Apple to buy Anobit, a flash memory startup?
(CNET) - Apple is reportedly looking to pay $400 million to $500 million for Anobit, an Israeli startup focused on flash memory and digital signal processing technologies.
The deal, reported in Israel's Calcalist, may indicate that Apple is looking to boost the memory on a device and to improve reliability. Here's the Google Translate version of the Calcalist report.
Anobit's wares are already integrated on Apple's iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Air. Anobit also has enterprise storage products, reports CNET's Larry Dignan.
If the deal happens, Anobit would represent one of Apple's largest acquisitions. Apple has acquired two hardware companies--PA Semi in 2008 and Intrinsity in 2010.
Calcalist speculated that Apple is looking to acquire Anobit to get exclusive access to its flash memory chips. Hynix and Samsung are both Anobit customers.
Anobit's Memory Signal Processing technology includes proprietary signal processing algorithms and advanced error correction and innovative flash management schemes. The goal is to improve endurance and performance while cutting system costs.