Microsoft and Samsung settle their fight over Android royalties
It looks like Microsoft and Samsung aren’t eager to drag out their dispute over Android patent royalties. The two tech giants have reached an agreement that ends Microsoft’s lawsuit over interest payments and otherwise smooths things over. The circumstances surrounding the deal are “confidential,” so it’s unclear who made the most concessions. However, it’s more likely that Microsoft came out on top. Unless the Windows developer was willing to walk away empty-handed (which is doubtful given its aggressive licensing strategy), Samsung probably had to cough up more money than it originally planned.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Samsung, Microsoft
Tizen may have an unlikely ally – the Russian government
If you ask shoppers in India, the first Tizen phone is pretty unexciting. If you ask Samsung, it’s an earnest success. Regardless whom you choose to believe, Tizen has its work cut out – Android is on the verge of taking 90 percent of the market, developers have little reason to sink resources in nascent platforms, and users won’t care about an operating system that lacks apps. Just ask Microsoft.
But Samsung may have found an unlikely ally in its bid to make Tizen a real alternative to Android – the Russian government. In a series of tweets, Russian minister of communication Nikolai Nikiforov decried the “monopoly” that Google has over Android, which is not a true open source OS in his opinion. Nikiforov linked to articles discussing Google’s control over its mobile operating system and mentioned Tizen, Sailfish, and Ubuntu as real open source projects that could compete with Android.
Nikiforov sees the need to break the monopoly of American companies over mobile operating systems. What’s more, Russia is supposedly ready to support the development of Android competitors, including through grants paid to developers wishing to develop for Tizen or Sailfish.
Навстречу демонополизации мировой ИТ-экосистемы – держу в руках телефон с новой открытой операционной системой #Tizen pic.twitter.com/CqdjofsMEH
— Николай Никифоров (@nnikiforov) February 5, 2015
It’s tempting to dismiss these statements as politicians doing what they do best – making empty promises. That’s especially true now that Western sanctions over the Ukrainian crisis are taking their toll on the Russian economy, and the local tech sector hasn’t been spared. Apple and Google have stopped doing business with developers based in Crimea, while Google has recently closed its engineering offices in Moscow.
On the other hand, Russia is a big and important market, where Google’s presence is weaker than in other regions. That’s one of the reasons Samsung originally tried to launch its first Tizen smartphone in Russia – the Samsung Z was officially announced last year here, but its commercial release was repeatedly delayed in order to give developers more time to create apps for Tizen.
It remains to be seen whether Russia’s words will be backed by Russian money, but Samsung is probably very pleased about this development. The Korean giant poured tons of resources into getting Tizen off the ground, and now that it’s finally a real platform, it needs all the help it can get, even when it comes from such improbable sources as the Russian government.
Android 5.0 Lollipop for Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A now ready to download
Android 5.0 Lollipop for the Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A (GT-I9506) has been available in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia for a few weeks, but now it looks like the update will be rolling out for the rest of us.
The official OTA for Android 5.0.1 Lollipop should be hitting your notification window very soon, but those countries confirmed to be getting it include Germany and the Czech Republic.
Remaining countries are expected to receive the OTA soon.
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Android Authority this week
With MWC looming, more leaks and rumors about the stars of the show are emerging. This week, we learned more details about the HTC One (M9) and the Galaxy S6/S Edge. Manufacturers and carriers pushed Lollipop updates to several devices, but the most interesting Lollipop news was a total surprise: Android 5.1 was spotted running on Android One devices shipped in Indonesia, and with no official word from Google, speculation is heating up. Finally, the first Lollipop-based Paranoid Android ROM has arrived this week.
Inside AA HQ
It was another week of behind-the-scenes work for the AA team (and the Sound Guys team, and the tiny TabTimes team). Derek and Darcy are working hard on our product database – it’s been long in the making, but we think your patience (and our effort) will be worth it. The app redesign is coming along nicely, and hopefully we’ll have the big update ready by early spring. We’re also making plans for MWC (three weeks to go!) and it looks like we’ll have a big team on the ground this year.
Our YouTube team just got stronger – following stints at some of the most popular technology channels around, Taylor Martin has joined Android Authority. Taylor will be doing how-to’s, tips and tricks, and reviews, and will help us continue our stint as a leading mobile technology channel. Watch Taylor’s Meet the Team video, and don’t be shy, he loves your comments.
On the editorial side, Mark Hearn will be providing you with smart insight into all things tech. Formerly with Engadget, 9to5Google, and others, Mark’s first piece (on the casual user’s misunderstanding of Android) has been a hit, with almost 200 comments and hundreds of shares. Read it here.
As always, keep an eye out for our Sunday Giveaway. Each week, we’re giving away a hot gadget to our loyal readers. Seize your chance here.
The Friday Debate Podcast
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
Here are some interesting posts for your Sunday reading:
- Review: Lanh takes a look at Samsung’s new metallic mid-ranger, the Galaxy A3
- Roundup: Using AppAnnie data, Joe rounds up the big app and app trends of 2014
- Feature: Simon walks you through the History of Huawei and gives you a glimpse at its future
- Hands-on: Matthew presents you the Pantech Vega Iron 2, or “the Galaxy S5 that could have been”
- Opinion: Mark Hearn muses on the casual user’s misunderstanding of Android
- How-to Andrew tells you what to do (what to avoid doing) when buying an used phone
Top news of the week
And here are the top news in the Android world this week:
One M9 in gold
Lollipop update bonanza
- HTC One M7 Unlocked and Developer Editions receiving Lollipop update
- Sprint rolling out Galaxy S5 and HTC One (M7) Lollipop updates today
- Samsung strikes again, Galaxy S4 LTE-A Lollipop rollout begins
- Nexus 7 cellular variants finally receiving Lollipop 5.0.2 updates
- Android 5.0 Lollipop rolling out to Verizon Galaxy S5
- Android 5.0.1 Lollipop leaked for the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
- Android 5.0 Lollipop begins rolling out for Exynos-powered Galaxy S5
- T-Mobile Lollipop OTA for HTC One M8 landing on Feb. 9
Galaxy S6 and S Edge
- Samsung Unpacked teaser hints at curved Galaxy S6 variant
- Latest leak suggests the Galaxy S6 will be just 6.91mm thin
- Leaked image claims to depict the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S Edge
- Alleged images of the Galaxy S6 show off metal frame in new leak
PA 5 is here
Android 5.1
Sound off
We always want to hear your feedback. Whether it’s criticism or praise, feel free to tell us what you think about Android Authority’s content, design, and community. Comment here or get in touch with us on our social channels:
Happy Sunday!
