The week in gadgets


5 Dec 2011

The Samsung Galaxy S II

A look at gadget happenings, as a US court rejects a ban on Samsung Galaxy products, Gingerbread makes up half of Android devices and UK courts will use tablets to reduce paper load.

US court rejects request to ban sales of Samsung tablets, smartphones

A court in the US has rejected Apple’s request to block the sale of Samsung’s Galaxy range of smartphones and tablets.

Reuters reports that the preliminary injunction was denied as the judge believed it was unclear if banning the sale of the Samsung product would “prevent Apple from being irreparably harmed.”

The case is still ongoing in the US but this decision means Samsung’s smartphones and tablets won’t see an immediate ban in the region.

It’s the latest move in Apple and Samsung’s long-running legal dispute over patents around the world. Australia recently extended a ban on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 as the case in that region continues.

Gingerbread makes up more than 50pc of Android phones

Android 2.3 Gingerbread makes up 50.6pc of active Android devices, according to new figures released by Google.

The data was collected based on the number of Android devices accessing the Android Market with a 14-day period ending on 1 December.

Gingerbread makes up 50.6pc of Android devices. Android 2.2 Froyo follows at more than 35pc.

Android 2.1 Eclair makes up 9.6pc of active Android devices and Android 1.6 Donut follows at 1.3pc. Android 1.5 Cupcake is the least used at 0.8pc. Android 3.0 Honeycomb tablets make up 2.4pc of active Android devices.

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich was not available during the time the data was gathered, but should become a contender once newer smartphones are released and OEMs update current devices with the latest mobile OS.

UK courts to introduce tablets to cut down on paper use

Crown Prosecution Service departments in England and Wales will be given tablet computers for work to cut down on the amount of paper used in the legal system.

The Guardian reports that prosecutors will be given HP Windows tablets which will contain evidence and documentation needed for use in court.

Police officers will be able to send evidence electronically to these devices to reduce paperwork.

The scheme will later be extended to judges, jurors and defence barristers in order to create paperless courts. It’s hoped it will save stg£50m across England and Wales by the time of the next Parliament.

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