Convergence drives chip sales

The introduction of Apple's iPad, Kindle e-readers, Droid smartphones and other devices are pushing mobile chips sales to reach four billion units by 2014, reports eWeek.

According to market research firm In-Stat, mobile device growth is reshaping the technology industry, and rising sales of smartphones and converged devices is driving demand for everything from silicon chipsets to services.

“Currently, two architectures, ARM and x86, dominate the low- and high-end of the mobile market, respectively, and are battling it out for the mid-range convergence devices like e-readers, tablets and netbooks,” says In-Stat chief technology strategist Jim McGregor.

ShoreTel has snapped up Agito Networks for $11.4 million, reports Rethink Wireless.

Fixed-mobile convergence in the enterprise lies at the heart of ShoreTel's strategy as Agito's technology allows devices to switch between WiFi and cellular while attached to corporate networks.

Agito makes mobility router and smartphone client software that connects handsets to corporate PBXs via whichever available wireless connection is cheaper or faster.

UTStarcom has signed a strategic partnership with China Radio International subsidiary Cristar to take advantage of the programme to boost online video, Rapid TV News.

The three-network convergence is a Chinese State Council initiative to combine telecom, cable TV and internet networks to provide an integrated communications platform for voice, sound, data, image, video and other media.

Under the terms of the new agreement, UTStarcom will provide technology and service platforms to Cristar through investments in the region of $30 million.