No, this isn’t about patents lawsuits, thankfully. Instead, we bring a combined post to you that outlines Google OS consolidation plans and Samsung’s possible plans for the GS III.

Google’s OS Consolidation Continues

Google has completed and published another directive for developers that will further consolidate operations across all Android devices: Google has announced that the Menu button is to become extinct.

In its place, Google has directed that developers focus on an Actions Bar with touch reaction – icons instead of physical buttons.

Google has admitted that with the advent of Honeycomb, 3.0, and Ice Cream Sandwich, 4.0, Menu buttons have become redundant, and software in the OS provides the same function. Therefore, Menu buttons will be disappearing.

Of course, Android-bearing mobile phone makers will have to redesign their cases, but for those users who like the touch operation, this can mean even larger screen display areas!

Instead of a Menu button, Google is building an action overflow button that will replace additional menu items not on the Action Bar: Users won’t lose easy access to those button areas.

The Action Overflow button will appear on all devices that have not be updated to 3.0+ in the Honeycomb family, even if the physical device doesn’t need it.

As more models in 2012 appear with Android 4.0.+ Ice Cream Sandwich, the Menu Button of old could become a collector’s item.

Will the Galaxy S III Be a Show or a No-Show at the Show?

We have heard rumours and disclaimers about the announcement of the Samsung Galaxy S III for quite some time. Will it be at the CES 2012? Will it be at the Mobile World Congress in late February?

“Yes. No. Unknown. Maybe. Maybe not.”

One time, we even got as a response,

“The what?”

The most current information we can pass along about this next-gen mobile is that Samsung has put the device on their website, but they are still uncertain whether they will formally announce the model at the MWC either with or without an official release date.

In other words, the latest word is more

“hurry up and wait.”