Latest news with #Pixel9
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Google Pixel 7 series banned in Japan; Pixel 8 and 9 also at risk
Google Pixel 7 series smartphones have been banned in Japan. According to a report by ETNews, the ban comes after a court ruled that the company violated a patent held by South Korean firm Pantech. 'Pantech announced on the 24th that it had won a judgment including a sales injunction from the Tokyo District Court in Japan in its lawsuit against Google for infringing its standard essential patents,' the report says (translated). With this ruling, Google will no longer be able to sell Pixel 7 series phones in the country. The court's decision marks the first time in Japan that a product has been removed from the market due to standard patent infringement. According to the report, Pantech holds a key patent related to 4G communication technology. The court reportedly noted Google's 'insincere attitude' in handling the issue, which may have influenced the severity of the ruling. Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series also face potential ban While the ruling currently applies only to the Pixel 7 series, Pantech is reportedly seeking a broader ban that could include newer devices like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, which are still available from retailers and mobile carriers in Japan. The company has also applied for an import ban on all Pixel series products through Japanese customs. The ETNews report quotes a Pantech official who said, "It is very encouraging that we have taken practical action in a Japanese court against a global company like Google." Future Pixel phones also under threat The patent dispute could grow into a larger issue for Google if Japanese courts expand the ban to include the Pixel 7a and later models. Google is expected to unveil its Pixel 10 lineup in the coming months, with leaks suggesting a focus on performance and refined Android experience. However, the legal challenges could impact the launch or sales of future devices in key markets like Japan if the issue remains unresolved. Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Same Google Magic in half the price? AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro banned in Japan, Pixel 8 and 9 at risk: Here's why
Google has had a major setback in Japan, where a court has banned the sale of its Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones due to patent infringement. This ruling could soon affect the upcoming Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 models, which threaten Google's growing presence in the Japanese smartphone market. Google Pixel 7 and Pro smartphone sales have been banned in Japan due to patent infringement.(HT) The dispute centres on a technical part of 4G network communication involving the transmission of an 'acknowledgement signal' or ACK between devices and base stations. This technique is protected by Japanese patent law. Although Pantech, the patent holder, no longer makes smartphones, its remaining patents continue to hold legal weight. The Tokyo District Court ruled that Google's use of this technology violated those patents. Also read: Gemini's dramatic apologies: Why Google's chatbot sometimes says it should 'switch itself off' after failing tasks Furthermore, the judge criticised Google for what was described as an "insincere attitude" during the case. This criticism contributed to the court's decision to impose a full sales ban instead of a lesser penalty or settlement. Pixel Ban's Impact on Market Presence This ruling challenges Google's growing presence in Japan, where the Pixel brand recently became the second most popular smartphone line after Apple's iPhone. The success of the Google Pixel 7 series and the Pixel 7a helped boost the brand's market share. Also read: Could non-Nintendo chargers shorten your Switch 2's life? Here's what a user's experiment found The situation may escalate as the companies behind the patent, IdeaHub and Pantech, are pushing to extend the ban to the upcoming Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 models. No official ruling has been made on these devices yet, but the potential for a wider ban adds pressure on Google to resolve the legal issues quickly. Japan stands out as a strong market for Google Pixel phones outside the United States. A broader sales ban could disrupt Google's growth in the region and might also affect customer trust. Also read: Big tech's tariff troubles: Why US trade policy has Silicon Valley on edge Moreover, Google has not yet provided a detailed response to the court's decision. The company now faces choices including appealing the ruling, negotiating licensing rights, or redesigning future phones to avoid patent conflicts. Each option carries risks, especially with the Google Pixel 9 launch expected later this year. Currently, only the Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are banned. However, the case signals a growing trend in the tech industry, where older patents are increasingly enforced by entities that do not produce consumer products, which are creating new legal challenges for tech giants. Mobile finder: Google Pixel 8 Pro LATEST price, specs and all details
India Today
a day ago
- India Today
Google Pixel 10 vs Pixel 9: 5 upcoming upgrades
Google Pixel 10 vs Pixel 9: 5 upcoming upgrades By Unnati Gusain While the Google Pixel 10 launch is a few months away, the rumours have started churning up. Here is how it is anticipated to be better than its predecessor, Pixel 9. Google Pixel 10 vs Pixel 9 If rumours are to be believed, the Pixel 10 series will closely resemble last year's Pixel 9 lineup. Goolge Pixel 10 design The Pixel 10 series is expected to be powered by Google's new Tensor G5 chipset, which — for the first time — is reportedly being manufactured by TSMC. Pixel 10 Processor In the heart, the Pixel 9 is powered by Google's Tensor G4 processor, paired with the Titan M2 security coprocessor. Pixel 9 processor Another big change could be the inclusion of a telephoto lens on the base Pixel 10 model — a first for a non-Pro Pixel. Pixel 10 camera For photography, the Pixel 9 smartphone houses a dual-rear camera setup, consisting of a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS and a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens. Pixel 9 Camera Pixel 10 will arrive with the final version of Android 16. Pixel 10 OS Pixel 9 runs on Android 14 and promises 7 years of Android OS and security updates, so you are getting long-term software support. Pixel 9 OS
