Report: Half of Android users have not purchased apps
According to a recent survey from AdMob, more than half of Google Android users (55 percent) have never downloaded a paid application. The amount is double the 23 percent of iPhone users who have chose not to purchase apps.So what is preventing Android users from spending their cash? Though many people from other countries still lack access to paid applications, some developers are blaming the structure of the Android Market. Currently, customers can only purchase applications using Google Checkout, which requires a Google account and a credit card.The iTunes App Store also requires a credit card for purchases, but customers without access to a credit card can also use an iTunes gift card. Google has told us it will be adding more payment options like carrier billing, but I'd argue that it could benefit from a similar gift card strategy.Developers also have blamed the Market features that allows customers to easily refund a purchase if they uninstall the app within 24 hours. This may have an effect on overall app purchases, but I don't think it's amajor factor. Users must actually register a Google Checkout account and complete a purchase with a credit card before being able to make a return. Also, I like the 24-hour trial policy and have found that it actually encourages me to sample more paid apps and thus make more purchases.A more plausible theory is the lack of quality apps available in the Android Market. For example, comparing games on the two platforms reveals a large gap in the number of quality titles. Android also lacks many of the compelling mainstream software that is targeted only for iPhone. As Google is trying to actively recruit developers with events such as their Android Developers Challenge, we should begin to see some results in the coming months.Finally, it could just come down to the huge number of end users that Apple currently enjoys. The iPhone offers a much larger market size, which attracts more developers. For August 2009, AdMob estimates the iPhone and iPod Touch market at around $200 million, which is 40 times larger than the $5 million for Android. Analyst predict this gap will narrow over the next few years, but Android has a large hill to climb.If you own an Android phone and have never purchased a paid application, what is stopping you?
Harman's got the Rx for poor-quality music
Harman's got the Rx for poor-quality music
LAS VEGAS -- The connected car brings many advantages to the driver, but will also mean degraded music quality as people increasingly use streaming audio-services. At CES 2014, Harman announced Signal Doctor, a digital signal processor technology that attempts to restore fidelity to compressed audio.Typical digital audio tracks bought from Amazon and iTunes are compressed to 128 or 256Kbps, and streaming audio from the likes of Pandora and Spotify is often down to 64 or 96Kbps. That much compression means a lot of lost information from a music track, which diminishes the sound quality.Signal Doctor analyzes the audio signal in real time, and attempts to predict and restore the part of the signal that was lost.The technology restores peak levels and high frequencies, all of which compression technology tends to discard. It also isolates vocals and enhances them.Catch CNET's complete coverage of CES 2014During a demonstration here at CES, Harman played a variety of low-bit-rate tracks, including AC/DC's "Back in Black" and Sarah McLachlan's "Building a Mystery," using a graphic audio analyzer to show where compression had cut off the frequencies. When the Signal Doctor bypass was switched on, areas that appeared flat in the original graphic analysis were filled in.The listening experience was greatly improved. The unprocessed compressed tracks often sounded muffled and lifeless. Signal Doctor added richer tones to the music. When played in a Kia Sorento, the soundstage for the music widened considerably.Signal Doctor is a software algorithm that Harman can load into digital signal processor hardware. It dynamically scales itself depending on how much music is compressed, applying its full capability to the most compressed music, and letting uncompressed audio, such as from a CD, play through without interference.Currently, the Signal Doctor technology is available in the JBL Authentics line of powered speakers. Harman, as a major automotive supplier, will also make the technology available to automakers.
