There were multiple rumors that a strong reason (or perhaps the only) for Google not integrating multi-touch (pinch to zoom that is) in the US release of Android phones (until now) was a lawsuit threat from Apple. Apple holds patents related to multitouch technology and this happens to be one of the 20 patents that Apple has shortlisted while suing HTC yesterday.. Anyone going through the Apple suit against HTC gets it clear that Apple has targeted the Android OS more than HTC, however, Google is not officially named in the lawsuit.
Google has not shied away from giving a statement in favour of HTC, and this making it clear that they are up for a fight. “We are not a party to this lawsuit. However, we stand behind our Android operating system and partners who have helped us to develop it,”- Google
HTC has also given a statement stressing that it is an innovator since 13 years and the lawsuit won’t have any immediate affect on their operations or business guidance for 2010 Q1. Both Microsoft Zune HD and Palm WebOS have also implemented miltitouch and its unclear as to what really irks Apple. What this entire issue does fuel is the Google vs Apple scene.
For some reason, Apple has created two separate set of patents in its complains to ITC (US International Trade Commission) and the lawsuit against HTC. While the reason for this behavior isn’t known, bets are now being placed on the probability of Google getting involved formally in this courtroom battle!
