Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Sony buying more LG 3D flat screens, switch follows recent breakup of LCD joint venture with Samsung.

WorldWide Tech & Scince. Francisco De Jesús.


Sony buying more LG 3D flat screens, switch follows recent breakup of LCD joint venture with Samsung .


Sony is increasingly relying on LG Display to meet its needs for 3D flat screens, after Samsung Electronics bought out the Japanese firm’s share in their joint venture and terminated the partnership, a senior LG official said Tuesday. 


Sony is buying more of LG’s film-based 3D screens used in Sony’s popular Bravia TVs.

“LG Display is shipping more film-based 3D screens to Sony,” its chief financial official Jeong Ho-young told The Korea Times.

The LG-Sony collaboration comes at a time when the penetration rate of its film-based 3D panels will rise over 50 percent. 

It marks a switch for Sony from its reliance on Samsung’s battery-powered 3D technology. LG is pressing on with the cheaper film-based 3D technology and undercutting Samsung. 

“For cash-strapped Sony, LG’s price-competitive 3D panels are the right cost-saving choice,” said a fund manager from a Europe-based investment bank.

Sony has been increasing the number of the conventional LCD TV panels it buys from LG Display. 

LG is doubling production for the Japanese firm’s LCD panel needs, with orders for Samsung declining. 

“Considering Sony’s aggressive drive for outsourcing in flat screens, LG will likely receive more orders. It is better-positioned for product commitment, on-time delivery and pricing than Taiwanese flat-screen suppliers,” said an LG source.

LG Electronics Chief Technology Officer Ahn Seung-kwon said the goal to become the world’s biggest 3D TV maker by the end of this year is “definitely possible.” Hong Ji-eun, Sony spokeswoman, declined to comment. 

LG expects the global demand for 3D televisions to surpass 40 million by the end of this year out of 220 million for the total flat-screen demand, increasing its investment to boost the output of its premium flat screens, helped by a constructive business partnership with Sony.

“Major Japanese TV companies such as Panasonic displayed their latest 3D TVs, using LG’s film-based 3D technology at the recent technology exhibition in Las Vegas,” Jeong said.

The company’s panels have been adopted by Toshiba, Philips, Vizio and leading Chinese TV manufacturers, according to LG Display.

Samsung’s 1,080-pixel technology requires special battery-powered 3D glasses. 

LG’s film-based 3D technology uses 540 pixels, requiring much cheaper eyewear. Whether it will become the Sony’s key supplier for organic-light-emitting diode (OLED) panels is another much-awaited issue as Jeong unveiled more details about that business. 

OLED TVs are seen as the next major revenue source.

The allure of large, high-quality super-thin TVs could encourage consumers to pay a premium for sets using OLED technology, experts say. 

He said his firm will invest some 400 billion won this year to prepare to mass produce OLED displays to replace the current industry mainstream of LCDs, probably from 2014.

“As Sony has already put LG Display on a list of key suppliers, future talks will cover its OLED panel outsourcing from the latter half of this year,” said an LG executive. 

He added that LG Group’s display-making affiliate will start the production of OLED panels for TVs from July with an initial monthly shipment of 48,000 55-inch sheets.

“Before making decisions for OLED panels, LG Display will look into ways of making various variations,” he said. But he declined to comment on whether LG will supply OLED panels to Sony.

Samsung to combat Apple´s patents litigation launching more new smartphones models.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.
Samsung to combat Apple´s patents litigation launching more new smartphones models.


Samsung has been expanding its patent litigation against Apple after the latter sued it in April last year in the United States by claiming that "Samsung slavishly copied the designs Apple smartphones and iPads.’’


The legal tussle has now spilled over into 10 countries, according to officials. The court fight is entering a "big turning-point’’ after the latest ruling in Germany sided with Apple.

"The patent fight will have a lesser impact on Samsung’s smartphone business because we will release more models in all markets,’’ said a spokesman.

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Samsung Galaxy S III (GT-i9300) Receives WiFi Certification.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.


Samsung has been long rumored to plan the release of a successor for its Galaxy S II smartphone, and that handset appears to have just received the necessary approvals from the WiFi Alliance. 


A certain Samsung GT-i9300 device just passed through the WiFi certification program, and it is said to be none other than the next Android flagship model from the South Korean handset vendor. 

Unfortunately, the certification page does not offer too many details about the mobile phone. 