LAS VEGAS -- The connected car brings many advantages to the driver, but will also mean degraded music quality as people increasingly use streaming audio-services. At CES 2014, Harman announced Signal Doctor, a digital signal processor technology that attempts to restore fidelity to compressed audio.Typical digital audio tracks bought from Amazon and iTunes are compressed to 128 or 256Kbps, and streaming audio from the likes of Pandora and Spotify is often down to 64 or 96Kbps. That much compression means a lot of lost information from a music track, which diminishes the sound quality.Signal Doctor analyzes the audio signal in real time, and attempts to predict and restore the part of the signal that was lost.The technology restores peak levels and high frequencies, all of which compression technology tends to discard. It also isolates vocals and enhances them.Catch CNET's complete coverage of CES 2014During a demonstration here at CES, Harman played a variety of low-bit-rate tracks, including AC/DC's "Back in Black" and Sarah McLachlan's "Building a Mystery," using a graphic audio analyzer to show where compression had cut off the frequencies. When the Signal Doctor bypass was switched on, areas that appeared flat in the original graphic analysis were filled in.The listening experience was greatly improved. The unprocessed compressed tracks often sounded muffled and lifeless. Signal Doctor added richer tones to the music. When played in a Kia Sorento, the soundstage for the music widened considerably.Signal Doctor is a software algorithm that Harman can load into digital signal processor hardware. It dynamically scales itself depending on how much music is compressed, applying its full capability to the most compressed music, and letting uncompressed audio, such as from a CD, play through without interference.Currently, the Signal Doctor technology is available in the JBL Authentics line of powered speakers. Harman, as a major automotive supplier, will also make the technology available to automakers.
Rumor- Apple to open Mac App Store December 13th
Rumor: Apple to open Mac App Store December 13th
By streamlining the way Mac users buy and install their applications and games, Apple is creating an ecosystem that makes it easier for users to install Apps, thereby eliminating many of the issue we often find with installation of new software. The Mac App Store should also provide an easier way for developers to stay in contact with their customers, provide support, get feedback, and create much-needed buzz. Just like your iOS device, you'll be able to keep all your Apps up-to-date, which should also eliminate many of the Mac OS X update issues with Apps that many developers and users face.Only time will tell if the Mac App Store will release earlier than January, but I for one am excited either way. The easier it is to get great Apps on the Mac, the better the user (and developer) experience will be.Will the Mac App Store make a big impact on the way Mac users get their applications? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
By streamlining the way Mac users buy and install their applications and games, Apple is creating an ecosystem that makes it easier for users to install Apps, thereby eliminating many of the issue we often find with installation of new software. The Mac App Store should also provide an easier way for developers to stay in contact with their customers, provide support, get feedback, and create much-needed buzz. Just like your iOS device, you'll be able to keep all your Apps up-to-date, which should also eliminate many of the Mac OS X update issues with Apps that many developers and users face.Only time will tell if the Mac App Store will release earlier than January, but I for one am excited either way. The easier it is to get great Apps on the Mac, the better the user (and developer) experience will be.Will the Mac App Store make a big impact on the way Mac users get their applications? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Roku hits 1 billion streams to televisions
Roku hits 1 billion streams to televisions
Roku has delivered 1 billion streams via its set-top boxes, the company said yesterday.According to Roku, which also announced that it has sold 1 million set-top boxes, the average user watched 11 hours of content on a Roku device in December. The company said that at the end of 2010, its set-top boxes had 135 channels available, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Video On Demand.Roku currently sells three set-top box units, the Roku HD, the Roku XD, and the Roku XDS. Prices start at $59.99.Roku, which launched its first set-top box in mid-2008, finds itself in a real battle among several set-top-box makers, including Logitech and Boxee. But one of its top competitors is Apple, which announced late last year that it would sell 1 million Apple TV units by Christmas. However, unlike Roku, which offers content from several different companies via channels, Apple offers television and movie rentals through its iTunes platform. Apple also provides access to Netflix's streaming service and Flickr images.2011 is shaping up to be another hard-fought year for set-top-box makers, and Apple and Roku seem to be at the forefront of that fight.
Roku has delivered 1 billion streams via its set-top boxes, the company said yesterday.According to Roku, which also announced that it has sold 1 million set-top boxes, the average user watched 11 hours of content on a Roku device in December. The company said that at the end of 2010, its set-top boxes had 135 channels available, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Video On Demand.Roku currently sells three set-top box units, the Roku HD, the Roku XD, and the Roku XDS. Prices start at $59.99.Roku, which launched its first set-top box in mid-2008, finds itself in a real battle among several set-top-box makers, including Logitech and Boxee. But one of its top competitors is Apple, which announced late last year that it would sell 1 million Apple TV units by Christmas. However, unlike Roku, which offers content from several different companies via channels, Apple offers television and movie rentals through its iTunes platform. Apple also provides access to Netflix's streaming service and Flickr images.2011 is shaping up to be another hard-fought year for set-top-box makers, and Apple and Roku seem to be at the forefront of that fight.
