Moto beefs up 3G platform

As if in response to analyst criticism of its 3G portfolio, Motorola on Monday announced an expansion of its relationship with Texas Instruments to include 3G, WiMAX and OMAP technologies.

Under the deal, Motorola will develop 3G handsets based on processors from TI’s OMAP (Open Multimedia Applications Platform) 3 architecture. But handsets based on this platform are not expected to be available to consumers until 2008.

Motorola also plans to use the OMAPV1035 solution in forthcoming low cost multimedia mobile devices and the OMAPV1030 chipset in new mid range devices expected to be in the market later this year or early next year.

“Today’s announcement significantly expands what Motorola will be bringing to market in the future,” said Ron Garriques, executive vice president of Motorola and president of Motorola’s Mobile Devices business.

In the wake of a disappointing fourth quarter, Motorola came under fire over weaknesses in its product line.

Recently, Niek van Veen, associate analyst with Forrester Research, said Motorola’s weakness is in both the 3G market and the mid-tier where Sony Ericsson is doing extremely well. While Geoff Blaber, senior analyst with IDC said “when it comes to choosing a device, all the others have ramped up with 3G devices and Motorola just isn’t there.”

Additionally, TI will also be developing a customised Motorola WiMAX solution, and providing digital design elements, analogue components, RF solutions, and manufacturing process and fabrication expertise for Motorola’s core 802.16e mobile WiMAX portfolio ahead of new mobile devices that Motorola plans to launch during 2008.