However, the device was previously spotted on Samsung’s UAE website, and the company’s Head of Marketing, Younghee Lee, confirmed its existence. 

Samsung was initially expected to launch the mobile phone at MWC 2012 next month, but it has postponed such plans. One way or the other, it should not be too long before the company makes a formal announcement on it. 



Monday, January 30, 2012

MWC 2012: Samsung,HTC, Nokia and LG to unveil new smartphones models, but to launch in Q2 2012.

WorldWide Tech & Scince. Francisco De Jesús.


With the iPhone 4S launched globally in the fourth quarter of 2011 and expected to be selling well in the first quarter of 2012, other international vendors including Samsung Electronics, HTC, Nokia and LG Electronics are expected to launch their new smartphone models in the second quarter to avoid competing too directly with the iPhone 4S, according to Taiwan-based smartphone supply chain makers.

Mainly due to hot sales of the iPhone 4S, Apple recorded the largest global smartphone market share of 23.9% in the fourth quarter of 2011, followed by Samsung with 23.5% and Nokia with 12.6%, the sources cited Strategy Analytics statistics as indicating. Based on previous experience, sales of iPhone 4S will remain at peak in the first quarter of 2012 and then begin to decline.

In consideration of advantageous timing, Samsung, HTC, Nokia and LG will unveil new models of smartphones at the 2012 Mobile World Congress to take place in Barcelona, Spain, during February 27-March 1 for launch in the second quarter of 2012.

Bruce Willis on new picture "Cold Light of Day" action film. Video.

Francisco De Jesús.




While on vacation in Spain a young Wall Street trader's family is kidnapped. With only hours to find them, he must uncover a government conspiracy and its connection to his father's secrets.

USA: Samsung Galaxy Note™ arrives in carbon blue and ceramic white at AT&T* stores beginning Feb. 19 for $299.99 with a two-year agreement.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

Samsung Galaxy Note™ arrives in carbon blue and ceramic white at AT&T* stores beginning Feb. 19 for $299.99 with a two-year agreement. 

 The release date is now official. Pre-orders for the 5.3-inch “phablet” with the S-Pen stylus will begin on Feb. 5, while store availability is slated for Feb. 19. The Galaxy Note’s on-contract pricing is $300 USD.

The  Galaxy Note is a 4G LTE phone, it’s understandable that AT&T would price the Note higher than not phone/tablet devices to make that differentiation.

Press Release:

AT&T's Latest 4G LTE Device Offers Customers a New Way to Communicate and Collaborate

DALLAS, Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
Key Facts
  • Previously announced at AT&T's Developer Summit leading up to the International Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month, the Samsung Galaxy Note™ arrives in carbon blue and ceramic white at AT&T* stores beginning Feb. 19 for $299.99 with a two-year agreement. 
  • Customers excited to get their hands on this dream device even earlier can pre-order at http://www.att.com/galaxynote or any AT&T company-owned retail store beginning Sunday, Feb. 5 for delivery by Feb. 17.
  • The Galaxy Note combines the best features of a smartphone with the larger viewing screen of a tablet and advanced technology in the S Pen™ -- delivering an all-in-one device that allows users to work more efficiently and maintain productivity, while communicating in a unique, personal way. 
  • Galaxy Note boasts the world's first 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED™ screen (1280x800), one of the largest screens on a smartphone, for sharp, clear colors and readability – both indoors and out.  With the expansive high-resolution screen that provides an immersive viewing experience, customers can take full advantage of the large display, to create and consume more.
  • The Galaxy Note includes a highly advanced tool called the S Pen, which delivers fast, responsive and precise control to create fine lines and detail on the device display, much like an ink pen and pad of paper.  With the S Pen, users can easily sketch drawings, jot down notes, or write emails and texts quickly and easily in free-form handwriting.
  • S Memo™, a multimedia application designed to capture all forms of user-created content captured by the S Pen, allows for pictures, voice recordings, typed text, handwritten notes or drawings to be combined via a single application, converted to a 'memo', and shared as desired.
  • It also includes a smart professional planning tool that makes full use of the device's large screen. The calendar integrates the phone's to-do list and schedule; control and navigation is intuitive, helping customers comprehensively organize their lives.
  • An easy screen-capture function also allows users to instantly save any screen, which can also be annotated with the S Pen before being saved or shared.
  • Users can communicate in personal, creative ways expanding beyond traditional sharing methods with the Galaxy Note.
Accessories
The Galaxy Note features a unique portfolio of custom designed optional accessories including:
  • Desktop Dock to get the most out of your Galaxy Note at home
  • Spare Battery Charging System that allows for a convenient backup charging solution
  • Protective Flip Cover Case, available in multiple colors including tan, black, pink, red, white, blue.
  • Galaxy Note S Pen Holder Kit which offers a solution for users in need of a more traditional writing instrument. With a spare S Pen included, the S Pen Holder secures the navigation tool inside and offers a comfortable grip and allows for more detailed use.
The Galaxy Note is also compatible with the following universal accessories:  Micro USB Adapter, HDTV Smart Adapter, Car Power Charger with Detachable Data Cable (Micro USB), Micro USB Data Cable, Travel Charger (Detachable with USB to Micro USB Cable), and the premium Refined Sound wired headset.