Apple and Google ordered to revise app store refund policies in South Korea
Apple and Google ordered to revise app store refund policies in South Korea
South Korea's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has ordered Google and Apple to remove specific clauses pertaining to refunds in the terms and services of applications on Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store. The watchdog deemed the clauses explicitly unfair and responsible for damages to the consumer.On the Play Store, all Android apps have had their non-refundable clauses removed, with developers now required to develop refund policies. Apps that automatically charged consumers at the end of a free trial period will no longer be allowed to use the label "free trial." Instead, they will be labeled as paid apps that offer free services for a limited time, at which point the consumer can decide to cancel their subscription. Consumers who download faulty apps will also be able to recover damages beyond the purchase price of the app.Related StoriesHow the App Store became software development's holy grailApple scores $10B in App Store sales for 2013Thousands of secret keys found in Android appsGet a refund on apps in Google Play after 15 minutes On the App Store, developers must notify customers of any modified terms and conditions beforehand and give the option to cancel and receive a refund should they not agree with the new terms. In-app purchases can also be fully recoverable. The FTC is hoping that this change in policy will serve as an example for other countries around the world and promote fair practice.Hwang Won-chul, the head of the Korean FTC's adhesion contract division, told the Korea Herald, "Google will limit its response to the Korea, while Apple is considering applying the revised contract terms globally."The new policy does not only affect developers. Should the consumer violate the apps' terms and conditions, they are responsible for any damages, according to the ruling. The violation must clearly be stated and evident, and the damages claimed by the developer must be causally relevant to the violation made by the customer, the FTC ruling says.Also, whereas before developer employees were exempt from any blame, if there are reasons attributable to employees, they can now be responsible for damages, whether negligent or not.In March, Korea's FTC pushed through similar corrective measures for app marketplaces belonging to domestic carriers SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus.
South Korea's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has ordered Google and Apple to remove specific clauses pertaining to refunds in the terms and services of applications on Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store. The watchdog deemed the clauses explicitly unfair and responsible for damages to the consumer.On the Play Store, all Android apps have had their non-refundable clauses removed, with developers now required to develop refund policies. Apps that automatically charged consumers at the end of a free trial period will no longer be allowed to use the label "free trial." Instead, they will be labeled as paid apps that offer free services for a limited time, at which point the consumer can decide to cancel their subscription. Consumers who download faulty apps will also be able to recover damages beyond the purchase price of the app.Related StoriesHow the App Store became software development's holy grailApple scores $10B in App Store sales for 2013Thousands of secret keys found in Android appsGet a refund on apps in Google Play after 15 minutes On the App Store, developers must notify customers of any modified terms and conditions beforehand and give the option to cancel and receive a refund should they not agree with the new terms. In-app purchases can also be fully recoverable. The FTC is hoping that this change in policy will serve as an example for other countries around the world and promote fair practice.Hwang Won-chul, the head of the Korean FTC's adhesion contract division, told the Korea Herald, "Google will limit its response to the Korea, while Apple is considering applying the revised contract terms globally."The new policy does not only affect developers. Should the consumer violate the apps' terms and conditions, they are responsible for any damages, according to the ruling. The violation must clearly be stated and evident, and the damages claimed by the developer must be causally relevant to the violation made by the customer, the FTC ruling says.Also, whereas before developer employees were exempt from any blame, if there are reasons attributable to employees, they can now be responsible for damages, whether negligent or not.In March, Korea's FTC pushed through similar corrective measures for app marketplaces belonging to domestic carriers SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus.
