Who’s really ahead in innovation? Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

In an effort to prevent rivals from stealing its ideas, Apple patents everything it invents — from the iPhone and the iPad, to app icons and even “magic” tactile gloves. But compared to its biggest competitors, Apple’s patent portfolio from 2015 looks surprisingly bare.

Microsoft, Sony, Google, and LG have all outrank Apple in the patent department this year, while arch rival Samsung has absolutely crushed it.

Android 5.1.1 is coming to the Galaxy Note 4… at some point. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Samsung may have newer devices on the market now, but it hasn’t forgotten about its Galaxy Note 4.

The South Korean company is hard at working on a big Android 5.1.1 upgrade, and sources say it could be optimized for the 64-bit Exynos processor that ships inside certain models.

Let Google help you find your next phone. Screenshot: Cult of Android

Struggling to decide which Android-powered smartphone is right for you? Google wants to help.

The search giant has launched a new website that helps you find the perfect phone based on how you tend use your device. Simply tell it which features are most important to you and it’ll suggest devices that you should check out.

BlackBerry finally succumbs to Android. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

BlackBerry could finally turn to Android in an attempt to save itself having failed to gain any traction with its BlackBerry 10 platform over the past two years.

A new report claims the Canadian company is working on a new “slider” device with a retractable physical keyboard.

One of the many themes for the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

One of the best things about Samsung’s new and improved TouchWiz is its built-in support for switching themes. You can download a whole new look from Samsung’s Theme Store, and switching between them is a breeze.

Here’s how.