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The iPhone Era: It was only four years ago that Apple released its first iPhone, but oh what a difference four years makes. The iPhone was a real game changer for the smartphone market and paved the way for the thriving app and tablet markets. Check out these stats that charter Apple’s progress and the effects on others in the mobile industry since the launch of the iPhone. GigaOm
Microsoft Patents: Microsoft has just a second Android device maker to a patent licensing agreement. General Dynamics Itronix has agreed to license certain, unnamed Microsoft patents for use with Android devices. Details of the deal have not been released, but Microsoft will receive royalties from General Dynamics Itronix for every Android device it sells. The Register
App Prediction: According to tech research firmCanalys, revenue from app stores (like the Apple App Store and Android Marketplace) will nearly double, reaching $14.1 billion next year, and $36.7 billion by 2015. VentureBeat
Rich People Things: Brands take notice: according to recent data from several sources, rich people are into online luxury product research and shopping, and they often use mobile devices for these activities. Along with mobile, researchers also found that online images and video were incredibly important factors to affluent shoppers. eMarketer
Apple vs. Samsung Saga: They are still going at it. Samsung has just filed another claim against Apple, this time requesting a ban on the import of Apple products. TechCrunch
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