Apple Blames Bugs for Battery Problems

Apple has finally made a statement that admits to "a few bugs" in its latest mobile operating system iOS 5.

Apple's servers were overwhelmed by demand for iOS 5 when it was released last month, but ever since its release, there have been thousands of complaints about poor battery life posted on Apple's forums.  In some cases, people claimed that their phone battery was draining by up to 15% every hour, even when the handset was not being used.

Initially Apple would not comment on the matter but have now issued a statement: "A small number of customers have reported lower than expected battery life on iOS 5 devices," it said.

"We have found a few bugs that are affecting battery life and we will release a software update to address those in a few weeks," it added.

It seems that Apple is certainly starting to feel the pressure from competitor challenges on the global stage, with vendors using Google’s Android Operating System turning up the heat. 

Analyst firm Canalys revealed that HTC has become the number one vendor in the US, overtaking Samsung, and pushing Apple into third place.

Is Apple’s perceived market dominance over?

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Intel Join Android in the Smartphone Race

The world's biggest chipmaker in the computer and server market has finally joined the smartphone race!

That’s right, Intel, who has so far played second fiddle to Cambridge-based designer ARM Holdings in the market for low power consumption chips, has teamed up with Android, the world's leading operating system for smartphones.

Google have been pushing their Android operating system, tying up with manufacturers, and with the ever increasing demand for mobile phone and tablet computers it will be interesting to see what comes of this new collaboration. 

The Oak Trail processor range is Intel’s answer to ARM's designs, but has only just seen the light of day.  The hope is that the new partnership will help Intel increase its foothold in the Android market.

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HTC V’s Apple (with Google’s Help)

HTC have brought a fresh grievance to the ongoing war with Apple, filing their third complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC).

The Taiwanese smartphone maker claims that Apple's computers and mobile devices infringe patents involving wi-fi capability and processor communication technology.

The legal tussle between HTC and Apple has been a well publiscised one, but they are not the only company going head to head with Apple.  Samsung Electronics, which makes the Galaxy series of smartphones and tablet PCs, has also been fighting a legal battle against Apple.

Both HTC and Samsung use the Android operating system, suggesting that this is becoming more than just a simple disagreement between manufacturers.  There is a suggestion that this is very much a battle between Apple and Android.  Whilst Apple currently has the upper hand, the combined force of Google, HTC and Samsung could be a huge force to be reckoned with…it’s an interesting watch…

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HTC Lose Out in Apple Ruling but Will Appeal

On Friday, the US International Trade Commission ruled that Taiwanese mobile phone company HTC, had infringed two Apple Patents.  Apple had claimed that their smartphone rivals had infringed a total of 10 patents.

The response from HTC has been to state that they will appeal; but if the decision is not overturned it could result in the US banning some HTC imports.  Shares in HTC fell 7% this morning as a result, but the result of the appeal could have much wider implications for the industry.  The findings are only preliminary and are subject to review by the full six-member committee in Washington. A final decision is due on 6 December.

The Taiwanese company is not the only firm wrestling with Apple over the rights to technology, with the US firm also in disputes with South Korea's Samsung and US-based Motorola.

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Is Google's Android Leading the March?

Google's Android operating system is growing up at speed, and one indication of this is that it's becoming the leading mobile platform for innovation. There are a host of companies using Android to try out all sorts of new ideas.

One of which is a new phone from Motorola, called the Atrix.  It’s a good looking touchscreen handset that boasts the same features as the majority of top-end Android handsets such as, dual-core processor, front and rear-facing cameras, and loads of social media integration.

What sets it apart according to Motorola is a range of accessories that they believe transforms the phone into the only computer you will ever need when you are on the road. 

The Atrix laptop dock looks much like an ordinary laptop computer - except it turns out to be just a dumb screen and keyboard with the ‘brain’ being the phone, that slots in at the back. It’s not cheap and weight may prove an issue, but this could be the ideal travel partner for the high-flying executive.

Another piece of Android innovation is from HTC, the company which has probably done more than any to make Google's mobile operating system a success.  Their new tablet, the HTC Flyer, doesn’t set the mind ablaze with excitement on first glance, but it does offer a new level of interaction in the form of a pen.  

With this tablet, the pen may work where others have failed because when you launch the tablets rather nifty notes app, you can call up a touchscreen keyboard or you can tap on the icon at the corner of the screen, choose a brush or pen, and start painting or writing.  This is of use, for the simplest reason that typing on a 7” inch screen is hard to type on, and may become redundant on a bigger screen. 

The Android’s growing popularity and race for innovation, should kick start a response from Apple, who only upgrade products once a year and they should be worried.  

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