If you were to take a look at the above photo, it would be pretty obvious that Samsung has copied Apple’s design when they built their tablet. If you were to do that, however, you’d be deceived. The above image does not accurately display the dimensions of the Galaxy Tab. This image was submitted to a German court as evidence.
One might be tempted to say that the only thing modified is the aspect ratio (see below for a comparison with the real device). However, in tablet design, this amounts to a huge part of the “overall appearance” that Apple is claiming Samsung aped. The screen on the Galaxy Tab is on the app drawer, rather than the homescreen to make the differences even more minimal, but that’s irrelevant since that deals with software which is not part of the case. Besides that similarity (if you’re searching for it), the similarities seem to be…well…they both have black rectangles around them?
The real Galaxy Tab 10.1 has a much wider aspect ratio and, as such, is designed to be used primarily in landscape orientation. Whereas the iPad is designed to be used in portrait orientation much of the time. This may seem trivial, but in a patent case, the devil is in the details.
It’s yet to be seen if this gaffe will land Apple in any hot water. It’s worth noting, however, that if it’s decided that Apple tampered with evidence, Apple’s victories in getting the Galaxy Tab banned in Australia and Europe may be swiftly overturned. Among other potential consequences.
Sources: Computer World, via BGR
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