Apple adds Siri support to its Podcasts app
Apple adds Siri support to its Podcasts app
iPhone and iPad users can now ask Siri to play their favorite podcasts thanks to the latest update to Apple's Podcasts app.Rolled out on Thursday, version 2.1 of Podcasts now responds directly to Siri. You can ask Siri to play all of your podcasts one after another by saying "Play podcasts." Or you can play a specific podcast by including the station or episode name, such as "Play Relaxation Meditation podcast."The Podcasts app also now integrates with Apple's CarPlay and lets you share links via AirDrop. Further, you can immediately play any station from the stations list by tapping on the Play button.Related storiesApple's OS X 10.9.3 improves Retina tech on 4K displaysApple aims to prevent misdirected text messagesShipments of larger Apple tablet overtake iPad MiniA date with Tim Cook is a bargain in 2014What else is new with Podcasts? Apple has tried to enhance the way you browse and manage individual episodes.A new Unplayed tab shows you all podcast episodes that you have yet to play. A new Feed tab displays episodes ready to be downloaded or streamed. You can save episodes to listen to them offline and tell the app to automatically delete episodes after you have played them. Finally, you can tap on links in a podcast description to open them in Safari.The update throws in the usual bug fixes as well. One fix promises to resolve playback issues after syncing with iTunes and another improves stability while downloading podcasts.Apple has also tweaked the Podcast feature in iTunes courtesy of the latest update -- iTunes 11.2. The improvements mimic those in the mobile app, namely the ability to better browse and manage your podcast episodes.To sync your podcasts between your computer and iPhone or iPad, Apple recommends that you update to iTunes 11.2 if you've already installed the latest version of the Podcasts app.
iPhone and iPad users can now ask Siri to play their favorite podcasts thanks to the latest update to Apple's Podcasts app.Rolled out on Thursday, version 2.1 of Podcasts now responds directly to Siri. You can ask Siri to play all of your podcasts one after another by saying "Play podcasts." Or you can play a specific podcast by including the station or episode name, such as "Play Relaxation Meditation podcast."The Podcasts app also now integrates with Apple's CarPlay and lets you share links via AirDrop. Further, you can immediately play any station from the stations list by tapping on the Play button.Related storiesApple's OS X 10.9.3 improves Retina tech on 4K displaysApple aims to prevent misdirected text messagesShipments of larger Apple tablet overtake iPad MiniA date with Tim Cook is a bargain in 2014What else is new with Podcasts? Apple has tried to enhance the way you browse and manage individual episodes.A new Unplayed tab shows you all podcast episodes that you have yet to play. A new Feed tab displays episodes ready to be downloaded or streamed. You can save episodes to listen to them offline and tell the app to automatically delete episodes after you have played them. Finally, you can tap on links in a podcast description to open them in Safari.The update throws in the usual bug fixes as well. One fix promises to resolve playback issues after syncing with iTunes and another improves stability while downloading podcasts.Apple has also tweaked the Podcast feature in iTunes courtesy of the latest update -- iTunes 11.2. The improvements mimic those in the mobile app, namely the ability to better browse and manage your podcast episodes.To sync your podcasts between your computer and iPhone or iPad, Apple recommends that you update to iTunes 11.2 if you've already installed the latest version of the Podcasts app.
Apple approves 1 millionth iOS app, tracker says
Apple approves 1 millionth iOS app, tracker says
Apple has approved 1 million iOS apps, according to an application discovery company.Appsfire revealed the findings on its Twitter account yesterday. In an e-mailed statement to CNET, an Appsfire spokesperson said that its tally includes all of the apps "that have been submitted and approved by Apple and that went live in the App Store" since its launch in 2008. The spokesperson was quick to point out that the tally does not include those apps that have been submitted and rejected.The Next Web was first to report on the Appsfire tally.Apple announced last month that its App Store has 700,000 applications available. According to Appsfire, the disparity includes apps that have either been removed by developers or Apple.Apple is notorious for keeping App Store information close to the vest, leaving some doubt in the accuracy of Appsfire's findings. However, the company, which offers an app that helps users find programs worth downloading to their mobile devices, says that it has been able to keep up with app submissions with help from an iTunes feed."It is available on-demand, but needs work to be digested," Appsfire's spokesperson told CNET.Right now, Appsfire said it believes that Apple's App Store has over 736,000 applications available to users. Out of those apps, a bit over 336,000 are paid.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the Appsfire claim. We will update this story when we have more information.
