Samsung, Google unveil 'Ice Cream Sandwich' phone
South Korea's Samsung Electronics Wednesday unveiled its new
smartphone that runs on Google's latest Android operating system, the
latest weapon in its battle to topple Apple's iPhone.
The launch of the "Galaxy Nexus", which comes days a after the new
iPhone 4S went on sale, was initially scheduled for October 11 but was
delayed following the death of Apple chief Steve Jobs as a gesture of
respect.
Samsung - the world's number two mobile phone maker - and Apple are
also engaged in a series of patent lawsuits over the technology and
design of smartphones and tablet computers.
"We are very proud of this milestone," Samsung's Mobile
Communications Business president JK Shin said as the new phone was
unveiled in Hong Kong. The Galaxy Nexus is the first device to use the
new Android "Ice Cream Sandwich" - a title that continues Google's
tradition of naming its operating systems after desserts in alphabetical
order. The firms said the new handset offers easier and quicker Internet
browsing, an improved camera and enhanced security using face
recognition technology.
It also features "Android Beam", a function that allows content to be
shared between two devices by simply touching them together.
The smartphone will be available in the United States, Europe and
Asia from November, before being gradually rolled out to other markets.
Its price was not announced.
The launch of the Galaxy Nexus come as Apple's iPhone 4S has already
notched up sales of more than four million units since launching in
seven countries on Friday. The Apple handset will be available in 22
other countries, including much of Europe, by the end of October, and
more than 70 countries by the end of 2011.
However, Samsung is seeking a ban of sales of the new iPhone in
Japan, Australia, France and Italy, citing what it called patent
infringements regarding mobile technology, part of an escalating legal
saga between the two.
The legal battle over the $100 billion smartphone and tablet computer
market began in April in the US when Apple accused Samsung of
"slavishly" copying its market-leading iPhone and iPad. AFP
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