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Apple Builds New Team of Chip Gurus

Hires hint that company is plotting to create its own, secret circuits

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 30, 2009 1:31 AM CDT

(Newser) – Apple has been steadily assembling a team of experts with the capability to design the company's own brand of chips, the Wall Street Journal reports. Insiders say the move—a major shift in strategy—will help Apple design new, exclusive features for its gadgets, and will eliminate the need for the company to share details of its work with outside vendors.

Apple-designed chips are unlikely to find their way into products any earlier than next year, sources say, but the company's hires hint at its strategy. Apple poached the chief technology officer from the graphics division of chip-maker Advanced Micro Devices this week—along with his predecessor—and  Apple's chip-related job postings seek experts in display management and handwriting recognition technology.

Apple has been hiring chip gurus from across the industry in what experts predict signals a new direction for the company.
Apple has been hiring chip gurus from across the industry in what experts predict signals a new direction for the company.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Apple CEO Steve Jobs has said he wants the company to stop sharing its work with outside chip-makers, sources say.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs has said he wants the company to stop sharing its work with outside chip-makers, sources say.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Designing its own chips could help Apple come up with new features for iPhone and iPods that rival would be unable to replicate.
Designing its own chips could help Apple come up with new features for iPhone and iPods that rival would be unable to replicate.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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