Motorola’s Osterloh thinks Samsung could fade away as leader in smartphone market
The story is not an unfamiliar one – market leader stagnates in the top position while competitors continue to stay sharp and eventually the leader fades away. Two recent examples come to mind – Nokia and Blackberry. Only a decade ago, those two names ruled in the cell phone market, but today the two of them are on life support and on the verge of being consigned to the history bin. Motorola’s president Rick Osterloh thinks Samsung could be in the same position and Motorola is poised to step into the top position.
No doubt Samsung has built a large empire in the smartphone and mobile device market, easily rivaling their closest competitor Apple and blowing away other manufacturers. Despite that success, 2014 was not a good one for Samsung and many are wondering whether the company is on the precipice of a fall.
Meanwhile, after spending some time under Google’s umbrella where their operations were somewhat limited, Motorola is now a part of Lenovo and has big plans to start expanding to new markets starting this year. One of those key markets will be China where buyers expect top-performing smartphones without the premium price.
Osterloh thinks Motorola is positioned to capitalize on a potential changing of the guard:
“Every seven years, the person who’s been on top of the market has gone away. We are going through one of those fascinating shifts where people are starting to realize that you don’t need to pay $600 for a top-tier phone to get a top-tier experience.”
Under Google, Motorola started down a path where they de-emphasized specs in favor of enhancements to the user experience. While top hardware is back in the mix to some extent, as shown by Motorola plans to use a Snapdragon 810 chip in a new flagship device for 2015, the company hopes to take the smartphone to new levels that includes offering better value for buyers without sacrificing performance.
Do you think Motorola will challenge Samsung for the top spot or will that come from other upstarts like Xiaomi?
source: Forbes
Come comment on this article: Motorola’s Osterloh thinks Samsung could fade away as leader in smartphone market
Oh snap: Motorola chief suggests Samsung, like Nokia and Blackberry, will fade away in the future
In case you haven’t heard, Motorola has had a great quarter. While it hasn’t yet translated to profit for its now-parent company Lenovo, it’s innovation and growth is almost back to Motorola’s heyday, and people are starting to take notice. But with the rise of multiple manufacturers, including Motorola, there has to be someone who […]
The post Oh snap: Motorola chief suggests Samsung, like Nokia and Blackberry, will fade away in the future appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Samsung sets world record for most selfies taken in 24-hours
Earlier today, Samsung announced that it has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the most selfies taken in 24-hours. The attempt took place last week in South Africa, following the launch of the two Galaxy A series smartphones. The South Korean company assembled ‘selfie’ booth’s, armed with the latest Galaxy A3 and A5 handsets, in all the major shopping centres in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
To encourage passers-by to participate, Samsung gave away 100 Galaxy A smartphones and masses of selfies sticks — clearly an offer they couldn’t resist. This resulted in a whopping 12, 803 selfies being snapped by members of the general public, which turns out to be almost 3,000 more than the previous record.
If you were lucky enough to take part in this small slice of Samsung history, or even if you weren’t, why not head on over to the company’s website where you will find the full gallery of selfies taken on the 30-31 of January, 2015?
Come comment on this article: Samsung sets world record for most selfies taken in 24-hours
More details about the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Edge leak to help flesh out the devices
If you’re even mildly interested in Samsung‘s latest flagship device (or devices as it may be), this week has been a whirlwind of activity – leaked images and details have been coming from all corners of the web. Today, yet another Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Edge leak has been dropped and appears to flesh out the details […]
The post More details about the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Edge leak to help flesh out the devices appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
More details about the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Edge leak to help flesh out the devices
If you’re even mildly interested in Samsung‘s latest flagship device (or devices as it may be), this week has been a whirlwind of activity – leaked images and details have been coming from all corners of the web. Today, yet another Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Edge leak has been dropped and appears to flesh out the details […]
The post More details about the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Edge leak to help flesh out the devices appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
[Deal] AT&T: Get a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (8-inch) with the purchase of a Samsung Galaxy smartphone
What could go better with your Samsung Galaxy smartphone other than a free Samsung tablet? AT&T‘s newest bundle will give you a free Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (of the 8-inch variety) with the purchase of any Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
Check after the break for all the terms and conditions.
Here’s the deal. AT&T just asks that you follow 4 steps to get your bundle:
- Select a Samsung Galaxy smartphone on an AT&T Next installment agreement and add it to your cart.
- Select a Mobile Share Value plan.
- You’ll get a prompt to add another device, so click yes.
- Select the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (8.0) with a 2 year contract and add that to your cart.
And that’s it!
One of the caveats, though, is if you’re upgrading your phone on an existing AT&T plan, you’ll have to physically go into a store to get this deal.
If this kind of deal catches your interest, you can follow the source link below to load up on some gadgets.
Source: AT&T
Come comment on this article: [Deal] AT&T: Get a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (8-inch) with the purchase of a Samsung Galaxy smartphone
AIVAnet 