Apple has approved 1 million iOS apps, according to an application discovery company.Appsfire revealed the findings on its Twitter account yesterday. In an e-mailed statement to CNET, an Appsfire spokesperson said that its tally includes all of the apps "that have been submitted and approved by Apple and that went live in the App Store" since its launch in 2008. The spokesperson was quick to point out that the tally does not include those apps that have been submitted and rejected.The Next Web was first to report on the Appsfire tally.Apple announced last month that its App Store has 700,000 applications available. According to Appsfire, the disparity includes apps that have either been removed by developers or Apple.Apple is notorious for keeping App Store information close to the vest, leaving some doubt in the accuracy of Appsfire's findings. However, the company, which offers an app that helps users find programs worth downloading to their mobile devices, says that it has been able to keep up with app submissions with help from an iTunes feed."It is available on-demand, but needs work to be digested," Appsfire's spokesperson told CNET.Right now, Appsfire said it believes that Apple's App Store has over 736,000 applications available to users. Out of those apps, a bit over 336,000 are paid.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the Appsfire claim. We will update this story when we have more information.
Apple applies for photo-correcting patent
Apple applies for photo-correcting patent
Apple applied for a patent today for technology to use a mobile device's orientation sensors to help correct common photo problems.One claim in the patent application involves using gyroscopes, compasses, or accelerometers to determine a device's orientation, then using that data to fix problems such as a tilt that would keep a horizontal line from being level.A related claim involves a correction to distortion that can be caused when a camera isn't held vertically--for example when a view looking up makes the parallel vertical lines of a building converge. Here, a distance measurement to the subject could be factored in, too.A photo could be corrected either after it was taken or on the fly as it's being taken.The application is a new twist on hardware fixes for common photography problems. Modern digital cameras can move sensors or lens elements to counteract camera shake, and cameras or comptuer software can correct optical shortcomings of lenses. Start-up Lytro even hopes focusing errors can be avoided with light-field technology that lets people focus shots after they're taken. Smile detection technology can snap a photo only when you see the whites of their teeth, and face detection helps set exposure and focus.The iPhone 4, with a backside-illumination sensor that's more sensitive than conventional models, is highly regarded as phone cameras go, and it's highly used, too, topping Flickr's camera usage charts. No doubt Apple would like to help its customers avoid those embarrassingly tilted oceans.Now all we need is technology to ensure camera subjects look as healthy, vivacious, and beautiful as all the people in Apple's promotional illustrations.
Apple applied for a patent today for technology to use a mobile device's orientation sensors to help correct common photo problems.One claim in the patent application involves using gyroscopes, compasses, or accelerometers to determine a device's orientation, then using that data to fix problems such as a tilt that would keep a horizontal line from being level.A related claim involves a correction to distortion that can be caused when a camera isn't held vertically--for example when a view looking up makes the parallel vertical lines of a building converge. Here, a distance measurement to the subject could be factored in, too.A photo could be corrected either after it was taken or on the fly as it's being taken.The application is a new twist on hardware fixes for common photography problems. Modern digital cameras can move sensors or lens elements to counteract camera shake, and cameras or comptuer software can correct optical shortcomings of lenses. Start-up Lytro even hopes focusing errors can be avoided with light-field technology that lets people focus shots after they're taken. Smile detection technology can snap a photo only when you see the whites of their teeth, and face detection helps set exposure and focus.The iPhone 4, with a backside-illumination sensor that's more sensitive than conventional models, is highly regarded as phone cameras go, and it's highly used, too, topping Flickr's camera usage charts. No doubt Apple would like to help its customers avoid those embarrassingly tilted oceans.Now all we need is technology to ensure camera subjects look as healthy, vivacious, and beautiful as all the people in Apple's promotional illustrations.
