After the recent news of Apple acquiring PA Semi, there was a frenzy of thoughts that Apple may ditch Intel, and maybe their new mobile platform chip, Atom, and use a PA Semi chip in the next iPods and iPhones. According to Jobs, this is not the case. He goes on to add that the reason for the purchase was mainly for the company’s intelligence, not for their current products. With this added expertise, Apple, who has been known to get involved in custom designing their iPod chips, could improve development of those devices.
As for Intel, Jobs says, “We have a great partnership with Intel. We expect that to continue forever.” He continued by adding that there are no plans to introduce another PowerPC Mac and that, “I wouldn’t lose too much sleep over that.” So there you have it everyone, the real reason behind the purchase of PA Semi according to the man himself. Now I can finally go get some sleep.
I mean seriously — who buys a company just for the intelligence?…
Doug,
I think by 'intelligence' he means, patents and the knowledge they have in the market place. I'm sure they'll do more with the company other than just strip ideas, but Apple likes to own its properties (like it does with its music).
I don't think licensing a certain feature from a company will ever really be used unless necessary from Apple. They really like to own their stuff and call it theirs and only theirs – so no one else can use it.