The primary concern about the future of mobile operating systems now that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has defeated Samsung in a court battle over patents is that Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) will be Apple’s next target. If Apple does sue Google, and wins, the Android OS that powers most of the world’s smartphones would have an uncertain future.
Must less visible is Microsoft Corp.’s (NASDAQ: MSFT) successful attempts to get hardware companies to pay royalties for Android — in some cases as high as $5 per unit. The Apple suit could embolden Microsoft to take action of its own against Google — one of its major competitors. Analysis about how the Apple win may help Microsoft has centered on the fact that the world’s largest software company and its smartphone hardware partner Nokia (NYSE: NOK) will have an easier time selling their products as Samsung retrenches. But Microsoft’s ability to assert that its mobile patents have been violated may be an even bigger win.
Douglas A. McIntyre
Are You Ahead, or Behind on Retirement? (sponsor)
If you’re one of the over 4 Million Americans set to retire this year, you may want to pay attention.
Finding a financial advisor who puts your interest first can be the difference between a rich retirement and barely getting by, and today it’s easier than ever. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors that serve your area in minutes. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Start your search now.
Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.