The two biggest chip players in the cellular and WiFi worlds are teaming up on a reference design for dual-mode mobile and WiFi phones. QUALCOMM is combining its chipsets for both GSM and CDMA technology families with Atheros' single-chip WiFi client. The vendors expect to ship the reference design in June, with handset vendors expected to offer handsets based on the design by the end of the year. Analysts say having these two silicon vendors on board will pave the way for a quick and cheaper deployment of integrated WiFi/cellular services since both chip makers have economies of scale on their side.
For more information about the deal between QUALCOMM and Atheros:
- read this report from IDG News