Apple applies for another facial unlock patent for iOS devices
Apple applies for another facial unlock patent for iOS devices
Your face is once again the subject of a patent Apple has filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.The technology described in the patent, which was discovered by Patently Apple and AppleInsider, isn't all that different from one that surfaced from the iPhone maker in December, which described a method for users to lock and unlock their handsets with their face. However, the latest technology uses the front-facing camera on a mobile device to determine whether to lock or unlock the product.According to Patently Apple, the front-facing camera takes rapid snapshots that then translate into an action. If a phone is on but the camera can't see a person looking at the display, it'll lock the product. Conversely, if a person picks up the device, the camera will recognize that and unlock it.Related storiesPatents suggest stylus; Mode-based interface customizationKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIMCNET News Daily Podcast: Tech industry opens wallets for HaitiApple files patents to manage home energyApple seeks ban on U.S. Nokia importsTo add a bit more flavor to the patent, Apple also describes the use of sensors in a respective device that can determine whether a device should be locked or unlocked. For example, the respective device could sense someone holding it, gripping it, or moving it in some fashion, and then execute a locking or unlocking function.It's the face, though, that has proven most appealing to companies. Back in December, in fact, Apple filed for a patent on a technology that would recognize a person's face and use that as the authentication needed to access user profiles or other important information. Earlier this month, Google was awarded a patent on a technology that will identify a person's face and deliver full access to personal information.Face-to-unlock is already available in the wild. The Samsung Galaxy S3, for example, has a face unlock application. Samsung's Galaxy Nexus also comes with the feature and allows people to snap a picture of themselves to unlock their smartphone.
Your face is once again the subject of a patent Apple has filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.The technology described in the patent, which was discovered by Patently Apple and AppleInsider, isn't all that different from one that surfaced from the iPhone maker in December, which described a method for users to lock and unlock their handsets with their face. However, the latest technology uses the front-facing camera on a mobile device to determine whether to lock or unlock the product.According to Patently Apple, the front-facing camera takes rapid snapshots that then translate into an action. If a phone is on but the camera can't see a person looking at the display, it'll lock the product. Conversely, if a person picks up the device, the camera will recognize that and unlock it.Related storiesPatents suggest stylus; Mode-based interface customizationKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIMCNET News Daily Podcast: Tech industry opens wallets for HaitiApple files patents to manage home energyApple seeks ban on U.S. Nokia importsTo add a bit more flavor to the patent, Apple also describes the use of sensors in a respective device that can determine whether a device should be locked or unlocked. For example, the respective device could sense someone holding it, gripping it, or moving it in some fashion, and then execute a locking or unlocking function.It's the face, though, that has proven most appealing to companies. Back in December, in fact, Apple filed for a patent on a technology that would recognize a person's face and use that as the authentication needed to access user profiles or other important information. Earlier this month, Google was awarded a patent on a technology that will identify a person's face and deliver full access to personal information.Face-to-unlock is already available in the wild. The Samsung Galaxy S3, for example, has a face unlock application. Samsung's Galaxy Nexus also comes with the feature and allows people to snap a picture of themselves to unlock their smartphone.
Apple application to trademark iPad Mini denied
Apple application to trademark iPad Mini denied
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has denied Apple's bid to trademark the term "iPad Mini," contending that "mini" is "merely descriptive" of goods or services sold in miniature form.In a letter sent to Apple in January but only recently published, the USPTO reviewer denied Apple's application because "the applied-for mark merely describes a feature or characteristic of applicant's goods." Apple can appeal the decision, but to win a reversal the company will need to address the office's reasons for denial. The reviewer argues that "iPad" is descriptive of the products services, specifically that the "i" denotes Internet-related services, while "mini" describes the product as a distinctly smaller version of similar products. Marks that combine descriptive terms that retain their descriptive meaning in relation to goods or services are composite marks that are not registrable, the letter states (see below)."In this case, both the individual components and the composite result are descriptive of applicant's goods and do not create a unique, incongruous, or non-descriptive meaning in relation to the goods being small handheld mobile devices comprising tablet computers capable of providing Internet access," the office said.The reviewer also found evidence from the Internet showing that widespread use of the term "mini" to describe the small size of various handheld digital devices, and that "the wording merely describes a feature of applicant's goods, namely, a small sized handheld tablet computer.CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Apple filed a trademark application last November for a "handheld mobile digital electronic device comprising a tablet computer, electronic book and periodical reader, digital audio and video player, camera, electronic personal organizer, personal digital assistant, electronic calendar, and mapping and global positioning system (GPS) device, and capable of providing access to the Internet and sending, receiving, and storing messages and other data." USPTO Refuses Apple s iPad Mini Trademark Application