Pre-Orders
Beginning Sunday, Feb. 5 customers will have the option to pre-order the Note at http://www.att.com/galaxynote or by visiting an AT&T company-owned retail store.  Pre-orders processed by Feb. 15 will arrive by Feb. 17 at customers' homes.

Quote
"The Galaxy Note brings a new level of efficiency to busy customers who would normally rely on multiple devices," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.  "This new breed of smartphone helps consumers accomplish more with a single device than ever before.  The unique all-in-one experience can simplify daily life while tapping into AT&T's 4G LTE network to let customers work even faster."

Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets.  4G speeds delivered by LTE, or HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul, where available.  Deployment ongoing.  Compatible device and data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.  Learn more at att.com/network.

Limited-time offer. Samsung Galaxy Note requires a new 2-yr wireless agreement with voice (min $39.99/mo) and min monthly data plan ($20/mo). Subject to Wireless Customer Agrmt. Credit approval req'd. Activ fee $36/line. Geographic, usage and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in svc termination. Coverage and svcs not avail everywhere. Taxes and other charges apply. 

Data (att.com/dataplans): If usage exceeds your monthly data allowance, you will automatically be charged overage for additional data provided. 

Early Termination Fee (att.com/equipmentETF): After 30 days, ETF up to $325. Restocking fee up to $35

Other Monthly Charges/line may include a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), a gross receipts surcharge, federal and state universal svc charges, fees and charges for other gov't assessments.

These are not taxes or gov't req'd charges. Visit a store or att.com/wireless to learn more about wireless devices and services from AT&T.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. 

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

© 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.


About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungwireless.com.


About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world's most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.


SOURCE AT&T Inc.



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Canada: TELUS, Bell and Rogers releasing the Galaxy Note February 14th for $249.99 on a 3-year, according to Best Buy

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.




The confirmed carriers to release this Android phone/tablet are TELUS, Bell and Rogers with a “mid-February” availability. 

First out of the gate with the official release date and pricing is big box retailer Best Buy showing the Note will be available to the masses on Tuesday, February 14th for the 3-year contract price of $249.99. Best Buy also notes the Rogers logo on their info page, but doesn’t have any pricing info.

 Missing is the no-contract price points but will most likely be around the $600+ mark. If you want to pre-order the Note can walk into a store and lay down a $50 deposit.

Source: Best Buy Canada via Mobilesyrup.

MWC 2012: Asus to launch the Padfone quad-core/tablet hybrid Android 4.0 ICS in Feb 27th.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

About 9 months ago the ASUS Padfone was announced and apparently  the 10.1-inch tablet with its accompanying 4.3-inch smartphone, will be launched at MWC 2012 in February 27th.


The combo will have an update in the smatphone with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core chip and including Android 4.0 ICS. Checked on the MWC 2012 companies press conference dates list link below:



MWC 2012: Companies press conferences dates list.


Netbooks news made a video demo below and says: "  We were able to get some hands on time with ASUS Padfone running Android 4.0, it is still under development and original Transformer owners will be happy to hear that they'll be able to use their dock with the upcoming Tegra 3 tablet.





Releated posts:



MWC 2012: Companies press conferences dates list.




Computex 2011: Asus Announces The Padfone. Videos.




