The Handset Industry is a Flat Circle
Over the past 25 years the mobile phone industry has radically altered the way we all live, and yet the industry itself is back to the same structure it had all those years ago.
Over the past 25 years the mobile phone industry has radically altered the way we all live, and yet the industry itself is back to the same structure it had all those years ago.
Intel Selects Option C – All of the Above – Intel is going to invest $20 billion in manufacturing and open up its fabs to outside foundry customers. A bold confident signal, now they just have to execute on it.
Could? Should? Would? – In which we totally make up a scenario in which mobile operating systems get better.
Gamma Ray Exposure Preferred; Not Required – Apple’s job listing hint at their ambitions for cellular modems.
Heterogeneous Compute – The competitive dynamics of the processor markets were static for years, but the demand for “AI” and the emergence of new customers/competitors means the market for all processors is likely to shift considerably in coming years.
It’s a Trap – Intel published a set of benchmarks that purport to show their chips actually outperform Apple’s M1. We use this example as a primer in all the shortcomings of Benchmarks as a Marketing tool. TL;DR – the Apple M1 is probably very good.
Lies, Damned Lies, and Benchmarks – a string of benchmarks and leaks highlights the growing urgency phone makers have in closing the silicon gap with Apple, and Qualcomm’s surprising stumbles in the market.
Apple is Building its Own Modem (Redux) – When (not if) Apple builds its own modem, they will be able to boast better performance, battery life and advanced communications features (think Blue bubbles, but for phone calls).
Apple Si – The Surprise Twist – It’s not About Money – With Apple Silicon, Apple has built immense competitive barriers for building phones.
Apple’s Missing Profits – The Usual Suspects – Apple seems to have greatly widened its move to low price devices, with the addition of more expensive components (and casings) contributing as well.