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has denied Apple's bid to trademark the term "iPad Mini," contending that "mini" is "merely descriptive" of goods or services sold in miniature form.In a letter sent to Apple in January but only recently published, the USPTO reviewer denied Apple's application because "the applied-for mark merely describes a feature or characteristic of applicant's goods." Apple can appeal the decision, but to win a reversal the company will need to address the office's reasons for denial. The reviewer argues that "iPad" is descriptive of the products services, specifically that the "i" denotes Internet-related services, while "mini" describes the product as a distinctly smaller version of similar products. Marks that combine descriptive terms that retain their descriptive meaning in relation to goods or services are composite marks that are not registrable, the letter states (see below)."In this case, both the individual components and the composite result are descriptive of applicant's goods and do not create a unique, incongruous, or non-descriptive meaning in relation to the goods being small handheld mobile devices comprising tablet computers capable of providing Internet access," the office said.The reviewer also found evidence from the Internet showing that widespread use of the term "mini" to describe the small size of various handheld digital devices, and that "the wording merely describes a feature of applicant's goods, namely, a small sized handheld tablet computer.CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Apple filed a trademark application last November for a "handheld mobile digital electronic device comprising a tablet computer, electronic book and periodical reader, digital audio and video player, camera, electronic personal organizer, personal digital assistant, electronic calendar, and mapping and global positioning system (GPS) device, and capable of providing access to the Internet and sending, receiving, and storing messages and other data." USPTO Refuses Apple s iPad Mini Trademark Application
Apple appeals judge's denial of Samsung sales ban
Apple appeals judge's denial of Samsung sales ban
Apple on Friday filed an appeal to a judge's ruling from earlier this week that denied a sales ban on Samsung devices.US District Judge Lucy Koh ruled Wednesday not to place a permanent injunction against Samsung for selling certain older-model smartphones. Those devices named by Apple included the Admire, Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S2, Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch, Galaxy S2 Skyrocket, Galaxy S3, and Stratosphere.Apple's injunction request stems back to its winning a $119.6 million jury verdict against Samsung in May. The jury found Samsung infringed on several Apple patents -- and it was these infringed-upon patents that Apple wanted included in its injunction request.One of the reasons that Koh may have decided not to impose the injunction against Samsung is that Apple reported stellar profit and solid iPhone sales in its third-quarter financial report released in July."Apple has not demonstrated that it will suffer irreparable harm to its reputation or goodwill as an innovator without an injunction," Koh wrote in her ruling.The two companies have been battling over patents for years in various suits, countersuits, and trials. But, it looks like the warring could soon come to an end. Earlier this month, the two companies agreed to drop all patent lawsuits against each other outside of the US.We've contacted Samsung about Apple's appeal and will update the report when we have more information. Apple v. Samsung 2014: The infringing devices...See full gallery1 - 4 / 13NextPrev
Apple on Friday filed an appeal to a judge's ruling from earlier this week that denied a sales ban on Samsung devices.US District Judge Lucy Koh ruled Wednesday not to place a permanent injunction against Samsung for selling certain older-model smartphones. Those devices named by Apple included the Admire, Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S2, Galaxy S2 Epic 4G Touch, Galaxy S2 Skyrocket, Galaxy S3, and Stratosphere.Apple's injunction request stems back to its winning a $119.6 million jury verdict against Samsung in May. The jury found Samsung infringed on several Apple patents -- and it was these infringed-upon patents that Apple wanted included in its injunction request.One of the reasons that Koh may have decided not to impose the injunction against Samsung is that Apple reported stellar profit and solid iPhone sales in its third-quarter financial report released in July."Apple has not demonstrated that it will suffer irreparable harm to its reputation or goodwill as an innovator without an injunction," Koh wrote in her ruling.The two companies have been battling over patents for years in various suits, countersuits, and trials. But, it looks like the warring could soon come to an end. Earlier this month, the two companies agreed to drop all patent lawsuits against each other outside of the US.We've contacted Samsung about Apple's appeal and will update the report when we have more information. Apple v. Samsung 2014: The infringing devices...See full gallery1 - 4 / 13NextPrev
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