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Japan Halts Google Pixel 7 Sales Over LTE Patent Dispute
In a significant legal setback for Google, a Japanese court has ordered a halt to the sales of its Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones in the country. The Tokyo District Court ruled in favour of a patent infringement claim, stating that Google had used patented LTE technology without proper authorization. The core of the issue lies in a particular method used in 4G communication, especially the transmission of the "acknowledgement signal" (ACK) between mobile devices and base stations. While it may seem like a technical detail, this mechanism is fundamental to the functioning of modern networks and is protected under Japanese patent law. The lawsuit was reportedly initiated by Pantech, a company that has long exited the smartphone business but still holds valuable intellectual property. The court concluded that Google violated these rights in the Pixel 7 series, triggering a ban that covers not only sales but also imports, advertising, and even product displays across Japan. What has made the situation worse for Google is the court's sharp criticism of its behavior during the proceedings. The judge described the company's stance as showing an "insincere attitude," a remark that played a role in the court opting for a sweeping sales ban rather than a negotiated settlement or partial restriction. The decision comes at a time when Google had been gaining considerable traction in Japan. The Pixel line recently became the second-most popular smartphone brand in the country, trailing only Apple. Much of this rise was driven by the Pixel 7 and the more affordable Pixel 7a. Now, the legal trouble might not stop at just these models. The complainants—IdeaHub and Pantech—are seeking to expand the ban to newer models, including the Pixel 8 and the yet-to-be-released Pixel 9 series. While no verdict has been issued yet regarding these newer devices, the pressure on Google is mounting. Analysts warn that a broader ban could damage Google's market presence in Japan—a rare international stronghold for Pixel phones outside the U.S. Any interruption in product availability or consumer trust could unravel years of brand-building efforts. Google has yet to release a detailed response but will soon have to choose between three difficult paths: appealing the court's ruling, negotiating a licensing deal, or redesigning future devices to avoid further legal exposure. Each option comes with its own set of risks, especially as anticipation builds for the upcoming Pixel 9 launch later this year. The case also highlights a growing trend in the tech industry—dormant patents and intellectual property portfolios are increasingly being used in legal battles, sometimes by companies that are no longer active in product development. As this legal saga continues, Google faces a critical test in maintaining its momentum in Japan while navigating a complex IP challenge that could affect its global smartphone strategy.
India Today
a day ago
- Business
- India Today
Google Pixel 7 banned in Japan: Here is why
In a serious blow to Google's ambitions in one of its fastest-growing international markets, a Japanese court has ruled in favour of a patent infringement claim, effectively banning the sale of Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones in the country. The decision, handed down recently, accuses Google of unlawfully using patented LTE technology without to the latest report, published by ETNews, the court case stems from a dispute over a specific communication method used in 4G networks, and more precisely, how a control signal known as an 'acknowledgement signal' or ACK is transmitted between devices and base seemingly technical aspect of mobile communication has proven pivotal, as it's a core part of how modern networks operate. The technology in question is protected under Japanese patent law. While Pantech itself has exited the smartphone business, it appears its remaining patents are still proving valuable. The Tokyo District Court found that Google's Pixel 7 and 7 Pro used this technology without proper licensing, prompting a sweeping ban not just on sales, but also on imports, advertising, and even the display of these models within Japan. More concerning for Google is the court's scathing assessment of the company's conduct during the proceedings. The presiding judge criticised Google for what was described as an "insincere attitude," a characterisation that reportedly influenced the decision to impose a comprehensive sales restriction rather than a softer penalty or ruling marks a significant setback for Google in Japan, a market where it had been gaining remarkable traction. The Pixel brand recently surged to become the second most popular smartphone line in the country, behind only Apple's iPhone. Much of that momentum was built on the success of the Pixel 7 lineup and the more budget-friendly Pixel for Google, the implications may extend well beyond the Pixel 7 series. IdeaHub and Pantech are now pushing to widen the scope of the ban to include newer devices, namely the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 9 series. While no official decision has been made yet regarding these models, the move puts additional pressure on Google to address the legal challenge swiftly, or risk losing its grip on a key Asian report noted that a broader ban could prove particularly damaging, as Japan has emerged as a rare stronghold for Pixel phones outside the United States. Any disruption to product availability or brand perception could undo years of carefully cultivated consumer Google has yet to issue a detailed response to the ruling, the company will likely need to decide whether to appeal the decision, seek a licensing agreement, or redesign future devices to avoid further legal entanglements. Each of these paths carries risk, particularly with the Pixel 9 series expected to launch later this now, only the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are affected, but the possibility of further restrictions means this issue is far from over. The case also highlights a broader trend in the tech industry, where dormant patents and IP portfolios are being wielded more aggressively in courtrooms, sometimes by entities with no active role in product development or consumer the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on how Google navigates this growing legal storm, and whether its Pixel brand can continue to thrive in Japan amid mounting uncertainty.- Ends
