MANILA, Philippines -- Sometimes, relationships end. Marriages, collaborations, mergers, and joint ventures always aim for success. There are times, however, when these alliances and partnerships turn sour.

There are instances when erstwhile partners and collaborators have no other option but to part ways. Sometimes they part as friends; sometimes, as rivals or foes. Whichever way they do, it is always for the better. So we are told.

There are also times, however, when no animosity exists, but still one or both parties come to conclude they need to see less of each other. Sometimes, one or both parties come to realize that they can move faster or do better without being weighed down by the other.

Parting sucks most of the time. The pain, embarrassment, or humiliation that comes with it, however, does not last for long; at least, not as long as life itself.

Move on.

Sony Erases Ericsson 

Why are we not surprised?

Japan’s most popular (and for the last four years, most unprofitable) consumer electronics giant has finally gathered enough gumption and chose to go it all alone in the smartphone world. After years of plodding on, sometimes with joyful highs, sometimes with forgettable lows, with venture partner Ericsson, Sony realized it needs to have full control of its smartphone brand.

Sony paid $1.5 billion for its freedom, using the money to buy out Ericsson’s stake in their Sony Ericsson mobile phone venture.

The Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer hopes going solo will let it incorporate its smartphones and other mobile gadgets with its wide collections of content including movies and music.

I am looking forward to seeing the first Sony-branded smartphones. I sure hope they would make consumers fall in love the way that the first Walkman did.

Samsung Fires Back

So far, the Samsung-Apple global patent war has lived up to its billing. It has indeed become a truly fascinating competition in marketing and legal prowess and poise.

Samsung’s latest move makes it even more exciting. Or boring, depending on your mood today.

Korea’s consumer electronics vendor has asked the Austrlian federal court to give it access to the source code for the iPhone 4S smartphone’s firmware. Samsung also demands access to Apple’s contracts with mobile phone service providers Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone.

Samsung’s lawyers have alleged that this information will help it prove its patent-infringement allegations against Apple.

Unsurprisingly, Apple opposes the Korean electronics company’s motion.

Can’t Argue with Dead People

Recently, Microsoft co-founder and chairman Bill Gates found himself in a very unenviable position, that of being ridiculed by the world’s most famous recently dead man.  Excerpts from the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ autobiography paint a somewhat unflattering image of Gates, describing him as “unimaginative and has never invented anything.”

Jobs said further, “He (Gates) just shamelessly ripped off other people’s ideas.”

Gates, with enough poise befitting the world’s most famous philanthropist, brushed off the uncomplimentary from-beyond-the-grave remarks. He also praised Jobs for his positive impact on the world.

Some people are so competitive; they cannot stop putting others down even when they’re dead.

That’s all for the meantime, folks. Join me again next time as we keep on watching IT.