Hynix, Micron turn to Taiwan following Apples Anobit buy

News broke earlier this week that Apple has acquired Israel-based fabless flash memory firm Anobit for as much as $400 million according to TheMarker, adding another leading chip maker to the companys portfolio. Anobits NAND flash memory is already used in Apple products including the iPhone and iPad, and the firms technology is said to offer several advantages over that of its rivals. As DigiTimes pointed out in a recent report, the move also means Anobits other clients are now forced to look elsewhere as Apple becomes the exclusive owner of Anobits chip technology. Major players including Hynix and Micron were Anobit partners in the past, taking advantage of the companys proprietary technology that improves the performance and lifespan of its flash memory products. Hynix, Micron and others are now reportedly looking to Taiwan-based companies including Phison Electronics and Silicon Motion Technology following the acquisition. Direct gains from Apples Anobit buy include the companys technology and talent, but another advantage over rivals now emerges as a clear secondary benefit smartphone vendors that used NAND flash memory chips made by soon-to-be former Anobit clients will no longer be able to utilize Anobits class-leading technology.

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