MWC 2012: Companies press conferences dates list.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

We are reporting some of the companies press conference dates to take place at the MWC 2012 in Barcelona, next Feb 27-March 1, 2012, on a list below:


ASUS
When: Monday, 27 February 2012 at 11:00 clock information / motto: The Quad-Core Tablet / Smartphone ASUS Padfone is presented in detail. / Incredibly Mobile. Endless Possibility.
HTC
When: Sunday, 26 February 2012 at 20:30 clock information / motto: HTC unveils an exciting product innovations at Mobile World Congress.
Huawei
When: Sunday, 26 February 2012 at 15:30 clock information / motto: Several smartphones from the Diamond series will be presented.
LG Electronics
When: . so far announced no information / motto: To date, two devices ( X3 and CX2 ) is known for the MWC.
Nokia
When: Monday, 27 February 2012 at 08:30  not known. Rumors of a Lumia 910 announcement.
Research In Motion
When: No date  yet:  demonstration of BlackBerry OS 10
Samsung Electronics
When:  . nothing yet announced topic:  Already at CES 2012, I've heard, but ignored for now. Today I learned that it is probably safe: Samsung will very likely not to introduce Galaxy SIII MWC. Currently there are two problems with the Galaxy SII successor. At a special event that will take place somewhat later, the phone will be presented.
Sony
When: Sunday, 26 February 2012 at 18:00  What's next? (We expect: Kumquat ST25i Sony , Sony MT27i Pepper and Sony Nypon LT22i )

China: Apple poised to sell 40M iPhones.



WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

Apple poised to sell 40M iPhones in China.


Apple will partner with China Telecom and China Mobile in the next year, leading to incremental sales of up to 40 million iPhones in the next calendar year, 2013, according to a Morgan Stanley analyst.


 A note published by Katy Huberty and seen by AppleInsider suggested Apple could only reach 10 percent of the 150 million high-end subscribers in the country through its current deal with China Unicom, after the operator launched the iPhone 4S in the country in mid-January.

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Kindle Fire quality content is dominating on Android tablets app usage.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.


Analytics firm Flurry said that Amazon’s Kindle grew to represent 36 percent of end user Android tablet app sessions in January 2012 from 3 percent in November 2011, primarily at the expense of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab.


The company said that the Christmas holiday sales period resulted in a “massive surge in session usage” for the Amazon device, which actually edged the Samsung device into second place using unrounded numbers (at 35.7 percent and 35.6 percent, respectively).

While the Kindle Fire has managed to overtake the Galaxy Tab in a matter of months from a standing start, it was also noted that overall Android tablet sessions more than tripled during the period, with Galaxy Tab sessions increasing by more than 50 percent.

Based on an analysis of 5 paid apps which ranked in the top 10 for both Android Market and Amazon App Store, the company asserted that “the Kindle Fire drove over 2.5 times more paid downloads to consumers than the Samsung Galaxy Tab." This means that “Amazon App Store can already deliver more direct revenue to developers than the Android Market” – despite the smaller installed base of tablets.

In a blog post, Flurry said that “Amazon’s launch of Kindle Fire had more in common with an Apple-style launch than it did with aligning with the Android system.” By taking a content-led standpoint, Amazon is taking a contrasting approach to rival Android device makers, who have “focused on marketing the operating system and the 'power' of the devices, with quality of content and the consumer experience subordinated in priority.”

Games for FREE for your iPod Touch.

WorldWide Tech & Scvience. Francisco De Jesús.

Best Free iPod Touch Games:

Valor 

Lead your kingdom to glory in the massive multiplayer online real time strategy game Valor. You’re pitted against other iOS users and battle it out for the right to rule the realm. You can form alliances and create guilds. Betray rival kingdoms in this surprisingly deep strategy game.
valor-iphone-screenshot

Little-Metal-Ball-iconLittle Metal Ball

Navigate giant platforms as quick as you can without falling over the edge in Little Metal Ball. It’s tilt-to-roll gameplay on an adventurous scale. LMB throws in stars that give time bonuses, moving platforms and jumps to keep things interesting.
Little-Metal-Ball-iphone-screenshot

Poker-by-Zynga-iconPoker by Zynga

Poker by Zynga was originally a Facebook app and it makes the transition to your Touch quite nicely. The design is simple and doesn’t get in the way of your hands. You do need to have online access as the game is online-only.
Poker-by-Zynga-screenshot

Hangman-Tic-Tac-ToeHangman/Tic-Tac-Toe

Play against the computer or your friends with Hangman and Tic-Tac-Toe. They’re separate apps that make for some quick gaming. Admittedly, these two are more fun to play against your friends. Still, they’re simple games and worth a few minutes.
Hangman-Tic-Tac-Toe-iphone

