Apple's failed ban attempt in Oz helps Samsung

Samsung Australia's spokesman says Apple's court case against the Galaxy Tab 10.1 has made the product a "household name", a bonus for the Korean phone maker obviously unintended by the Cupertino tech giant. The Tab is already being sold following a ruling that finally legitimized its sales in Oz. Now, Samsung is reportedly experiencing a stellar sales period, the Galaxy Tab and the Galaxy Nexus both appearing in store for the first time in Australia.

The intense media coverage generated by the Apple-instigated court battle has made the Galaxy Tab a "household name", according to Samsung's Tyler McGee, exceeding the buzz that their normal marketing effort would have achieved. So much so, the spokesman stated, that "there will probably be short supply against the demand". Not a terrible position to be in, one would imagine.

Foad Fadaghi, Telsyte telecomms specialist, expects that Samsung will take the number two spot in the Australian tablet market. Apple, the current leader, has seen its position in the worldwide market drop heavily from virtually pwning it a year ago, to its current 50%. While that's still an enormous lead over its nearest manufacturer competitor, the trend certainly looks ominous for the iPad creator.

In addition to the Tab 10.1, Samsung intends to market the 7.7" version alongside its larger sibling in the lead-up to Christmas, and the 8.9" variant will appear on the shelves in Q1 of the new year.

McGee also confirmed that from August 2011, "the number one overall brand in mobile phones in Australia and also the number one brand in smartphones" was Samsung, effectively demoting Apple's iPhone to also-ran status. Which helps explain Apple's willingness to court criticism (excuse the pun) over its propensity for litigation instead of competition. They have a great deal to lose.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald