Nokia dropping Qualcomm for ST-Ericsson. Fragmentation anyone?

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As the title says, it seems like Nokia WP7 phones will be powered by a different manifacturer in the near future, while the other WP7 OEMs will stick with Qualcomm. Personally I don't see the point. Why would they want to change? I can't be happy with that, and I'm kinda worried: will this lead to fragmentation? Share your thoughts, but only if you REALLY care: no trolls allowed. Thanks.

Source: http://m.engadget.com/default/articl...eng_latest_art

This will cause as much fragmentation as AMD vs Intel as CPU in the PC-world, i e basically none at all. This is one of the main reason why we have OS's, to abstract hardware from software.

In many ways different Qualcomm generations are more different than a ST-ericsson and a Qualcomm of the same generation.

Of course the WP7-kernel must add support for ST-ericsson, but that is the same work as is needed for a new Qualcomm-SOC as well. And this is a pretty easy work for MS/Nokia since ST-ericsson will likely provide the basis for the drivers.

Originally Posted by tjtj4444

This will cause as much fragmentation as AMD vs Intel as CPU in the PC-world, i e basically none at all. This is one of the main reason why we have OS's, to abstract hardware from software.

In many ways different Qualcomm generations are more different than a ST-ericsson and a Qualcomm of the same generation.

Of course the WP7-kernel must add support for ST-ericsson, but that is the same work as is needed for a new Qualcomm-SOC as well. And this is a pretty easy work for MS/Nokia since ST-ericsson will likely provide the basis for the drivers.

pretty much sums it up nicely

Basically most of these processors are based on ARM's architecture. In another word they're very similar

Also, from what I understand, this is just for low-end phones. ST ericson is providing the tango-friendly chips so windows phone can hit the low-end market as well.

Good to know then, i feel much better now heh...thanks for pointing that out.

Originally Posted by z33dev33l

Also, from what I understand, this is just for low-end phones. ST ericson is providing the tango-friendly chips so windows phone can hit the low-end market as well.

That has been rumored, but looking back at the Nokia ST-Ericsson partnership that started back in 2008 when Symbian was supposed to get U8500 (was pretty much made for the platform) i would be very surprised if Nokia doesn't use U8500 and maybe U9500 in the future.

ST-Ericsson says on it's press release that is sees huge opportunity for it's NovaThor platform(U5500, U8500, U9500), all quite serious SoC's.

We are pleased to have been selected by Nokia as a key partner for Windows smartphones, in line with our goal to be present in all segments and major operating systems,” said Gilles Delfassy, president and CEO of ST-Ericsson. “Our NovaThor platforms continue to gain traction as they enable customers to bring great smartphones to the market.

http://www.stericsson.com/press_rele...sson_nokia.jsp

Nokia does not love Qualcomm...
(would have been a link to a Nokia / Qualcomm legal settlement here)
-> nytimes.com/2008/07/24/technology/24qualcomm.html

They had to swallow a lot to join the WP train...

Originally Posted by GGPlena

Nokia does not love Qualcomm...
(would have been a link to a Nokia / Qualcomm legal settlement here)
-> nytimes.com/2008/07/24/technology/24qualcomm.html

They had to swallow a lot to join the WP train...

To be fair, MS has sued HTC and Samsung before...

Sucessfully.

Originally Posted by jeremyshaw

To be fair, MS has sued HTC and Samsung before...

Sucessfully.

This is true its all a big game and you cant hold grudges. One day your partner the next your at each other sometimes at the same time. The worst case though is Apple Google who used to have a cosy relationship and are now fighting like an old couple. Its all about whats best for now forget old ties and bad blood the game moves to fast for grudges.