Samsung Electronics Co. yesterday launched a Galaxy Note tablet which is designed to make a more personal connection with users and take another shot at the supremacy of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPad. A digital pen “S Pen” has been included in the tablet that can be used as if it were a pen on paper or a computer mouse.
Apple’s most recent iPad starts at the same price as Samsung’s at $499, but the Note 10.1 is equipped with some features that the iPad lacks, while its screen resolution is lower than the iPad’s.
In addition, Finnish telecom giant Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) are set to unveil a smartphone which runs on the US software giant’s Windows 8 operating system in New York on September 5, according to a report Wednesday.
The joint event with Microsoft is planned to occur a week before Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is projected to unveil its own hotly predicted iPhone 5. Nokia has been struggling hard to make its survival possible after giving up a majority stake to competitors Apple and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd in recent years. In 2011 it counterfeited a software coalition with Elop’s former employer, Microsoft, which also fell behind in smartphone software.
Both Nokia and Microsoft are keeping their eyes on the next Windows-based phone to give Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone a tough time. Nokia provided no comment on specific plans for its Nokia World trade show event in Helsinki on September 5 and 6.
In other news, e-mails shown to a jury at a trial between Apple and Samsung revealed that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) requested Samsung Electronics to modify the design of its devices and tablets to look less like Apple Inc.’s phones.
Other news disclosed that Google is upgrading its mapping service for mobile devices as the Internet search leader braces for new rivalry from iPhone maker Apple.