Solitaire-Sudoku-iconSolitaire/Sudoku

There are a few Solitaire and Sudoku apps for free on iTunes. We recommend just searching for these two one-word titles. You’ll get some brain action in Sudoku and you can never go wrong with a quick game of Solitaire while waiting for the bus.
Solitaire-Sudoku-screenshot



Oregon-Trail-iconOregon Trail

The original gets an update to some cartoony fun but still with some of the same problems that you remember. You’ll still get dysentary, for example. If you’re nostalgic for traveling the Trail as you did in school, give this app a try. There are some new features like a few mini games and side missions.
Oregon-Trail-screenshot

addicting-games-iconAddicting Games

Yes, technically, this isn’t a game. It’s a bunch of games. You start out with up to 32 games with AG promising to add even more down the road. Try games like Parapop, Jewelers, World Wars, Zombie Burger and more. It comes with achievements, tons of levels and the ability to challenge Facebook friends.
addicting-games-screenshot

Minecraft-pocket-edition-iconMinecraft – pocket edition

Minecraft on your phone! Design the world of your dreams and dig deep into the underbelly while keeping an eye out for the deadly creepers. True, the pocket edition of Minecraft does not have as many options as the full PC game but the simple gameplay still offers what you need from the world building game.
Minecraft-pocket-edition-screenshot

Hanging-with-friends-Free-Words-with-friends-Free-iconHanging with friends Free/Words with friends Free

Zynga’s Words and Hanging with friends games are uber-popular and you probably know someone who has at least one them. Words is Scrabble and Hanging is a twist on Hangman. Instead of a noose the characters hold balloons that float them up. Grab either one and challenge your friends.
Hanging-with-friends-Free-Words-with-friends-Free

bubble-shooter-iconBubble Shooter Free

Who doesn’t love shooting bubbles? It’s been a gaming classic since the 1980s and this app doesn’t disappoint in the shooting of bubbles regard. Beyond the normal bubble wall that descends there are several different maps and modes to choose one. Just tap the screen and fire away.
bubble-shooter-iphone

Source. digitaltrends

Top 10 list of artists with most works stolen. Picasso the most.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.


Painting of a 'Dove with Green Peas' by Pablo Picasso, left, was taken from the Museum of Modern Art in Paris in 2010 in the art heist of the century. There are fears it may have been destroyed. Woman's Head, right, was recently taken from the Athens National Art Gallery




Pablo Picasso is the artist who has more works stolen than anyone else.


The Spanish master currently has 1,147 paintings registered as stolen, missing or disputed, which is more than twice as many as the next on the list, the Daily Mail reported on Jan. 27.

That figure rose recently when his 1939 work 'Woman's Head' was pinched from the Athens' National Art Gallery in Greece.

The Art Loss Register has compiled a list of artists who have had the highest number of works stolen and the countries where the art is mostly taken from, with Britain being the most vulnerable place.

The database lists all the stolen, missing and disputed works of art around the world.

Coming second to Picasso is the modern American artist Nick Lawrence who has 557 stolen works. Most of them went missing in one go in 2004.

In third place is Marc Chagall, the Russian-French 20th century all-rounder, who has 516 stolen works.

Karel Appel, the Dutch painter and sculptor, comes fourth with 505 stolen works, just ahead of Salvador Dali with 504. Joan Miro, David Levine, Andy Warhol, Rembrandt and Peter Reinicke make up the rest of the top ten.

Other artists on the list include Henri Matisse with 205 missing works, Rubens with 169, John Constable with 155 and Thomas Gainsborough with 97.

The Art Loss Register has also revealed that 40 per cent of thefts occurred in Britain and 16 per cent of them were in America.

The top 10 list of artists with most works stolen:
1) Pablo Picasso - 1,147
2) Nick Lawrence - 557
3) Marc Chagall - 516
4) Karel Appel - 505
5) Salvador Dali - 505
6) Joan Miro - 478
7) David Levine - 343
7) Andy Warhol - 343
9) Rembrandt - 337
10) Peter Reinicke - 336

Are Apple vs Samsung legal battles in a stalemate phase.?

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.


The legal battle between Samsung Electronics and Apple over patent infringements is showing signs of a stalemate.



Some non-Samsung affiliated patent experts say it is time for Apple to drop its anti-Android crusade, bringing an end not just to its fight with Samsung but also to other Android-using smartphone makers. 

