Windows 8 is being re-packaged into six versions in a move that looks like it might kill off four editions of the desktop client currently sold.

According to documents posted on PC-partner Hewlett-Packard’s website, Windows 8 will come as a Windows 8 32- and 64-bit Edition, and an Enterprise and Professional Edition – both in 32-and 64-bit flavors.

Source: The Register – Software

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is now facing a suit files by Apple Inc in San Jose. They asked a federal court in California to block Samsung  from selling its new Galaxy Nexus smartphones, alleging patent violations.

Apple said the Galaxy Nexus infringes on patents underlying features customers expect from its products. Those include the ability to unlock phones by sliding an image and to search for information by voice.

Samsung spokespersons did not immediately return requests for comment.

With the new suit, Apple is opening up another legal assault on the Korea-based company after taking Samsung to the same court in April of last year. In the earlier case, Apple alleges that Samsung illegally copied iPhone and iPad design features and the look of its screen icons. [nN18125665] That case is still going on, though in December Apple lost a bid for a preliminary bar against Samsung for selling Galaxy phones and tablets.

Source: Yahoo News!

According to Channel EMEA, ”I think that Android may end up as a closed system because of [Google's] relationship with Motorola,” Whitman said in her keynote presentation at HP’s company’s global partner summit in Las Vegas.

I think there is room for another operating system,” she said. “iOS is great but it is a closed system.” Android is currently open – as long as you’re not relying on getting all the info about the latest and greatest versions under development – but Whitman suggests that developers not bank on it remaining so.

“These things take time, she believes. “We decided to contribute webOS to the open source community,” she said, “and this will take three to four years to play out.”

Source: The Register

Sony and Ericsson are now officially divorced. The divorce papers have been officially signed for Sony Ericsson, giving Japanese entertainment biz Sony its very own phone-making unit and Swedish company Ericsson some lovely cash.

Sony will rename Sony Ericsson “Sony Mobile Communications”, and further integrate the mobile phone business as a vital element of its electronics business, with the aim of accelerating convergence between Sony’s lineup of network enabled consumer electronics products, including smart phones, tablets, TVs and PCs.

“We will now enhance our focus on enabling connectivity for all devices, using our R&D and industry leading patent portfolio to realise a truly connected world,” Hans Vestberg, president and CEO, said at the time.

Source: The Register – Software