Samsung continues to increase its dominance over Apple in the smartphone arena, thanks largely to the launch of its latest Galaxy S handset.

Making bets on what Apple will do in the future is, as they used to say, a mug's game. Most predictions, like the June "iPhone 5 launch," are based on wishful thinking or sources so thin you can see through them.

Google on Friday began shipping its Nexus 7, which is smaller and less expensive than Apple's iPad, and is meant to compete with both that device and Amazon's Kindle Fire.

In a new filing in the case between the two technology giants in California, which was picked up by FOSS Patents, Samsung notes that Apple took the liberty of sending do-not-sell letters to carriers and retailers that carry Samsung's products.

Samsung tablets do not infringe on a registered Apple design because "they are not as cool" and the Galaxy Tablets "do not have the same understated and extreme simplicity which is possessed by the Apple design," a UK judge said in a ruling on Monday.

Although smartphone shipments grew 41% year-over-year to 144.6 million as of the quarter ending March 2012, many smartphone OEMs are not enjoying the benefits of a rapidly expanding market. The question remains: can anyone break away to become a strong third in this market?

The California trial between Samsung and Apple is now headed for a scheduled start in late June, after the companies could find "no clear agreement," a Samsung official told The Korea Times. Both companies reportedly held firm in their respective beliefs, as Samsung believes Apple should pay royalties for using wireless transmission technology, while Apple believes Samsung copied the design of its iPhone and iPad.

Apple said its North Carolina facility will be powered by a combination of photovoltaic solar energy, green fuel cells and other sources of renewable energy.

With a solid cash position, we believe that Micron will be able to win the bid for Elpida and position itself to capitalize the consolidation in the DRAM market.

If there's one thing that's getting old already, it's rumors of a new, smaller iPad. Much like the fabled Apple television set, talk of the mini iPad doesn't seem to be dying. Though many speculated that it would be unveiled with the third iPad in March, no such announcement was made or hinted at by Apple. Now, a new rumor is pointing toward an October unveiling, right about the same time that Apple is supposed to unveil its next iPhone.