Qualcomm reportedly asking for more money before accepting Broadcom’s takeover bid

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Looks like Qualcomm wants to resist a bit more before considering accepting a takeover deal from Broadcom, at least according to a Reuters report. Supposedly Broadcom’s US$70 per share offer, while setting a record, “undervalues” Qualcomm and doesn’t take into account any regulatory hurdles that they might need to overcome once the deal is done. According to Reuters sources, Qualcomm might object to the sale as early as November 13 but will probably take a few days before issuing a fuller response.

On Broadcom’s side, it seems they’re ready to raise its bid, according to the report. And it hopes to submit its own selection of directors for Qualcomm’s board. And if the shareholders want a deal, they could possibly vote for new board members and force Qualcomm to negotiate. Neither company is commenting on the report at the moment.

Source: Engadget

Qualcomm responds to Apple claims, says they are 'baseless'

Qualcomm is firing back at Apple's claim for $1 billion for charging excessive royalties and anticompetitive practices.

Qualcomm fired back today claiming Apple's arguments are baseless. They released the following statement.

"While we are still in the process of reviewing the complaint in detail, it is quite clear that Apple's claims are baseless. Apple has intentionally mischaracterized our agreements and negotiations, as well as the enormity and value of the technology we have invented, contributed and shared with all mobile device makers through our licensing program. Apple has been actively encouraging regulatory attacks on Qualcomm's business in various jurisdictions around the world, as reflected in the recent KFTC decision and FTC complaint, by misrepresenting facts and withholding information. We welcome the opportunity to have these meritless claims heard in court where we will be entitled to full discovery of Apple's practices and a robust examination of the merits," said Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel, Qualcomm Incorporated.

Things are expected to get worse between these two companies before they get better.

Apple files US$1 billion lawsuit against Qualcomm

Things are getting ugly between Apple and Qualcomm. Apple filed a lawsuit against Qualcomm this Friday claiming the chip manufacturer charges “excessive royalties” and is withholding payments in retaliation for Apple’s cooperation with South Korean regulators that are investigating Qualcomm. Apple is also accusing the chip supplier of charging an “unfair amount” to license its cellular patents. The tech giant is seeking almost US$1 billion in rebate payments, which have been withheld because of Apple’s cooperation in the investigation against Qualcomm.

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CES 2017: ASUS set to release ZenFone capable of supporting both Google Tango and Daydream

Leaked image of the ZenFone AR by @evleaks

Looks like ASUS is out to claim a first in the market. According to a blog post from chipmaker Qualcomm that has since been taken down, ASUS is set to reveal the new ZenFone AR, a Google Tango-ready smartphone that also offers Daydream support. For those unfamiliar with both Google projects, Tango is Google’s augmented reality program, while Daydream focuses on VR. Currently on Lenovo’s Phab 2 Pro supports Tango, while Daydream is available on Pixel and Moto Z devices.

The ZenFone AR will be powered by a Snapdragon 821 processor, which is the same chip that runs on Google’s Pixel and the ASUS ZenFone 3. With support for Daydream, this smartphone will have VR versions of Google Street View, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, HBO, as well as games such as Fantastic Beas and Where to Find Them and Need for Speed. We don’t know much else about the phone outside of Qualcomm’s post, but we should hear more about it during ASUS’s event on January 4 at CES 2017.

Source: Engadget