HTC teaming with ST-Ericsson to develop in-house CPU for low-end smartphones
HTC may be the next manufacturer to begin producing smartphones with CPUs developed in-house, according to China Times. The news house is reporting a deal between the Taiwanese mobile maker and ST-Ericsson that will see the development of a processor platform for low-end handsets. Smartphones with the new chip are expected to begin shipping next year.
The use of in-house CPU components is an emerging trend in mobile as companies look to widen profit margins while maintaining greater control over supply chain and hardware. The likes of Samsung, Huawei, and Apple already offer devices utilizing in-house designs. HTC may also be looking to distance itself from long-time partner Qualcomm. The manufacturer recently launched its first phone with NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 platform.
[via UnwiredView]