It is not immediately clear whether Apple will change its tack and become conciliatory. 

A source at Samsung confirmed its stance of “no reconciliation” with Apple with its leadership wanting to see its fight through to victory. 

In the latest development, Apple’s appeal to have Samsung’s Galaxy tablets banned in the Netherlands was rejected. 
This followed a ruling in Germany that favored Apple. 

"It’s reasonable that Apple should fully realize that battles aimed at crushing the `Android alliances’ are not truly helping its operation in anyway,’’ said an expert who is familiar with the Apple-Samsung fight. This view is gaining momentum among some experts but it is highly unlikely that the U.S. firm will change its stance overnight, considering its strong performance. 

But it is widely believe that the two tech giants will be left with few other options except cross-licensing deals, an industrial norm to resolve an entanglement of a no-holds barred patent war. 

In the Dutch case, Apple sued Samsung as part of its effort to impose a sales injunction on the Galaxy Tab 10.1. But the appeals court confirmed a lower court ruling and denied the request.

Just before the ruling, Samsung’s effort to ban the sale of Apple products in Germany was also denied. 

Apple’s representative in Korea said that he was not in a position to comment. 

The chances of the lawsuits coming to an end any time soon look slim as Samsung is still insisting it doesn’t have plans to mend souring ties with Apple.

"Officially, our stance toward Apple has not changed. If Apple approaches us with a goodwill gesture, Samsung will consider whether to accept, that’s the only condition,’’ said a high-ranking executive.

Meanwhile, Samsung made a formal request with the U.S. District Court in California for Apple to completely reveal the details of its contract with wireless chipmaker Qualcomm as the company believes they will provide ``critical evidence’’ to strengthen its case.

"Apple buying Qualcomm chips is as good as paying for the patents,’’ said a document obtained by The Korea Times. Qualcomm is currently in a cross-licensing agreement with Samsung.

Another court decision is slated for this week in Germany. ``The upcoming decision by a court in Germany is more than critical. Samsung’s strategies might be different according to it,’’ said the unnamed Samsung executive.

"I doubt that Samsung wants to see a complete ban on Apple products. Samsung aims to be better positioned to have an edge in cross-licensing deals,’’ said a patent expert in Seoul, adding he expects to see a peace treaty between the technology giants.

Apple brought a suit against Samsung over claims its iPad design patents were infringed on by Samsung’s Galaxy tablet. 

Samsung immediately countersued, although Apple is the biggest component buyer from the Korean firm.

The latter claimed that the former had infringed in its mobile wireless patents. Since then, the dispute has continued to spread to over 30 court cases in 10 different jurisdictions.

"Apple CEO Tim Cook should understand that the fight with Samsung hasn’t been successful so far. Apple relinquished its lead in smartphones to Samsung. Apple should return to normal business operations that are reasonable,’’ said the patent expert.                          

Europe: Fold-up car of the future unveiled. The Hiriko.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.


A tiny revolutionary fold-up car designed in Spain's Basque country as the answer to urban stress and pollution was unveiled Jan. 24 before hitting European cities in 2013.

The "Hiriko," the Basque word for "urban," is an electric two-seater with no doors whose motor is located in the wheels and which folds up like a child's collapsible buggy, or stroller, for easy parking.


Dreamt up by Boston's MIT-Media lab, the concept was developed by a consortium of seven small Basque firms under the name Hiriko Driving Mobility, with a prototype unveiled by European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso.


Demonstrating for journalists, Barroso clambered in through the fold-up front windscreen of the 1.5-metre-long car.

"European ideas usually are developed in the United States. This time an American idea is being made in Europe," consortium spokesman Gorka Espiau told AFP.

Its makers are in talks with a number of European cities to assemble the tiny cars that can run 120 kilometers (75 miles) without a recharge and whose speed is electronically set to respect city limits.

They envision it as a city-owned vehicle, up for hire like the fleets of bicycles available in many European cities, or put up for sale privately at around 12,500 euros.

Several cities have shows interest, including Berlin, Barcelona, San Francisco and Hong Kong. Talks are under way with Paris, London, Boston, Dubai and Brussels.

The vehicle's four wheels turn at right angles to facilitate sideways parking in tight spaces.


The backers describe the "Hiriko" project as a "European social innovation initiative offering a systematic solution to major societal challenges: urban transportation, pollution and job creation."


Enjoy a full pictures presentation of Hiriko: