ZTE to Launch Self-Developed 4G Terminal Chip
Sohu IT, 12/16/13
He Shiyou, Executive VP of Chinese telecom equipment and terminal manufacturer ZTE (0763.HK; 000063.SZ), recently revealed that the company plans to release its self-developed 4G terminal chip, the WiseFone 7510, in early 2014, fabricated with 28 nm production technology. Production of the chip will be sub-contracted to a Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer. The chip will be used in ZTE's smartphones, tablets, MiFi terminals, and routers. ZTE estimates that the chip will be used in 3 mln terminals in 2014. He Shiyou stressed that ZTE will also strengthen its partnerships with third-party chip makers Qualcomm, MediaTek, Marvell, and Spreadtrum (Nasdaq: SPRD).
Additionally, He Shiyou disclosed that ZTE will release a RMB 1,000 4G smartphone in the first quarter of 2014. The company will also release its first "Blue Watch" smartwatch, which comes equipped with a 1.26-inch LCD screen, and is compatible with smartphones running Android version 4.0 or higher. The device will support third-party apps, including Tencent's (0700.HK) WeChat (Weixin) mobile messaging application, Sina's (Nasdaq: SINA) Weibo microblogging platform, and Facebook. The device will also feature full-time pedometer functionality. In addition to the smartwatch, ZTE plans to develop a pair of smart glasses, but the company has not established a timetable for the product.
ZTE expects its 2013 global smartphone shipments to reach approximately 40 mln units. The company is targeting shipments of 60 mln units in 2014.
Editor's Note: For more background on this topic, please see "ZTE to Launch Smart Watch in 2014" MD 11/17/13 issue, and "ZTE'S Smartwatch to Feature Calling Functionality" MD 11/28/13 issue.
Keywords: wearable computer sales target He Shiyou smartphone semiconductor wireless 4G 000063.SZ 0763.HK ZTE smartwatch shipment volume handset handset chip low-cost phone
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