Israeli newspaper Calcalist reports [Google translation] that Apple has finalized its previously-rumored acquisition of flash memory firm Anobit, with company executives having gathered employees to share the news. According to the report, Apple is paying $400-500 million for the Israeli firm.
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The article also claims that Apple has confirmed plans to open a research and development arm in Israel, the company's first outside of the United States. Apple has reportedly hired Israeli technology executive Aharon Aharon to lead the initiative.
Anobit specializes in signal-processing technique that improve the performance and reliability of flash memory. The company's technology is reportedly already being used in a number of Apple products including the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Air.
Top Rated Comments
Then who is going to fill up the big glass building?
Lawyers.
A politicians tweet. slow news day?:rolleyes:
How is Apple's largest acquisition ever not news? :rolleyes:
There isn't enough American knowledge for Apple to utilize. It has been reported numerous times Apple struggles to find competent workers in the U.S.
Welcome to getting a minus for stating the truth.
There are many smart people in the world on all continents. To make use of global knowledge and inventions is smart and doesn't mean anybody is dissing America.
Apple are already using the technology from this firm according to other thread about this acquisition. So no, this won't really help Apple in the sense of "better and more efficient Flash memory chips in the future". This will probably just stabilise their licensing costs and prevent new players from using this same technology. It might also provide patent ammunition to go after other players in the mobile industry.
Let's not kid ourselves about what this is about.
Man, you sound almost like you are trying to do some spin control. Which is absurd.
WTF do you know about anything anybody at Apple, Anobit or Samsung might be thinking or planning?
How can you start by "this will probably just... / It might..." and then end as self-assured as "Let's not kid ourselves about what this is about"?
Hopefully this is their backup plan to Samsung. Does Anobit make flash chips, or do they make the technology? I'n not on top of this, so excuse me.
EDIT!
Seems they are a fabless flash company. And they look for ways to extend the life of the chips or something. So not a backup plan for Samsung? :confused:
Contrary to the wish of a few people here, Apple aren't really looking at replacing Samsung. Samsung is a big semi-conductors manufacturer and can probably offer Apple the kind of volume and aggressive pricing they need.
Why replace a winning combination ? Over some forum grudge ? Apple is not so petty.
Bibi has grammar issues? :confused:
Didn't he grow up in the US?