aimed at Google than Samsung, only they get the trouble.

Apple up to its old tricks: calls for a ban on 10 Samsung phones in Germany

By Michael Crider
on 17 Jan, 2012

Stop me if you've heard this one before. After battling nearly every major Android OEM for the better part of 2011, Apple seems to be wasting no time in bringing its litigious streak into 2012. Bloomberg reports that it's petitioning German courts for an outright sales ban on 10 Samsung smartphones, including the popular Galaxy S II. Apple's objections have to do with its design patents, which won it an injunction against the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 last year.

Apple applies for “Face and Presence Detection” patent — Android laughs

By Cory Gunther
on 29 Dec, 2011

I'm not really sure where to start on this one other than oh wait -- Android already has the feature. It's called "Face Unlock" and is available on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus within Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Just like our friendly source over at Phandroid I don't really want to simply sit here and bash Apple but I can't help but do so a little bit with this latest "innovation" and patent they've applied for.

HTC fights back against IPCom in harassment case

By Michael Crider
on 22 Dec, 2011

A month ago corporate patent troll intellectual property specialist IPCom won a major case against HTC in Germany, which seems to be a downright patent hotbed lately. The court ruled that IPCom's 3G technology patent was being illegally used in HTC's phones (and by extension, pretty much every cell phone in Europe) and and now a sales ban against HTC devices looms. But IPCom jumped the gun a bit on the ruling, and started harassing retailers for selling HTC phones immediately. HTC countersued and (wait for it) secured an injunction, keeping the trolls from further bothering retailers.

German court tells Apple to cool it, Galaxy Tab 10.1N injunction unlikely

By Michael Crider
on 22 Dec, 2011

When Apple's patent case against Samsung in Germany led to a total sales injunction against the Galaxy Tab 10.1, Samsung released a revised version named the Galaxy Tab 10.1N. The updated hardware altered the design and branding of the tablet in order to avoid violating Apple's design patents, most notably with a set of front-facing speakers that flanked the screen. Apparently it wasn't good enough for Apple, and continuing in their worldwide crusade against all things Android they petitioned the court for yet another sales injunction in November. Reuters reports that the judge in the case has indicated that the updated hardware is sufficiency dissimilar to the iPad, and Apple's design patents are not being infringed.

What does it take to stop an Apple lawsuit? Build a horrible device

By Michael Crider
on 2 Dec, 2011

As part of Apple's patent case against Samsung in the US, it couldn't just simply object to the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Apple had to submit alternatives for Samsung to follow which would allow it exemption from their overly vague design patents, and The Verge got their hands on some of the redacted documents. So what did Apple suggest to end Samsung's legal trouble? Make a device that no one would want to use.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1N still under attack by Apple

By Cory Gunther
on 29 Nov, 2011

Uh oh folks, it looks like Apple isn't ready to stop just yet and apparently the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1N that Samsung released in Germany specifically to avoid Apple's lawsuits didn't manage to escape. Samsung has been under some heavy attack in Germany, Australia and other parts of the world for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 because Apple claims it infringes on their patents and design. Today Apple seeks another injunction on the new Tab 10.1N and a court date has been set.