Samsung vs Apple: How does it affect you?

The US$1-billion patent court case victory of Apple against Samsung will affect smartphone users. If you own a Samsung phone in the US, note this: The 8 banned phones include the Galaxy S 4G, Galaxy S2 AT&T model, Galaxy S2 Skyrocket, Galaxy S2 T-Mobile model, Galaxy S2 Epic 4G, Galaxy S Showcase, Droid Charge and Galaxy Prevail. A CNN report said customers who own the devices don’t need to worry that anyone will take their phones away, but expect software updates that tweaks how they look and work — for example, changes to zooming action. If you own any Android phone, not necessarily a Samsung model: The Apple-Samsung verdict could affect all smartphone titans, but Android maker Google is the first on that list. Apple could go on to sue Google and its phone partners. If you’re looking to buy a new phone and are worried about buying a Samsung: The final ruling on this trial could come long after your new smartphone becomes old hat. If you own or are interested in buying a Samsung tablet: This category is a bright spot. The jury ruled that Samsung’s Galaxy Tab tablets did not infringe on Apple’s design patents for the iPad. This means the Tab’s hardware style and icon layout are allowed to stay the same.

Read more on Rappler, CNN and Reuters.