Before I begin, I want to remind the readers that I am a user of both Samsung and
Apple products. I use Galaxy S2 and Macbook Air. Both of them are great in qualities and it
is really worth a price. By now, you guys probably have noticed that I am a big fan
of these two companies. Moreover, Samsung and Apple are one of the biggest clients to each other. For example, a lot of iPhone's and iPad's hardware components are provided by Samsung.
Since the release of the first iPhone, back in 2007, a lot of other companies foresaw the great demand in Smartphone market and a lot of them jumped into its market. Only few of those companies who competed with iPhone managed to keep up with them, and still managed to have great success. Out of those companies who are competing with Apple; Samsung's Galaxy is probably the biggest threat to the iPhone. In fact, Samsung is the second largest mobile manufactures by market share and Apple is in fourth. Despite their business partnership, the relationship between them has been faltered greatly in recent years. Just in 2011, over 20 lawsuits have been filed against each other. In one of the lawsuit, Apple claimed that Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 has infringed on design patents for the iPad tablet.
Since the release of the first iPhone, back in 2007, a lot of other companies foresaw the great demand in Smartphone market and a lot of them jumped into its market. Only few of those companies who competed with iPhone managed to keep up with them, and still managed to have great success. Out of those companies who are competing with Apple; Samsung's Galaxy is probably the biggest threat to the iPhone. In fact, Samsung is the second largest mobile manufactures by market share and Apple is in fourth. Despite their business partnership, the relationship between them has been faltered greatly in recent years. Just in 2011, over 20 lawsuits have been filed against each other. In one of the lawsuit, Apple claimed that Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 has infringed on design patents for the iPad tablet.
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| Galaxy S2 vs Iphone4 |
As I mentioned, I am a big fan of the Apple company and their products. However, I personally believe that the main reason behind these lawsuits are to ban sales of Samsung's products(i.e Galaxy S2, Galaxy Tab), so that the Apple can monopolize in the Smartphone market. Is Apple really afraid of Samsung or what? It is really ridiculous to see Apple claiming the design patent to its rectangular shape. It is like saying that whoever first invented the jeans have the right to sue over anyone trying to manufacture another jeans using similar or same design patterns. As a big fan of both companies, I rather see them competing each other, rather than putting efforts to ban the sale of one another to increase their profits.
I am also a big fan of both companies. However, when I see stuff like: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/samsung-pulls-controversial-anymode-smart-case-says-it-never-re/
ReplyDeleteI really have to wonder whether or not Samsung is just blatantly copying Apple products (and thus infringing on patents)
or perhaps Samsung is just following Steve Job's advice (http://gizmodo.com/5483914/steve-jobs-1996-good-artists-copy-great-artists-steal) "Good artists copy, great artists steal"
After all, Apple did copy the window managing system from Xerox Parc, and Microsoft just stole the stolen idea from Apple.
Either way, we the consumers are winning. Innovation is also coming from other companies, whether Apple likes it or not.
DISCLAIMER: I own multiple Samsung TVs, a Fridge, and a Dumbphone. And I own an Apple iPad, iPod Touch and MacBook Pro
I think you raise an interesting point with your jeans idea. However, Samsung could use this lawsuit as an opportunity. Most smartphones look the same, so Samsung could create a new, refreshing design which could set them apart from other companies that produce phones which are nearly indistinguishable. It could be the next contrast between iPhones and Blackberries.
ReplyDeleteI think healthy competition makes a good market. But accuse rectangle shape for phone? That's a little bit off line. What do you expect the shape of phone? But on the other hand, I think Apple did spend a lot of money on their design. No producers feel nice if they see others are producing similar products. I agree that they should compete in a healthy way than this.
ReplyDeleteI believe that in order to compete in the smart phone market, one can't be seen as a "smart phone". One can be an "IPhone", a "Blackberry" or a "smart phone" like everyone else. Samsung should redefine itself and perhaps the lawsuit will give it that opportunity. Everyone knows the high quality products Samsung produces, now marketing is all that is missing.
ReplyDeleteNice post with awesome points! Can’t wait for the next one.
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