'Ice Cream Sandwich' smartphone unveiled
2011/10/20
HONG KONG: 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 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 comes 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 US$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.
Apple has since sought a ban on sales of Samsung's Galaxy S smartphones and Galaxy Tab in Germany,
Australia and other countries, prompting Samsung to file counter-suits.
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The Korean firm is pressing Apple hard in the lucrative smartphone business.
Apple shipped 20.3 million smartphones worldwide in the second quarter of this year compared with
Samsung's 19.6 million, although the South Korean firm has been catching up with its US rival thanks to the
popularity of the Galaxy. - AFP
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