The facts are pretty basic. First off, Google and Apple are industry rivals; not just with mobile phones but also in many other aspects. With Apple currently holding top position in the mobile phone industry, it makes sense that they have started the fight here.
A few weeks back, Apple sued Taiwanese mobile phone manufacturer HTC for allegedly infringing on 20 hardware and software patents that the company owned. HTC has already stated that they will be defending their own patents and will face Apple head on. Later reports confirmed that a majority of HTC mobile devices affected by the lawsuit are Android smart phones –further fueling reports that this is as much an attack on Google as it is on HTC.
HTC is already known to be a solid supporter of the Android OS. The company has been the first to make an Android smart phone and was the manufacturer of the first Google phone. Google has already stated that they will be standing behind HTC in regards to the lawsuit.
Many believe that the lawsuit against HTC is a move in order to cripple an important pillar in Google’s stability in the mobile industry. With several HTC branded devices expected to come out, it makes sense that a lawsuit would come at this time –perhaps an attempt to get stocks held back or even recalled.
Google on the other hand has yet to actually make a solid step against Apple. The company has been pretty vocal about their disapproval of Apple and Steve Jobs’ ideologies and methods, as well as the way Apple restricts their app developers.
With the lawsuit still ongoing, it is unlikely that either Google or Apple would be trying something else at this time.
Get to know more about the tensions between Apple and Google at the Guardian UK.
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