LG thinks Samsung might be infringing on their eye-tracking patents
You might recall that only hours before Samsung unveiled their Galaxy S4, LG announced an update for their LG Optimus G Pro that would introduce Smart Video among other features. Smart Video sounds surprisingly similar to the Smart Pause function later demoed for the GS4 — turn your eyes away from the display and video playback automatically pauses. LG thinks the two are so similar, in fact, that they believe Samsung might be infringing on some of their patents.
It’s all part of a growing game of cat and mouse between the two Korean technology companies. LG, like many, anticipated Samsung would unveil eye-tracking features in their latest flagship. Now they will see how the underlying tech holds up against patents dating back to 2005 (though one specifically related to video playback was filed in 2009). Samsung denies any infringement, naturally, saying their process takes advantage of different innovations.
LG has been getting more and more aggressive when it comes to their biggest local competitor. Apart from announcing the new Optimus G Pro update on the same day as the Galaxy S4’s coming out party, the company also plastered billboards around Times Square reading “LG Optimus G is here 4 you now,” a play on Samsung’s own “Be ready 4 the next Galaxy” signage. In this case, a patent lawsuit could create far more headaches for Samsung than a billboard ever could.
[via The Verge]