Samsung and Google postpone product updates out of respect for Steve Jobs

The death of former Apple chief executive Steve Jobs has caused Samsung and Google to revise their plans for a product unveiling.

The companies had been expected to introduce the Android "Ice Cream Sandwich" update and Nexus Prime handset in a joint unveiling at the CTIA conference. Due to the passing of Jobs earlier this week, however, those plans have been put on hold.

"We believe this is not the right time to announce a new product as the world expresses tribute to Steve Jobs's passing," a Samsung spokesperson told V3.

The Wednesday news of Jobs' death sent shockwaves throughout the industry. Many of the biggest names in the IT industry reached out to express their condolences as Apple customers set up makeshift memorials at Apple store locations around the world.

Samsung and Google's decision will delay the unveiling of the successor to the Nexus S handset. Early reports suggest the device will sport a 4.65in display and will support LTE 4G wireless broadband connections.

Google has for weeks hinted at the imminent release of the Android Ice Cream Sandwich update. The version will be the first to offer support for both handsets and tablets regardless of display size.

According to recent reports from market intelligence site comScore, Samsung is the second-largest handset vendor in the UK. The company's 21.6 per cent market share is second only to HTC's 50.9 per cent share.

Earlier this week, Apple unveiled its latest handset, the iPhone 4S. Despite boasting a faster processor and improved camera, the update fell short of the expectations of many industry pundits.