Did Apple Bully Google over Multi-Touch?
Did Apple Bully Google over Multi-Touch?
Posted 02/11/2009 at 9:58am
| by Paul Lilly
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It's hard to imagine anyone being able to bully Google into submission, but according to Venture Beat, that's exactly what Apple did. The report claims Apple encouraged Google not to use multi-touch technology in the Android-based G1 mobile phone, and Google agreed, Venture Beat says citing an un-named Android team member as the source.
"Further, the Android team member went on to say that they were relieved that Google didn't go against Apple's wishes, given the legal storm that appears to be brewing between Apple and Palm, which is using multi-touch technology in its new Pre phone," Venture Beat writes.
And that might not be the only influence Apple had on the G1 handset. According to technology blogger John Gruber, a source told him Apple also took issue with a pre-release G1 prototype Google showed to them over its standard headphone jack. The unidentified source claims Apple owns a patent on "controlling software using buttons connected by a standard 3.5mm headphone jack (at least for music and video playback controls), and would not grant Google a license to the patent."
Getting back to the multi-touch issue, it will be interesting to see if future Android-based handsets implement the technology, even with the threat of a lawsuit lingering.
Image Credit: Google
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BoxyBrown
February 12, 2009 at 10:48am
Google should just release a regular touchscreen phone then leak the software needed for the device to be multi touch like the iphone. The software is open source anyway, screw Apple and their overpriced crap.
Keith E. Whisman
February 12, 2009 at 3:17am
Google actually has a license agreement with Apple that's why some of the technology that Google makes for the Iphone is starting to trickle to the G1. I say screw apple and their attempt at being a patent troll. Apple, Microsoft (to lesser extent), Rambus (to great extent) and all other companies that apply for and get patents just so they can sue everyone and make money through lawsuits are nothing but shitty Patent Trolls. I say Fuck YOU you anti American assholes. I'm sick of these Anti Competitive assholes. I say someone needs to teach these companies that we are not going to sit around and let them fuck up the whole technology industry.
QUINTIX256
February 11, 2009 at 3:43pm
...than they own the rights to overlapping windows. This is getting rediculous. Someone please challenge Apple's "rights" to the so called click wheel by claiming that the dial on a radio serves as prior art.
You can have your recession. I'm not participating.
gatorXXX
February 11, 2009 at 2:02pm
Maybe make them bob for APPLES for long periods of time!......WOOT
thegamepro
February 11, 2009 at 12:11pm
Palm was able to do this just fine so why not google? If not multi-touch then why not a standard headphone jack? I have to use a dongle just to connect a simple headphone to my HTC G1. I'll never understand lawyers because their are millions of electronics right now that have headphone jacks and are controlled with buttons and software. Google needs to fight for their freedom to overcome BS patents.
gatorXXX
February 11, 2009 at 2:02pm
Actually apple has a lawsuit brewing about multi touch against palm. I have an HTC Touch pro and I have to use a dongle as well. SUCKS ASS APPLE...GET IT! This is why I will never buy an apple product....not even candy apples. I'M A PC....YIPEE!!!!!!
gatorXXX
February 11, 2009 at 11:37am
I don't own or want anything apple. SCREW APPLE gently with a chainsaw!
festiva_man
February 11, 2009 at 10:48am
Apple probably said some things to google. It wouldn't surprise me at all.
jko
February 11, 2009 at 10:17am
Google most likely wanted to get Android to the market asap. They can always add multi-touch support after some future legal battle. Then sell new phones w/ multi-touch support.
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