Qualcomm will jointly develop software for mobile phones with Japanese firms KDDI, Toshiba, and Sanyo Electric, an AFP report said.
The report said that in this latest joint development deal, Japanese mobile carrier KDDI planned to expand its existing partnerships with the three companies to offer integrated software providing advanced online features, according to a KDDI spokesman.
The report said the mobile phones featuring the integrated software were due out in stores next year and were expected to be cheaper than current models although the spokesman declined to comment on exact prices.
The cost of developing a mobile phone is estimated at 10 billion to 20 billion yen ($85 million to $170 million), according to the report.