[mdlug] New handset chips support Android

[Michael Rudas]

This is interesting, potentially important news.  I am posting it in
full (with attribution) because these articles go behind a paywall
after a few days.
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"MediaTek backs Android with lineup of handset solutions"
Cage Chao, Taipei; Steve Shen, DIGITIMES [Tuesday 13 July 2010]

Fabless chip designer MediaTek has joined the Open Handset Alliance
(OHA) to support the Android mobile device platform developed by
Google, according to a company announcement.

"As an OHA member, MediaTek strives to provide device makers and
partners with multimedia-rich chipset solutions, efficient services
and experienced technical teams that differentiate our Android-based
solutions, " says Jeffrey Ju, general manager of wireless
communication business unit for smartphone at MediaTek.

MediaTek is looking to enable cost-effective Android-based smartphones
through the provision of full system solutions that can further reduce
the barrier to entry for broader world-wide penetration of smartphone
products, the company said in a press release.

Android-based smartphones built with MediaTek's solutions are expected
to hit the markets in November 2010 at the earliest, according to an
estimate from industry watchers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
<http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/MailHome.asp?datePublish=2010/7/13&pages=PD&seq=218>

As MediaTek is a MAJOR player in the handset-chip market, Android (and
by extension, Linux) support is a rather big deal.  It will also speed
the continuing penetration of Android into the mainland-China market.

~~ Michael Rudas
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