Google and Samsung Delay Ice Cream Sandwich Launch
Claiming that a release right now would show disrespect for the recent death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Google and Samsung have delayed delivery on the latest version of their Android operating system codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich.
Originally set for launch at the Nexus Prime at the CTIA event in San Diego on Tuesday, the companies have decided that they will delay the event as a sign of support and reverence for Apple’s fallen leader.
This news comes on the heels of Samsung CEO Choi Gee-sung paying personal tribute to Jobs calling him a great entrepreneur and saying “his innovative spirit and remarkable accomplishments will forever be remembered by people around the world.”
News of the delay comes as a bit of a surprise given how bitterly Samsung and Apple have been fighting over patent infringement concerns from both sides. The question really becomes how this decision has any reflection or impact on Apple at all. I personally feel it likely has more to do with the delivery of iOS 5 already happening this week –and Android’s desire not to be directly compared or in direct competition, not to mention the iPhone 4S landing in consumer hands by the end of the week.
Ice Cream Sandwich is the highly anticipated upgrade to the Android operating system, including a merging of the current smartphone and tablet operating systems Gingerbread and Honeycomb. The result will be a consistent 4.0 operating system available for all Android-based devices.
In addition, several upgrades and new features are expected, including an updated app launcher, holographic user interface, upgraded homepage with new widgets as well as support for devices to behave like USB hubs in order to attach and work with an increased number of peripherals. The operating system also promises to better handle multi-tasking while offering a system manager that allows you to manage open resources and applications.
Despite this new-found respect, it hasn’t stopped Samsung from declaring their commitment to continuing their current lawsuits against Apple as well as several more additions including injunctions to attempt the prevention of further Apple device sales in certain markets.
It all seems a little inconsistent and odd if you ask me.