TI launches 3G chipset with DoCoMo

Texas Instruments unveiled a 3G chip, developed with NTT DoCoMo, that is a combination of a baseband chip and an application processor that drives multimedia functions in handsets. TI's new chip, the OMAPV2230, is based on WCDMA UMTS technology and supports streaming video, complex games and the Internet. In the past, TI had developed baseband chips based on specs delivered by handset makers, including Nokia and Ericsson. This new standard chip will allow the company to expand its customer base since the chips will no longer be customized for specific OEMs. TI expects to launch the OMAPV2230 with DoCoMo in Japan but also plans to sell the chips to handset manufacturers in Europe and other parts of Asia. DoCoMo claimed 15 million 3G subscribers last year. TI is also selling the application processor, OMAP2430, as a separate offering.

For more on TI's new handset chips:
- take a look at this Red Herring article
- see this press release from TI on the launch of the 3G offering
- and this press release from TI on the application processor